Indianapolis, IN -- (SBWIRE) -- 04/08/2015 -- Friends of Ferdinand Inc. and Indiana Grand Racing and Casino will be celebrating the ASPCA® (The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals®) national Help A Horse Day on April 25th. Friends of Ferdinand Inc. is competing for a chance to win some of the $50,000 in prize money from the ASPCA to assist in the rehabilitation, retraining and adoption of retired racehorses. In 2015, there will be seven winners. Three grand prize winners will win $10,000 and four runners-up will receive $5,000.

To celebrate the day, Friends of Ferdinand Inc. has partnered with Indiana Grand Racing and Casino on April 25th to celebrate thoroughbreds in both their racing careers and in their next career as sport horses, trail horses and family pets. We invite the public to Indiana Grand Racing and Casino to enjoy an evening of Thoroughbreds, dinner, drinks, fireworks and to learn more about Thoroughbred aftercare and adoption.

This nationwide competition is for equine rescues and sanctuaries to raise awareness about the work they do to help at-risk horses in their community. Horses have been central to the ASPCA's work since its founding 148 years ago.

"The ASPCA Help A Horse Day contest is a wonderful opportunity for Friends of Ferdinand Inc. and Indiana Grand to help spread awareness about the importance of Thoroughbred aftercare," said Sara Busbice, President, Friends of Ferdinand Inc. "Friends of Ferdinand boasts a 100% successful adoption rate of our horses into homes where they thrive and excel in their next career. The match between adopter and horse is crucial and is the reason why we take time to identify the strengths and weaknesses of our horses and place them in the right home, the first time. We hope our supporters and those interested in learning more about our program will come to Indiana Grand and help us win a $10,000 grant so we can continue to assist Thoroughbreds for years to come."

About The Friends of Ferdinand Inc
The Friends of Ferdinand Inc. adoption program leads the nation in successful racehorse adoptions. Their mission is to provide second chances to retiring racehorses in Indiana, Ohio and throughout the Midwest. Founded in 2005, Friends of Ferdinand operates in 2 states, adopts horses nationwide and is the only equine welfare organization in IN to be accredited by the Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance. Friends of Ferdinand Inc. works directly with owners and trainers who are concerned about their horses future and who are in need of an aftercare program for horses leaving the track.

For more information about Friends of Ferdinand, please visit http://www.friendsofferdinand.com

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Friends of Ferdinand Inc and ASCPA assist 4 thoroughbreds retiring in Indiana retire from racing and start new careers.

Indianapolis, IN -- (SBWIRE) -- 03/16/2015 -- Friends of Ferdinand Inc. received a grant from the ASCPA Equine Fund to support horses coming into our re-training and adoption program. We feel that the first step in placing our horses successfully into their next career is a thorough intake exam that assesses their physical and mental well-being, identifies any injuries, includes a dental exam and brings the horses vaccination status current. This grant directly impacted four horses in Indiana (Big Blue Country, Dot, Sunday Pursuit and West El) in their first few days of their new life.

Big Blue Country was retired as a lightly raced 3-year-old. Big Blue Country stayed at Horse and Hound Veterinary Clinic for the first three days of his new life. During this time we observed him to be very level-headed with an excellent disposition. His intake exam found nothing remarkable, and the veterinarian cleared him for any discipline. Big Blue Country has since been adopted and will be slowly brought along in the eventing sport.

West Ely was never raced, but was in-training from the racetrack. His owner/trainer identified that he would never make a racehorse, and retired him to Friends of Ferdinand Inc. We suspect that Ely had likely lived relatively untouched until such time as he went into training to be a racehorse. ASPCA provided his intake exam, complete with X-rays and we identified that his biggest need is life experiences. Since then, Ely has been living at our re-training farm in Dayton, Ohio and worked with and fussed with daily. All of this special attention has paid off as Ely is now ready to have his list of potential adopters visit him and we think that soon he will have a home trail riding/pleasure horse.

Dot came to Friends of Ferdinand as a two year-old that just was not going to make it as a racehorse. She spent her first few days in the Friends of Ferdinand Inc program at the vet clinic, under evaluation. Her ASPCA provided intake exam found her to be a well-handled youngster, sound with unlimited potential. She is a typical 3 year-old filly that is growing into her legs and testing her boundaries. Dot is available for adoption.

The 2014 Thoroughbred race meet was over and Sunday Pursuits owners were not sure what to do with him. They felt it was time to retire him from racing and he was considered a family pet. His owners spent much time "interviewing" Friends of Ferdinand Inc before choosing us to help their horse find his next career. Sunday Pursuit arrived at Horse and Hound Veterinary Clinic for his ASPCA provided intake exam. The vet recommended that Sunday have several months off and he has recently started re-training and will be available soon. Sunday is approved for any discipline that he chooses to excel.

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Indianapolis, IN -- (SBWIRE) -- 01/14/2015 -- A grant received from the Brennan Equine Welfare Fund is specifically designated to support ongoing care for thoroughbreds retired to Friends of Ferdinand Inc. Angel, one of the lucky recipients is a 35 year-old Thoroughbred ex-racehorse that is the only long-term resident of Friends of Ferdinand.

Angel's story is the story of many unwanted horses. In June of 2007, Friends of Ferdinand was contacted by a woman who wanted to donate a horse. A few months earlier, this good Samaritan has seen Angel in a N. Indiana feedlot, recognized her beauty despite her emaciation, and unable to leave her behind, took her home. We don't know her registered name, or her history, but based on her recovery and her faded lip tattoo, she is a thoroughbred ex-racehorse that was once loved and well cared for.

Angel lives in a foster home in Kendallville, IN with a wonderful family. She has survived, and with the help of ongoing support from the Brennan Equine Welfare Fund she has thrived in her golden years. She is a beautiful horse, with no health issues and a sweet, trusting personality. "Never again will Angel waste away." She is a reminder to the Friends of Ferdinand Inc. and Brennan Equine Welfare Fund volunteers and supporters of why we do what we do, and why we do it so carefully.

About Friends of Ferdinand Inc. (http://www.friendsofferdinand.com)
An Indiana-based non-profit, Friends of Ferdinand Inc. (FFI) strives to provide ex-racehorses with the retraining they need to find steady homes beyond the racetrack. Horses that have gone through the FFI retraining program have found second careers as eventers, hunter/jumpers, dressage mounts, trail horses, and more. Friends of Ferdinand Inc is accredited by the Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance.

About Brennan Equine Welfare Fund (http://www.brennanequinewelfarefund.com)
The Brennan Equine Welfare Fund is a fund-raising, non-profit 501(c)(3) organization. Grants from Brennan Equine Welfare Fund are used to serve equine rescue shelters across the country which provide dignity to final years of aged, injured, abused, starved and slaughter-bound horses, as well as those used in medical experimentation.

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Indianapolis, IN -- (SBWIRE) -- 06/09/2014 -- The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) recently awarded a grant to Friends of Ferdinand, Inc. (FFI). The grant will be used to allow FFI to send a volunteer to the ASPCA Equine Fund Workshop in Chicago, IL on June 21, 2014. The seminar is designed to help equine professionals gain valuable tools for non-profit success, particularly in the areas of fundraising, achieving accreditation, and board building.

"We are very excited to have this opportunity to boost our fundraising program and network with other equine professionals," FFI's Marketing Director and Racetrack Coordinator Chelsey Burris said. "Since FFI is still a relatively small organization, the information provided at this seminar will greatly help us with future expansion. I'm looking forward to attending and learning with others who work to save horses across the Midwest."

An Indiana-based non-profit, FFI strives to provide ex-racehorses with the retraining they need to find steady homes beyond the racetrack. Horses that have gone through the FFI retraining program have found second careers as eventers, hunter/jumpers, dressage mounts, trail horses, and more. The organization is currently in the process of applying for accreditation from the Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance.

About The ASPCA
The ASPCA is one of the oldest animal welfare organizations in the world. Based on the prevention of animal cruelty, the ASPCA works across the country to rescue abused pets, spread awareness, pass humane laws, and help organizations and shelters in their missions to save animals. To find out more about their initiatives, visit www.aspca.org

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ASPCA Rescuing Racers Initiative provides funding to support racehorse retraining for second careers

Indianapolis, IN -- (ReleaseWire) -- 09/27/2013 -- Racehorses whose career on the racetrack has ended often have opportunities as sport-horses in other competitive disciplines. Transitioning these horses to new careers requires thoughtful understanding of their prior experience and training and careful placement in appropriate adoptive homes. However most racehorse owners, and many equine rescue or transition organizations, cannot afford the time and resources to transition and place these horses well. Friends of Ferdinand Inc. (FFI), an Indiana non-profit that specializes in transitioning retiring and at-risk racehorses into second careers, is pleased and honored to announce that the ASPCA Equine Fund has granted support to FFI's program to transition racehorses as well as provide educational opportunities for young adults seeking a career in the equine industry.

Friends of Ferdinand Inc. is named in memory of the magnificent Ferdinand, the 1986 Kentucky Derby Champion, Breeders' Cup Classic winner and 1987 Horse of the Year who earned more than $4 million during his career. A few years after his retirement, Ferdinand was slaughtered for human consumption. Friends of Ferdinand Inc. promotes equine welfare by providing second chances at life for retiring racehorses in Indiana. We specialize in transitioning racehorses into second careers as sport-horses, pleasure mounts and companions. www.friendsofferdinand.com.

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Funding granted to support injury rehabilitation program for racehorses

Indianapolis, IN -- (SBWIRE) -- 04/30/2012 -- Racehorses often suffer injuries that end their race careers. Rehabilitating these injuries can open doors for these horses to transition to new careers off the track, however most owners, and many equine rescue or transition organizations, cannot afford the time and resources to do so. Friends of Ferdinand Inc. (FFI), an Indiana non-profit that specializes in transitioning retiring and at-risk racehorses into second careers, is pleased and honored to announce that the ASPCA Equine Fund has granted support to a new FFI program for racehorses with rehabilitative needs related to racing injuries. Working closely with veterinarians, FFI seeks to give injured racehorses with a good prognosis for recovery an opportunity to heal, retrain and go on to become pleasure, sport and companion horses in private adoptive homes.

The ASPCA Equine Fund provides grants to U.S. nonprofit equine welfare organizations and other animal welfare organizations that care for horses, mules, donkeys and ponies – both wild and domestic – in alignment with our efforts to protect all equines. http://www.aspca.org

Friends of Ferdinand Inc is named in memory of the magnificent Ferdinand, the 1986 Kentucky Derby Champion, Breeders' Cup Classic winner and 1987 Horse of the Year who earned more than $4 million during his career. A few years after his retirement, Ferdinand was slaughtered for human consumption. Friends of Ferdinand Inc. promotes equine welfare by providing second chances at life for retiring racehorses in Indiana.

We specialize in transitioning racehorses into second careers as sport-horses, pleasure mounts and companions. http://www.friendsofferdinand.org.

For more information on this press release visit: http://www.releasewire.com/press-releases/release-3.htm

Indianapolis, IN -- (ReleaseWire) -- 05/09/2011 -- Friends of Ferdinand Inc. (FFI), an Indianapolis based non-profit that transitions racehorses at-risk for neglect, abuse and slaughter received funding support from After the Finish Line for a third year in a row. After the Finish Line thoroughly reviews each organization's policies, fiscal responsibility, and equine care procedures prior to awarding grants. FFI is pleased to have received Dawn Mellen's nod of approval for the third consecutive year.

Every horse accepted into FFI's adoption program receives a veterinarian administered exam, with a particular emphasis on the evaluation and treatment of injuries sustained on the racetrack. The granted funds are dedicated to offsetting the expenses of these veterinary intake exams. Sara Busbice, president and CEO of Friends of Ferdinand, states "Through this partnership with our veterinarians, we are able to appropriately evaluate and rehabilitate these horses and then place them in training for appropriate second careers. After the Finish Line's support of this critical component of our adoption program underscores the importance of proper and professional care that these animals need in order to transition successfully to the next phase of their lives."

After the Finish Line (AFTL) is a California based, nationally recognized 501(C)(3) funding non-profit that provides grants to rescue organizations across the United States for Thoroughbred horses that are transitioned off the racetrack and are awaiting adoption into a second career. ATFL is committed to the welfare of these horses; the organization exists to honor and respect Thoroughbred racehorses and ensure they are provided a quality of life when they retire from racing. If you would like more information, please visit: http://www.afterthefinishline.org.

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Presented by the Tony Stewart Foundation and featuring Jennie DeVoe

Indianapolis, IN -- (ReleaseWire) -- 08/09/2010 -- The Tony Stewart Foundation and Friends of Ferdinand, Inc. (FFI) are pleased to present Rockin' the Racehorse – a special evening of entertainment, great food and fun to be held from 6:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. on September 17, 2010 at the Palomino Ballroom in Zionsville, Indiana. Proceeds from the event will support FFI's efforts to rescue, rehabilitate and re-home retiring racehorses.

During the opening cocktail reception guests can mingle and place their bids on unique items available at the silent auction including an autographed guitar by rock legend John Mellencamp and halters worn by Thoroughbred racing greats. Animal lovers will have the chance to get up close and personal with retired racehorses assisted by FFI. These special guests will greet everyone upon arrival and will be available throughout the evening with their handlers to share their stories.

Indianapolis radio personality, Jimmy "Mad Dog" Matis will be the event's emcee and will be sure to entertain and bring a smile to everyone's face. Following dinner is the highlight of the evening. Guests will be treated to a special concert by critically acclaimed singer songwriter Jennie DeVoe. Ms. DeVoe, an eight time NUVO "Best of Indy" award winner, has opened for such greats as Ray Charles, Joe Cocker and Bonnie Raitt.

For more information or to purchase event sponsorships or reserved tickets, log on to http://www.rockintheracehorse.org or call 888-612-7402.

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Saribel Cruz, One of Tony Stewart’s girls makes her debut in her second career at the 2010 Hoosier Horse Fair & Expo.

Indianapolis, IN -- (ReleaseWire) -- 04/04/2010 -- In conjunction with Friends of Ferdinand Inc. and Tony Stewart Foundation, Tony Stewart initiated a program to save Indiana racehorses whose futures are uncertain because their racing careers have ended. Tony remarks that "these are animals that are all racehorses that have been retired versus being destroyed. Friends of Ferdinand is a great organization that will take these horses, rehabilitate them, fix their injuries and get them trained and adopt them to new homes. Their racing careers may have ended, but their lives don't have to." Saribel Cruz is a thoroughbred mare who retired from racing in 2008 when she received no bids at an end of season auction for thoroughbred racehorses and is descended from two of racing's most famous horses, Seattle Slew and Mr. Prospector. As the sport of horseracing is turning it's attention to the upcoming Kentucky Derby, Saribel Cruz will be making her debut as a hunter/jumper sport horse at the Hoosier Horse Fair, held at the Indiana State Fairgrounds on April 9-11, 2010. She represents the potential of rescued racehorses.

Saribel Cruz, affectionately known as Flirt around the barn, is a fitting name for the first of Tony's Stewart's girls to enter Friends of Ferdinand's adoption program. Saribel is an affectionate, kind and athletic young mare who prefers being a show-jumper rather than a racehorse. She was adopted from Friends of Ferdinand Inc one month ago by Foxton Farm (Romney, IN). Emily Lindsay, representing Foxton Farm, will be riding Saribel Cruz in a jumping clinic with the nationally recognized hunter-jumper instructor and 1992 "horseman of the year" Nick Karazissis. Saribel Cruz and Emily will be working with Nick to improve the form of both horse and rider over fences. Their session should be fast-paced and entertaining and is sponsored by the Hoosier Horse Fair and Indiana Hunter/Jumper Association in order to promote the rescued racehorse at this premier event.

Saribel will be ridden from 4pm-6pm on Friday April 9th in the Toyota Blue Ribbon Pavillion at the Indiana State Fairgrounds. Opportunities to for the media and the public to meet Saribel Cruz are available preceding the clinic 2:30-3:30pm and immediately after the session from 6pm-7pm. Representatives of Tony Stewart Foundation, Friends of Ferdinand Inc, Hoosier Horse Fair, Foxton Farms and singer/songwriter/animal advocate and Friends of Ferdinand advisory board member, Jennie DeVoe will be on location for interviews and photographs with Tony's girl. Members of the media should contact Dave Howell (Indiana Horse Council) at 317-714-4158 for press passes to the event.

Tickets for the event are $15 for adults, $6 for children 7-12, and free for children 6 and under. Discount tickets can be purchased at local Marsh Supermarkets, at Indiana Farm Bureau offices or Rural King stores across the state.

Friends of Ferdinand Inc is named in memory of the magnificent Ferdinand, the 1986 Kentucky Derby Champion, Breeders' Cup Classic winner and 1987 Horse of the Year who earned more than $4 million during his career. In 1989 he was retired from racing and exported to Japan to stand at stud. Tragically, a few years later, Ferdinand was slaughtered for human consumption. Friends of Ferdinand Inc. promotes equine welfare by providing second chances at life for retiring racehorses in Indiana. More information about Friends of Ferdinand may be found at http://www.friendsofferdinand.org.

The mission of the Tony Stewart Foundation is to raise and donate funds to help care for critically ill children, drivers injured in motorsports activities and to support other charitable organizations in the protection of various animal species. More information about the Tony Stewart Foundation may be found at http://www.tonystewartfoundation.org.

The Hoosier Horse Fair & Expo is owned and operated by the Indiana Horse Council, Inc. The event is the primary fundraising effort for the Horse Council. It is organized and run almost entirely by a dedicated group of volunteers who give of their time to further the equine industry in Indiana. Proceeds from the Hoosier Horse Fair & Expo benefit equine-assisted activities for individuals with physical, emotional and learning disabilities; educational scholarships; youth programs; equine health research; and other areas that create greater visibility for the equine industry.

The Indiana Horse Council is a 501 C (6) not-for-profit organization that represents, promotes and provides opportunities for every aspect of Indiana's equine industry. The Horse Council addresses industry interests and concerns at the local, regional, national and international levels. For more information, please visit our Web site at http://www.indianahorsecouncil.org.

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Tony Stewart Foundation Awards $20,000 to Friends of Ferdinand To Fund the Retirement of 10 Thoroughbred Racehorses in 2010

Indianapolis, IN -- (ReleaseWire) -- 03/22/2010 -- Tony Stewart, owner and driver of the No 14 Old Spice/ Office Depot Chevrolet Impala in the NASCAR Sprint Cup and owner of Stewart/Haas Racing is also a winner on a different kind of track. In 2010, the Tony Stewart Foundation awarded $20,000 to Friends of Ferdinand Inc in order to support the retirement and adoption of thoroughbred racehorses.

Tony remarks that "these are animals that are all racehorses that have been retired versus being destroyed. Friends of Ferdinand is a great organization that will take these horses, rehabilitate them, fix their injuries and get them trained and adopt them to new homes. Their racing careers may have ended, but their lives don't have to."

This award is the continuation of a program called Tony's Ex-Racers, which began in 2008 with the retirement of 10 thoroughbreds from Indiana's racetracks. With the 2010 grant, a total of 20 thoroughbred racehorses, whose futures are otherwise uncertain, are provided safe-haven, training and new homes through Friends of Ferdinand. Kalista Tyann, Woodman's Star, Sunny Thoughts and Friendly Neighbor are the most recent horses to arrive at their foster homes located in the Indianapolis area, bringing the number of Tony's horses to his favorite number – 14. Six additional thoroughbreds will be identified in the coming months.

Joni Thompson, Executive Director of the Tony Stewart Foundation comments, "Friends of Ferdinand is an all-volunteer run organization that puts the horses first. We are pleased to support their work and do our part to 'Accelerate Change' and encourage the humane and responsible retirement of racehorses in Indiana."

Friends of Ferdinand Inc is an Indianapolis based non-profit organization that works alongside Hoosier Park and Indiana Downs to provide options for horses whose racing careers are coming to an end. Horses accepted into Friends of Ferdinand's adoption program are provided with veterinary care to identify and attend to any injuries or health issues. The horses are then, evaluated for temperament and ability and provided professional re-training for second careers. Through FFI's programs, more than 250 horses have been transitioned from the track into new homes and careers – as show or pleasure horses, dressage competitors and beloved companions.

According to Sara Busbice, President of Friends of Ferdinand "The volunteers and horses of Friends of Ferdinand thank Tony Stewart for his continued support and generosity. It truly validates our efforts and has enabled us to provide caring and permanent homes for some of thoroughbred racing's deserving retirees."

Friends of Ferdinand is named in memory of the magnificent Ferdinand, the 1986 Kentucky Derby Champion, Breeders' Cup Classic winner and 1987 Horse of the Year who earned more than $4 million during his career. In 1989 he was retired from racing and exported to Japan to stand at stud. Tragically, a few years later, Ferdinand was slaughtered for human consumption. Friends of Ferdinand provides opportunities for rehabilitation and transitional training for horses who are no longer competitive on the racetrack. More information about Friends of Ferdinand may be found at http://www.friendsofferdinand.org.

The mission of the Tony Stewart Foundation is to raise and donate funds to help care for critically ill children, drivers injured in motorsports activities and to support other charitable organizations in the protection of various animal species. More information about the Tony Stewart Foundation may be found at http://www.tonystewartfoundation.org.

For more information on this press release visit: http://www.releasewire.com/press-releases/release-3.htm