In what proved to be very much a discussion—talk benefitting from the expertise of both presenters and audience members—the ninth International Forum for the Aftercare of Racehorses addressed both big-picture success stories and challenges while digging into the details on how to build on progress and address problems.
The three-day forum launched April 24 with a series of presentations and panel discussions at Spy Coast Farm Equine Education Center near Lexington and will continue with participants from around the world visiting Old Friends as well as the Kentucky Horse Park. That latter visit will include a chance to walk the cross country course of the Defender Three Day Event with four-time Olympian Boyd Martin.
In Thursday's panel discussions, some of those all-important details included developing succession plans for aftercare facilities. In a panel on sustainable business practices in aftercare, Old Friends president and CEO John Nicholson provided some fresh perspective on that topic as last year he succeeded the Thoroughbred retirement farm's founder, Michael Blowen, in those leadership roles after Blowen retired.
Nicholson credited Blowen for preparing for the transition by talking with staff and board members about how a succession plan would work. Nicholson said that when he started, a written plan was in place and the chief expectations of the CEO were outlined. Beyond that, he said Blowen helped him along.
"A key word to remember in succession planning is mentoring," Nicholson said. "I am so eternally grateful to my friend Michael. He really mentored me about those things that are better explained than put in writing; all the little subtleties.
"Additionally, I identified a staff member or two and asked them to tell me what I needed to hear—with total freedom to talk; even if it's something I don't want to hear. They became informal mentors as well."
Erin Halliwell, executive director of Thoroughbred Charities of America, noted that many charitable organizations often trace to a singular person and it's important for these entities to do some transition planning. Some of the things that should be considered are access to accounting, bank records, and social media accounts.
During a panel on engaging equestrian communities, Dr. Kenji Korosue of the Japan Racing Association noted that different approaches in early training of Thoroughbred racehorses can benefit them down the line when they transition to second careers. Korosue pointed to techniques he said are less stressful for young horses, an assessment met with applause from the audience.
Matching the often-repeated advice of her North American counterparts in aftercare, Natasha Rose of the Hong Kong Jockey Club said it's important for race trainers to keep in mind a horse's secondary career. She said when conditioners are making racing decisions, she said it makes a huge different for the horse going forward if they're not pushed to a final start where an injury could limit their postracing career options.
One notable exchange that quickly held promise for being addressed by organizers began with an audience member asking during a panel on transitioning to a second career if an effort could be made to see veterinary records of retired racehorses transferred with them to their new aftercare homes. Panel member Ashley Watts of Liftoff Equestrian/Canter Kentucky agreed that such records would help decision-makers point horses to the right career, assist in planning a transition, and could reduce costs.
"That'd be amazing," Watts said of a transfer of such records. "It would be nice to have the dates too. Then you could look and see, 'Oh, it just had these X-rays a month ago,' versus spending money on the same X-ray because you don't have that information. I think that would be amazing."
On that same panel, Tom Persechino, senior director of equine welfare for the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, credited The Jockey Club's interest in aftercare as a huge driver in recent years. He said it will be important to get other breed organizations involved going forward.
TJC president and COO Jim Gagliano thanked the presenters and attendees at this year's conference, noting that horse lovers throughout the world are interested in aftercare, citing as evidence that IFAR's website has educational material, success stories, and advice in English, French, Arabic, German, Spanish, and Turkish.
"I'm pleased to say that IFAR has been and continues to be successful," Gagliano said. "Since its launch, aftercare programs have been formed in Ireland, Japan, France, and Korea, and new programs in New Zealand and in Australia have been expanded."
Note: BloodHorse is owned by TJC and the Thoroughbred Owners and Breeders' Association.
