Prophetic Dream (“Chelo”) was found wandering the forests in Puerto Rico in terrible condition. This handsome 2015 Bay Registered 15.3h Thoroughbred Gelding was abandoned after 32 races. Caribbean Thoroughbred Aftercare discovered Chelo and nursed him back to health. In July of this year, Chelo came to Lollypop Farm from the rescue agency looking for his “dream” home. Chelo and many other horses have relied on Lollypop Farm for their care and rehabilitation after their racing careers are over.
Lollypop Farm has recently been re-accredited with the Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance for the next two years.* This accreditation allows us to network with other rescues, and their support helps provide care for horses in need like Chelo.
The Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance (TAA) “accredits, inspects, and awards grants to approved organizations to retrain, retire, and rehome Thoroughbreds using industry-wide funding.”** This helps horses transition to homes after their racing careers, including any needed training and veterinary care. Accreditation through the TAA requires the follow-through of standards, including “operations, education, horse health management, facility standards and services, and adoption policies and protocols.”
Lollypop Farm works with horses of all kinds, including former Thoroughbred horses that need a second chance. At times, these horses have been neglected after their racing careers, and many need extra veterinary care after years of hard training and races. The equine department works with potential adopters to understand each horse’s history and any specific needs to help find the perfect fit. Some are placed into the C.A.R.E. foster program, which helps place horses into foster homes for long-term care.
Chelo did not come out of his racing career without issue; he has leg injuries that keep him from being ridden. Chelo’s goofy personality won him his happy ending, however, after he was recently placed as a C.A.R.E. foster with a wonderful family. His story is truly a “Prophetic Dream” come true.
To learn more about horses available for adoption, visit lollypop.org/animals/horses.
*https://www.thoroughbredaftercare.org/thoroughbred-aftercare-alliance-accredits-42-organizations/
**https://www.thoroughbredaftercare.org/about/
