Vernon and Tioga Downs, along with the Western New York Harness Horsemen's Association, recently made generous contributions to Sunshine Horses, Inc., a New York State adoption facility for retired racehorses.

Sunshine Horses is a registered 501(c)3 NYS nonprofit organization whose goal is to rehabilitate and retrain horses. Since 2003 they have found homes for more than 100 horses.

Every penny of these donations will go towards the care of the horses as Sunshine Horses Inc. The group is a totally volunteer organization of more than 100 dedicated men, women and children, currently providing the daily care of more than 30 horses.

Sunshine Horses would like to thank these groups for their recent donations of a combined $12,500 to the continued care of retired racehorses. Organizations such as these have truly taken the reins and made a difference in the lives of many of these equine athletes. These donations give more Standardbred racehorses a chance at a successful second career. This also provides the public with an opportunity to see the magnificence of the Standardbred horse and helps to promote the harness racing industry.

When racetracks and racing associations speak out and add financial support to retired harness horses, the public can see that the end is not at the finish line. The interest, care and generosity of these major racing organizations for the future of the horses speaks well for the industry as a whole.

Sunshine Horses runs entirely on donations, and the support from the racetracks and harness associations goes a long way as does the support from the central New York community. Please consider adopting, sponsoring, volunteering or making a donation to Sunshine Horses so that they may continue to provide love and care for CNY horses.

(Sunshine Horses, Inc.)