SARATOGA SPRINGS — The National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame will play host to “Celebrating Sanctuary: Saratoga’s Thoroughbred Aftercare,” an event that will bring awareness to therapy horses and thoroughbred retirement on Saturday, June 18.
The Museum will offer free admission from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and the day’s activities will feature the unveiling and first signing of artist Greg Montgomery’s 2022 Travers Stakes poster.
This family-friendly event will feature numerous activities throughout the day, including:
•Therapeutic Horses of Saratoga will bring horses and demonstrate their therapeutic benefits at 10 a.m. and 3 p.m.
“We are thrilled to be partnering with local sanctuaries to educate our community about the importance of our programs. Many racehorses retire with injuries that prevent them from being able to be ridden so sanctuaries are critical to providing aftercare opportunities that don’t involve mounted activities,” said Erin Christopher-Sisk, Ph.D., co-founder of Therapeutic Horses of Saratoga.
• Thoroughbred Retirement Foundation (TRF) will be doing a presentation about their mission and organization at 11 a.m.
“The TRF is thankful for this opportunity to showcase the thoroughbred breed, raise awareness about aftercare, and celebrate the local sanctuaries that provide a safe landing for thoroughbreds that are retired from racing and other subsequent careers,” said Pat Stickney of the TRF.
•Impressions of Saratoga’s Maddy Zanetti will be doing a book reading with “Upset” the miniature horse, who will be in attendance all day. The book reading will begin at 11:30 a.m.
•Renowned equine artist Greg Montgomery, who has been producing artwork associated with Saratoga Race Course’s famed Travers Stakes since 1986, will discuss the inspirations behind the 2022 poster — the 37th edition in the popular series — and sign copies from 1 p.m. to 2 p.m. Posters will be available for purchase through the Museum’s gift shop for $50 each.
•Old Friends at Cabin Creek will be doing a presentation about their organization at 2 p.m.
•The Museum’s signature film, What It Takes: Journey to the Hall of Fame, will be presented at 9:30 a.m., 10:30 a.m., 11:30 a.m., 12:30 p.m., 2:30 p.m., 3:30 p.m., and 4 p.m.
•The New York Thoroughbred Breeders will be on hand with a booth to discuss their mission and organization.
•The National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame will be offering a kid-friendly activity inside the Museum.
•The Saratoga Springs Police Department will be making an appearance with police horse King Tut.
•Max the therapy dog will be in attendance.
•The event will feature silent auction items to benefit the participating organizations.
For more information about the National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame, including upcoming events, visit www.racingmuseum.org or call 518-584-0400.
