News & Events

Fact Sheets Lobby Day

Southern California Garage Sale - June 6, 2009

Neigh Savers held a fundraiser at Golden Gate Fields on Sunday, May 17th. While not a success measured by dollars a few trainers stopped by and we did make several new NS friends that joined our mailing list. We also connected with jockeys Russell Baze and Frank Alvarado who signed hats and our new logo imprinted T-Shirts. Thank you Neigh Savers volunteers Kristin, Diane, Matt and Heidi for giving up your Sunday to help the horses.

Hall of Fame jockey Russell Baze graciously lending his autograph to Neigh Savers items.

On April 8, 2009 at Santa Anita Park, CARMA (California Retirement Management Account) held it’s first ever roundtable that invited equine rescues from all over California to participate in an open discussion with respect to Assessment of Current Retirement Facilities, Second Careers for Racehorses, Moving Thoroughbreds Off-Track and Partnership Opportunities. All the major retirement facilities were represented along with others that also serve our thoroughbreds. It was the first time we had all been in the same room. Some of us had only known each other through emails and phone calls so it was rewarding to finally meet in person. The meeting was chaired by Madeline Auerbach, Chair of CARMA along with Directors Jan Hawthorne and Marsha Naify as well as Lucinda Mandella, Director of Owner Services for the TOC. Although no decisions were reached many introductions and topics were discussed. It is the intent of CARMA to provide networking between the rescues for resources and more open communication.

Neigh Savers were represented by Board Directors Chris Willmon and Lynda House, CEO & Founder Karin Wagner and Southern California Area Director Nicole Rawnsley.

In conjunction with President Obama's inauguration and Martin Luther King Day, the Obama team put together a National Day of Service on Monday, January 19, 2009. There were over 10,000 service events scheduled all over the country.

Neigh Savers participated as well by holding a four hour Donation Drive. We asked people to drop off used tack items, grooming supplies, horse blankets, medical supplies and/or cash donations.

The event was quite successful and we collected western and english riding saddles, a much needed very large horse blanket, woolen riding blankets, dressage pads, halters, bridles, lead ropes, grooming supplies and cash donations.

Carolyn Y.

Neigh Savers Honored by CARMA

Neigh Savers was honored along with six other equine based charities on opening day at Santa Anita Park, December 26, 2008 by CARMA (California Retirement Management Account) in front of a crowd totaling over 33,000 attendees. These were the first grants ever awarded by the non-profit organization founded with the help of the Thoroughbred Owners of California and spear headed by chair Madeline Auerbach, herself a prominent horse owner.

CARMA, a 501 (c) (3) corporation, has established a 12-member Board of Directors that includes Marsha Naify as vice chair, Santa Anita president Ron Charles, racetrack announcer Trevor Denman, trainers Doug O'Neill and John Sadler, owner Samantha Siegel, and Hall of Fame former jockey Gary Stevens.

CARMA has rallied the states Thoroughbred owners to spearhead efforts to raise funds for California organizations that house or retrain former racehorses. Beginning in mid-July, with the start of the Del Mar meeting in the south and the Santa Rosa meeting in the north, owners are donating 0.3% of their purse earnings to CARMA automatically through the paymaster. In addition CARMA has held fund raisers such as the "Poker Tournament" at Del Mar and a sale of DVD's commemorating the history of Bay Meadows that brought in well over $100,000 in donations.

"The horses have got to have performed on California tracks," Auerbach said. "They do not have to be California-breds, but they must have raced in California."

CEO & Founder, Karin Wagner was in the Winner's Circle along with Director Ingrid Nuernberg to partake of the over $150,000 awarded in grants. Because Neigh Savers is not a per se retirement facility but rather an adoption facilitator our grant share was very small and based on only 4 horses. The majority of funding went to three other foundations but we feel it is an important start in being recognized. Ms. Auerbach mentioned that the criteria and By-Laws of CARMA may change for calendar 2009. This may open the door for larger funding for organizations such as Neigh Savers that are facilitors rather than having an established physical retirement facility.

CARMA honoring Neigh Savers in the winners circle at Santa Anita
First Row - 6th from left - Neigh Savers CE0 & Founder, Karin Wagner
Second Row - 4th from left - Neigh Savers Board Director Ingrid Nuernberg

Showcased Trainer - Nick Sloan - Golden Gate Fields

In a time where the racing industry is at a crossroads and many associated with it have been vilified by the press and public alike there are a number of unsung heroes that go about their business in a caring and ethical fashion every single day.  One of these people is trainer Nick Sloan who is based at Golden Gate Fields.  

Although Nick has only a handful of horses stabled at his barn his training statistics and his horses stand head over heels above the average.  Nick's horses are exceptionally well cared for, rested, fit and most of all steroid and drug free.  Nick understands that the playing field is not a level one and even so stands behind his convictions that drugs do not make the athlete.  Based on his success alone it is a wonder that so few trainers have not voluntarily begun to draw back on their drug regimen.  In addition to his steroid free policy Nick also understands the mental state of his athletes and what can often happen when they are confined almost 24/7 to an 8 x 10 stall.  Therefore, Nick allows his horses to be turned out a few times for a couple of weeks a year just so "they can be horses."  Nick feels that a short refresher does nothing to compromise their physical conditioning and they actually come back to training stronger and more focused.

Neigh Savers sends out a HUGE NEIGH OF APPRECIATION to Nick Sloan and his philosophy and would hope that more owners will begin to stand behind trainers like Nick who exude such integrity on all levels of this sport.  Nick also supports equine retirement and makes sure all of his horses are sent to good homes after the finish line.  Nick is actively seeking new clients at this time and can be contacted at (707) 294-9448 or (707) 226-9191.