Author: Saratoga TODAY

An August 2019 fire that destroyed Operation Adopt A Soldier’s (OAAS) Wilton headquarters didn’t damage the all-volunteer group’s determination to restore its services to America’s soldiers.OAAS announced that four Hannaford stores in the southern Adirondacks are serving as collection sites for a month-long campaign to replenish OAAS’ inventory with donations from shoppers.

The collection bins are located behind the front-end cash registers. Shoppers can place their donations in the bins after checking out. A “wish list” of accepted items is posted on the bins.

The participating Hannaford locations are: 190 Quaker Road, Queensbury; 175 Broad St., Glens Falls; 3758 Burgoyne Ave., Hudson Falls; 27-41 Route 9, South Glens Falls.

“We are grateful to Hannaford for stepping up and assisting us in our mission to provide our brave soldiers with a little taste of home,” said Cliff Seguin, OAAS founder/co-chair. “OAAS only survives because of donations from our always-generous and caring public and business communities. It’s our never-ending mission to show everyone’s support for our military personnel serving in dangerous areas, far from home and family.”

The August 17, 2019 fire destroyed a multi-use structure on Route 50, Wilton, that included the OAAS office. Nearly all the group’s possessions – including 260 packed comfort kits awaiting Postal Service pickup – were destroyed. The structure has not been rebuilt.

Within days, OAAS relocated to a warehouse donated by Wilton businessman Richard Woodcock at 891 Saratoga Road (Route 9), Wilton. He’s also paying for the office utilities until OAAS finds a permanent home. Woodcock’s property is for sale or lease.

“Our volunteers were understandably shocked and devastated by the fire,” said Seguin. “But the public’s reaction to our misfortune was astounding and heartfelt. Donations poured in once everyone found out we had a temporary home, and we’ve been consistently sending the care packages ever since, except during the pandemic shutdown.”

OAAS accepts public donations at its Wilton office from 10 a.m. to noon each Thursday and Saturday, and by appointment for large-volume donations.

Meanwhile, the Chapman Museum at 348 Glen St., Glens Falls, continues to serve as an OAAS donation site while its reopening exhibit, “Let’s All Fight,” runs through Sept. 20. The exhibit honors the 75th anniversary of the end of World War II with a display of WWII-era propaganda posters that detail stateside efforts to support America’s soldiers serving overseas. Museum officials noted OAAS’ modern-day services form a bridge to America’s efforts during the 1940s.

OAAS, an all-volunteer, 501(c)3 non-profit, uses product and monetary donations to fill comfort kits that are shipped to U.S. military personnel serving in areas of conflict. The kits are free; each box costs $12 to ship.

Acceptable items include non-perishable food, snacks, candy/gum, toiletries, energy bars/drinks, CDs/DVDs, stationery, paperback books, games, puzzle books, sports gear, over-the-counter health products and phone cards. A detailed list of items is posted on www.operationadoptasoldier.com

OAAS cannot ship perishable/refrigerated foods, aerosols, cologne/perfume, hardcover books, used clothing and alcohol.

Useful donations that cannot be shipped or don’t fit in the boxes are donated to area charities.

SARATOGA SPRINGS —Thoroughbred and Standardbred horses often have stigmas set against them that they can be wild and unruly animals. This myth is most likely based around the fact that racehorses, just like any other athlete, enjoy what they do and put a lot of energy towards their goals. Horses love to run, and most racehorses are quite young and full of excitement when they are racing. That is what makes them good at what they do.

However, horses, just like people, have many different energy and mood levels, and their environment can have a large impact on how they react. So, one can imagine that being in large space surrounded by other horses and thousands of fans can get a horse amped up – and isn’t that what fans want from an animal about to race to the finish line?

Once these racehorses have transitioned into retirement, though, we see a drastic change in their energy levels. Some horses still love to have a very active, go-getter lifestyle – but many enjoy a leisurely life once given the chance.

The first step in finding the right ex-racehorse for a life in equine therapy is to determine what kind of horse they are. Therapeutic Horses of Saratoga look for a horse that more often craves an easy-going life because that is what we can provide for them. It is very important that the horse thrives in and enjoys the life that we give them just as much as we do.

Next, transition into their new world can take time depending on whether they are coming right off the track. A horse who transitions straight from the track environment to farm life will more likely take much longer to settle into their new life because they are both in a new home with new friends and also in a whole new world. In contrast, a horse who has already been in retirement for a while – for example, a mare who transitioned into breeding for some years after racing – can have an easier time of transition into a new home because they just need to be integrated into a new herd, not a whole new life.

Making the right decision on when to start training comes from taking the time to get to know the horse and observing them in their new environment. You want to be careful not to overwhelm the horse too quickly with too much new information. Just like humans, they will need time to create a life within their new home.

Once the horse has settled, it is time to begin training. Training for a therapy horse varies depending on what specific type of equine therapy is involved, but many components remain the same.