The Standardbred Retirement Foundation (SRF) was offered a wonderful challenge gift to help close its shortcomings for 2016. An anonymous donor has offered a $10,000 donation, but only if it is matched by other kind donors.

"I wholeheartedly believe in your work. It troubles me to see what happens to these horses, they have been good to me and my family," the donor expressed. "I will match whatever amount you can raise up to $10,000 starting today. Hopefully it can be done before the fiscal year ends for you."

The SRF received many generous gifts this year from its supporters. This challenge is to encourage those involved in harness racing who have not found the time to give back to take advantage of helping twofold.

In spite of SRF having its best year for adoptions, with 128, 216 horses are still under its full care. This is the largest number ever, which is why its budget has been stretched and is short.

"It is so difficult to walk away from a horse in need," explains Judy Bokman, SRF's Executive Director. "Sometimes when we know the budget won't allow us to help another horse, a few days later we find that space and funds are available after unanticipated adoptions. New horse sponsorships or a new gift of support make it possible. Sometimes we just cave in and stretch ourselves to help a horse or horses in need.

"This year such was the case when asked to help Strait At Ya, whose earnings are close to $400,000, Eoos with nearly $500,000, Golden Falcon N and Whitesand Lord each with nearly $300,000 and Lanterns Law, a Hambletonian competitor. It's so sad to find them neglected, emaciated and tagged to ship to Canada or Mexico. While some from their past helped, the greatest expense is their rehabilitation, care, finding a good home and following them for life so they are never at risk again."

In 2016, SRF was faced with a few trying issues. Horses with unexplained seizures, a rash of sick horses, one after another, after another, even after careful isolation, and as some of SRF's older population of 131 trotters and pacers developed medical issues, humane euthanasia was strongly recommended by a veterinarian. The expense for their considerate removal was in excess of $350 for each.

SRF's endowment only generates about $250 annually, and the reserve is just a meager one. There is always something in the budget to help with the unexpected, but this year was exceptionally trying for the 27 year old non-profit that still does not have its own farm to work out of, a need that remains on the top of their "Needs list".

To help with a tax-deductible match gift, kindly contact SRF at 732-446-4422, email [email protected], make a gift online through PayPal at [email protected], or donate through SRF's website at AdoptaHorse.org. SRF's fiscal year ends with the calendar year.

(with files from SRF)