Our Story...
Back in 2012 PARR was started as a simple page to list photos and information on Ex-Racehorses located at local racetracks. Over 200 horses were networked into new homes! The original person (Mandy) never expected PARR to take off and make such a difference, so quickly.
Shortly after launching PARR's Facebook Page, the group involved with PARR discussed "where do we go from here?". We have something good. We have the right team of people with first hand experience to grow this into something really great. Some had been taking on these horses ourselves, with money from our own pocket, and that limited how many we could truly help. We all work full time jobs and do this "on the side". Let's face it... running a program like this takes up about as much time as a full time job! That being said, we decided to take things to the next step so we could be more productive and efficient.
Dr. Kathryn Papp DVM (Hillcrest Meadow Equine) took the reins, applied for our 501(c)(3) status, and was approved, founding PARR as an official charity to benefit the re-homing,rehabilitation, and rescue of off the track TB racehorses and occasional pets! We are officially now known as "PA Racehorse Rehoming Rehabilitation & Rescue" but will still go by "PARR" to keep things easy to remember. Dr. Kate funds everything that doesn't come in from a donation, out of her own pocket (usually leaving her with Ramen noodles for weeks as she is truly dedicated to helping the cause and putting 110% of her life into our mission). Dr. Papp has continued to grow PARR through her dedication, connections with Professionals and other horsemen, and through her care as a Veterinarian making her oath transpire from not just her clients, but to the horses and animals that come into our program.
Our team is made up of a few lifelong horsemen who have been involved with the care/training/rehab of horses (specifically racehorses), all 100% VOLUNTEERING their time, skills, and energy. We all have full time jobs/careers but have always made helping ex-racehorses a HUGE part of our lives. To move in this direction was pretty obvious when we started getting calls from riders on the US eventing team saying they were referred to PARR to "find great show horse prospects". Most of us have shown & competed in different disciplines on the AA circuits, trained racehorses both on and off the track, retrained racehorses, and have experienced what a Thoroughbred has to offer aside from racing. We all volunteer our time in this program and love every minute of it. With our busy schedules it would not be possible to do this without such a great group of likewise volunteers to help! The donations gathered are used for the things we used to pay for out of pocket. Board, grain, hay, vet bills, farrier, dentist, vaccines, training.... Depending on how big PARR
grows is how many horses we can help!
We have one main farm that offers a few stalls for PARR horses and a few foster farms where some of the horses in our program live, while they are in transition between the track and their new homes. Many times owners/trainers need stalls ASAP and want certain horses gone. With the help of these farm owners, we are able to move a select number of horses from the track and give them a place to call home during this transition. We have a few private trainers/farm owners who are willing to open up a stall or two at times for TBs that come into our program, care for the horses, and get them on the way to "fat & happy" while they wait for their new owners to find them. Some of the lucky ones even get training out of the deal and end up a step ahead of the rest.
Right now we are working on our sponsorship options, donations, events/fundraisers, and how to can
continue to grow and improve.
501(c)3 Non-Profit Organization since 2013
PARR MISSION STATEMENT:
PA Racehorse Rehoming, Rehabilitation & Rescue (PARR)
PARR's mission is to provide aftercare for raced or trained to race thoroughbreds and care for others in need. We present the unique opportunity for potential adopters to choose the horse that will best compliment their goals based on our comprehensive assessment and rehabilitation program for the horses. PARR also occasionally accepts other breeds and species, as well as, provides lifetime sanctuary to a limited amount of select animals.
Any animal that comes into our program, will never be homeless.
Learn out adoption rules, meet requirements, fill out application, have references verified, come visit and meet animals, if all qualifications are met our BOD makes decision if is best interest for pet to go to home (esp if multiple applicant - not first come first serve), both parties complete and comply with extensive adoption agreement often tailored to that particular pet
