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For Immediate Release:
CONTACT: Tracy Livingston, 707-459-3872
Seabiscuit Heritage Foundation
SONOMA COUNTY THOROUGHBRED RESCUE OPERATION
TO BENEFIT FROM SPECIAL TOUR OF SEABISCUIT RANCH,
N. CALIFORNIA HOME OF HORSE RACING LEGEND
‘You don’t throw away a life just because it is banged up a little’
Willits, CA, August 6, 2007 – Friends, fans and supporters of Seabiscuit and the Seabiscuit Heritage Foundation are invited to tour Ridgewood Ranch, home and final place of the horse racing legend in Willits, CA, on September 15 and show their support for Glen Ellen Vocational Academy, an equine retirement foundation operated by Pam Berg in nearby Sonoma County.
Berg and a handful of volunteers are rescuing and providing care for injured and retired thoroughbreds so that they can recover and return to riding soundness, just as Seabiscuit once did under his trainer Tom Smith. Tom Smith’s nephew James Watkins along with his wife Lucy are both avid supporters of GEVA and help provide sponsorships for individual retired horses.
Representing GEVA will be Sharon Harms, a Santa Rosa Junior College professor who has been a volunteer for some 4 years. GEVA was founded to provide homes for injured, retired, and abused horses, or horses just in need of a home.
Representing the Seabiscuit Heritage Foundation will be Jacqueline Cooper, owner and breeder of the American Legend Horse Farm which is raising Seabiscuit’s descendants, and Seabiscuit Foundation President Tracy Livingston. The foundation is a nonprofit group formed to protect and preserve the historic buildings and natural resources of the remaining 5,000 acres of the original ranch. A life-sized bronze sculpture of the equestrian giant recently was unveiled and formally dedicated there.
When Livingston and Cooper were bringing the newly crafted statue of Seabiscuit back to the ranch from Salt Lake City, GEVA was one of the ceremonial whistle stops made enroute. Ironically, GEVA was where the vintage van carrying the Seabiscuit statute broke down. So Seabiscuit, who Tom Smith instinctively understood to need companions, enjoyed the companionship of 29 thoroughbreds for several hours.
"You don’t throw away a life, just because it is banged up a little."
Tom Smith - Acadamy Award-nominated movie Seabiscuit
"I believe, Charles Howard [owner of Seabiscuit] would have given Pam Berg a smile and nod of approval for her rescue efforts," said Cooper. "After all, Seabiscuit himself was nursed back to health after he suffered what was thought to be a career ending injury." Nestled in the oak and redwood-studded ranchlands and mountains of northern California, Ridgewood Ranch was where Seabiscuit recovered after rupturing a suspensory ligament. His recuperation set the stage for an electrifying blaze-of-glory career finish at Santa Anita Park that captivated Depression-era America.
Washoe Valley Sal, a Seabiscuit descendant, will also make an appearance. "We are very grateful to individuals such as Pam Berg and Pam Forgash of Jaynesville, CA who have taken it upon themselves to find suitable homes for rescued horses through their horse adoption programs. Washoe Valley Sal is such a rescue and we are very happy to report that she is now in foal and an integral part of our Lil’Biscuit breeding program." Cooper added.
Cooper purchased a stallion season to benefit Glen Ellen Vocational Academy donated by Harris Farms earlier this year. Washoe Valley Sal was recently bred to Downtown Seattle (by Seattle Slew) at Harris Farms, a full service Thoroughbred breeding operation located in Coalinga, CA and is due to foal next May. "We thought it would be most appropriate to purchase a stallion season to support Geva," said Cooper.
This is one of many stallion seasons offered annually at online auction to benefit GEVA. Thoroughbred breeders are encouraged to check back online this fall for the 2008 Stallion Season Auction. Yet another great roster of stallion seasons is anticipated. Donations for Glen Ellen Vocational Academy are also accepted and help provide feed, housing, and care for the horses of GEVA. For more information please visit: www.glenellenfarms.com/geva
The general public is invited to tour Ridgewood Ranch to benefit GEVA, Saturday, September 15th. Reservations must be made in advance by calling the Willits Chamber of Commerce at 707-459-7910.
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GEVA inc. is a nonprofit organization with a 501 (c)(3) status granted by the IRS. Donations to the foundation are TAX DEDUCTIBLE.
Still a working ranch, Ridgewood has been designated one of America’s most threatened historic places by the National Trust for Historic Preservation. The current owner, Christ’s Church of the Golden Rule, has endeavored to be a model steward of the ranch by keeping developers at bay and by permanently protecting the historic structures that constitute Seabiscuit’s legacy.
For more information, contact the Seabiscuit Heritage Foundation, @Ridgewood Ranch, 16200 North Highway 101, Willits, CA 95490 e-mail: seabiscuit@instawave.net or visit www.seabiscuitheritage.org
This may save your life..................
After reading my March 15, 2001, copy of Quarter Horse News, "From the Editor," by Glory Ann Kurtz, I thought it would be of the utmost importance to pass along some of what she stated in her column. (Quotations are from Ms. Kurtz, except where noted.
"Living-quarters trailers have become increasingly popular with those in the horse industry, but everyone should be aware of a 'silent killer' in those trailers that is taking its toll on the horse world. The killer is called carbon monoxide poisoning. But the sad part is that these deaths could have been avoided by a $20 to $50 carbon-monoxide detector."
Ms. Kurtz went on to tell of a recent tragedy that occurred at the NCHA Finals in Houston. Rodney J. Hooks, 55, a helicopter pilot for a TV news station, was found in his trailer, dead. He had failed to show up to ride in the finals of the $10,000 Amateur class being held during the Houston Livestock Show & Rodeo. His wife discovered his body in his horse trailer because she had been unable to reach him by phone.
After a preliminary investigation, the evidence indicated that a generator had been running in the horse-stall portion Saturday evening while Rodney slept.
"It appears that carbon monoxide from the generator came into the trailer," said Leroy Shafer, assistant general manager of the rodeo, noting that windows in the horse quarters were open.
Ms. Kurtz went on to mention other tragedies due to carbon monoxide poisoning: the death of two teen age boys, 15 year old John Roberts and Cole McGee, 13; barrel racers Steve Truax and Kathy Davis at the World Championship Barrel Futurity in Oklahoma City, and more recently at the Martha Josey Thanksgiving Clinic, where mother and daughter, Elaine and Emily Moore (both barrel racers), of Wortham, Texas, died from carbon monoxide poisoning in their trailer.
"In all these cases, death came from carbon monoxide poisoning produced by generators. The burning of any carbon-based fuel such as wood, gasoline or diesel produces carbon monoxide. When it gets trapped in the living quarters of a horse trailer, the result is almost always fatal."
But please note: Even with the windows open where the generator was, Mr. Hooks (see paragraph 3) succumbed to the toxic gas.
Most deaths have occurred when this noxious gas seeps into the living quarters or dressing areas large enough to sleep in, but the gas from a trailer next to yours can also seep into the area where you are sleeping.
Though I am not aware of laws in other states, I know that New York State law prohibits anyone from riding in a trailer being towed, which is how the teen boys died (mentioned above). The carbon monoxide from the exhaust of the tow vehicle can seep into the trailer, so if your state allows people to ride in the trailer being towed, there is a great risk to their lives.
One item mentioned told of one of the generators catching on fire and the couple awakened in time to escape. Mrs. Nettles said they were planning on putting the generator in the horse stalls of the trailer, but something told her not to. Instead, they put the generator in the bed of the pick up and parked it next to their trailer. Mrs. Nettles awakened to a bright light, only to discover the generator and pick up on fire. Had they placed the generator in the horse stall portion, they probably would not have lived to tell of the Divine Intervention.
"Carbon monoxide is absorbed by the hemoglobin in the blood stream, which decreases its ability to carry oxygen. The end result is asphyxiation, a slow suffocation. It begins with drowsiness or a feeling of confusion, which is why most people die while they are awleep. Other symtpoms are watery or itchy eyes, vomiting, nausea, headache, ringing in the ears and tightness across the chest. If you wake up from sleeping in your trailer and feel like you have the flu, it could be carbon monoxide poisoning."
Please protect yourself and your loved ones. Purchase a carbon monoxide detector. The $20 to $50 price is a small pittance compared to the consequences. Even survivors of CM poisoning usually have lifelong health problems.
The Environmental Protection Agency warns against using a gasoline-powered generator in an enclosed area. Using long extension cords is better than the ramifications. The EPA also advises against sleeping in any area with an unvented kerosene or gas space heater.
Thank you, Glory Ann, for your editorial. I, for one, was unaware that generators were being used in manners such as these, and if I had a trailer with living quarters, my next trip to town would have the purchase of a carbon monoxide detector at the top of the list.
Submitted by Susan Allen, Publisher/Editor, FQHCH
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE, DEC. 14, 2000 -
Raleigh, N.C. - Stolen Horse Information Network (SHIN) a part of the Equine Welfare Committee of the North Carolina Horse Council - "You may think that horse thieves are a part of the history of the old west. Theft of horses, especially in the western part of North Carolina, takes place even today." SHIN needs volunteers in each county who will be willing to disseminate info in their county regarding stolen horses and tack (e-mail/internet access is req'd.).
FMI - North Carolina Horse Council, 2016 Cameron St., Ste. 210, P O Box 12999, Raleigh, NC 27605, (919) 821-1030 or in state (800) 529-9206); fax (919) 821-1415 or on the web
North Carolina Horse Council
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In our October/November Issue:
**"Lanolin Farms Therapeutic Riding Center, Inc., Shannon Millard, 16514 Buster Rd., Oakboro, NC 28129, (704) 485-8801 after 6 p.m. or leave message. Available for release 08-11-00.
NEW THERAPEUTIC RIDING CENTER IN STANLY COUNTY. We are an exciting new 501(c)(3) non-profit in Stanly County, North Carolina.
Our mission is to provide therapeutic horseback riding and other farm activities for children and adults with disabilities.
Lanolin Farms TRC, Inc's. goals are to provide assisted and unassisted riding for our participants and to provide a kind and fun atmosphere to develop horsemanship skills along with exercise, recreation, and an adventure. Therapeutic riding is the use of a horse and equestrian oriented activities to achieve a variety of therapeutic goals. Including physical, emotional, social, educational and behavioral types of goals, by the selection of different mounted activities that we can provide.
We are excited about our new horses and want to give a big thanks to the loving Grendy Family, who donated 10-12 horses and will be bringing them to us in October. The horses range from a Welsh Pony to a Clydesdale mix, and ages from 8-32 years old. These new therapy horses will be paired up with each participant according to their riding ability and their therapy needs.
Our new farm needs some work, setting up stables for the new horses, and lots of volunteers tohelp with activities such as horse and staable care, and helping riders who need assistance. We are planning an open house and beginning the riding sessions soon after the horses arrive in October.
We will also accept tax deductible contributions and gifts and we need sponsors for horse care. All of our horses are special cases and will need unique individual care.
We Appreciate and Thank Everyone who has given us a helping hand so far, and God bless you!
Wish list
Veterinarian volunteer, horse care products (wormer, feed, supplements, etc.), Tack, Saddles, and blankets, bareback pad, hackamores, bridles, harness and buggy, magnetic and protective leg wraps, fly sprays, hoof care supplies, grooming supplies, helmets and boots, Truck, Trailer, tractor, corral panels, and general farm supplies like buckets, tack hanger hooks, and fence repair materials.
Thank You for any and all help we have and will receive because if the horses are not well and happy then we cannot expect to give 100% to our riders.
Remember: Someone who's disability prevents them from walking, when on a horse has the legs to run ! 08-23-00"
Press Release provided by Shannon Millard to FQHCH
Any comments or suggestions, please email Susan
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