Thoroughbred needs room to roam
Carolina Corral wants to send Spruced Ivan to Florida for his retirement years and there’s a fundraiser in Coral Bay Sunday that might just pay for it.
Spruced Ivan is a thoroughbred racehorse that owner Dana Bartlett bought from the St. Thomas racetrack in 1999, and she says he’s an actual descendant of Man o’ War. A chipped bone ended his racing career, but he still goes to work every day, giving rides to Dana’s horseback customers.
“There is a group in Florida that finds adoptive homes for retired thoroughbreds and if I can raise the money, I’m sending Spruced Ivan off,” says Dana. “Island life is too hard on a thoroughbred. It’s too small here for a horse like him.”
Dana thinks it’ll take about $3,400 in airfare and land transportation to make it happen. The fundraiser will include donkey races and pony rides, food, music and a raffle.
“He’s 14 and very well-mannered. He’s a beautiful horse, and deserves a nice retirement,” says Dana.
November 29th, 2008 11:33
I loved the story about someone doing something right for an retired horse. I copied the story and sent it to Churchill Downs here in Louisville to see if they or someone might be of some assistance in getting Spruced Ivan to the states. Who knows maybe a little help will come out of it. Good luck and please keep us all updated on the fundraiser.
November 29th, 2008 19:36
This is a really great cause. I can’t imagine how they put a horse on a plane, but it would be nice for Spruced Ivan to spend his retirement in a big pasture where he can run. Keep us posted.
November 30th, 2008 18:29
anyway we can donate some $ from the states?
November 30th, 2008 18:30
email me. zen7464@gmail.com
December 1st, 2008 12:27
What about sending him to Puerto Rico- There’s loads of land for him to roam there and a bit closer than Fl.
December 1st, 2008 18:14
can anyone report back how this event went? will the horse have a Fla home? (he’s an awfully good looking guy!) We’re hoping to go riding with Dana in december.
December 4th, 2008 10:28
I’d love to hear how this went? Dana is great and Ivan is a sweet heart. My daughters love riding with Dana.
Cheers, RickG
December 10th, 2008 16:23
I would NOT send Ivan to Puerto Rico unless you know he’ll have a good home. Read this:
http://blogs.usatoday.com/ondeadline/2008/05/ap-400-healthy.html