Author: Michele Pesula Kuegler

At Wasabi Ventures Stables as much as we are excited about seeing the winner’s circle, we also are focused on ensuring that each of our horses has a safe and happy retirement. In that vein, Michele Pesula Kuegler has taken on the role of Director of Aftercare. Michele is a lifelong animal advocate, who now focuses on Thoroughbreds. In the role of Director of Aftercare, Michele has acquainted herself with numerous Thoroughbred retirement programs and has published several interviews with these groups. In the coming months more interviews will be published. Additionally, the social communication team has focused on highlighting…

Where is Akindale Thoroughbred Rescue based? It is based in Pawling, New York. How did your rescue group begin? Akindale Thoroughbred Rescue was founded by owner, trainer, and breeder, John Hettinger. When he sold race horses, there was an agreement attached to the bill of sale that if the horse was no longer wanted, Hettinger would take the horse back and either provide sanctuary or an opportunity for a second career. He fought tirelessly to eliminate slaughterhouses in America. Upon his death in 2008, he donated 300 acres to become Akindale Thoroughbred Rescue. What makes your program unique? We have…

At Wasabi Ventures Stables, we like to think of ourselves as a tight-knit community. Recently, we learned that this thinking is true. Sadly, on Saturday, June 29th, there was a spill at Laurel Park. One of the involved horses was our own Detroit Cowboy. Although DC was fine, the jockey riding him, Felix E. Pinero, was not. Unsure of the severity and nature of his injuries, he was airlifted to shock trauma. At the hospital it was determined that he had a broken femur, which required surgery; he also had a number of lacerations and abrasions. He was released from…

Where is New Start based? It is based at Penn National and is a program of the Pennsylvania Horsemen’s Benevolent & Protective Association (PAHBPA). How long has your group been active? In 2013 the PAHBPA decided to create an in-house program. The program is staffed by only Lauren. There is a board through PAHBPA that she works with. Doctor Renee Nodine donates almost all of her time and energy when she works with the program. What makes your program unique? Lauren won’t say no to a horse that a trainer puts in the program. New Start will take all eligible…

In early June, our Community Evangelist, Michele Pesula Kuegler, was invited to visit the TRF Second Chances program at Central Maryland Correctional Facility in Maryland. Earlier that morning the program had held a graduation ceremony for one of the inmates. Held on a farm near the correctional facilities, this program rehabilitates off the track thoroughbreds, while also providing a new skill set to the offenders who are chosen for this program. Currently, Second Chances houses six retired Thoroughbreds. These horses will spend the rest of their lives at this farm. Second Chances is run by Program Manager, Sarah Stein. Working…

Wasabi Ventures Stables recently did an interview with Anna Ford at the New Vocations Racehorse Adoption Program. Learn more about them at http://newvocations.org/. Where is New Vocations based? We have two locations in Ohio and also are in Kentucky, New York, and Pennsylvania. We also just opened a location in Louisiana in March. How long has your group been active? We were formed in 1992. Over 6,000 horses have been rehomed via our program. We retire both Standardbreds and Thoroughbreds. The majority of our retirees, over 75%, are Thoroughbreds. What happens when a horse is accepted into your program? We…