The name “Friends of Ferdinand” is in recognition of a thoroughbred named Ferdinand who, in 1986, raced to victory at the historical and prestigious Kentucky Derby. One year later, Ferdinand won the Breeder's Cup and was also named Horse of the Year. He captivated the American Public and rekindled the dreams of horse racing internationally. During his career, Ferdinand earned $4 million dollars and in 1989 he was retired from racing and exported to Asia as a stallion. Six years later, this king among thoroughbred racing was led to slaughter for human consumption.

Friends of Ferdinand began over cocktails during an evening at the races. Two men, both named Jim, who knew very little about horses but enjoyed watching the ponies run learned what commonly happens to racehorses when their racing careers came to an end. They decided to make a difference and in late summer 2005, Friends of Ferdinand Inc. was born.

In September 2005, under stewardship of "the Jim's", Friends of Ferdinand applied for it's non-profit status and they set about raising money to support their first horse - One Eyed Peak. In November of the same year, "the Jim's" attended their first Paddock Sale at Hoosier Park and came home with four thoroughbreds. This is the day I became the first FFI volunteer and foster home. 

Since then, in just 2 short years Friends of Ferdinand Inc. has experienced phenomenal growth and unstoppable momentum. We have implemented a Track-Listing program at Indiana Downs and Hoosier Park that in just 2 race seasons has helped place over 180 thoroughbreds into non-race homes. We have taken-in 24 horses into our adoption program who are wholly supported by donations.  Three of these horses have received life-saving surgery that has repaired their race injuries.  Sixteen of these horses have been adopted by wonderful and caring people. These horses were once at-risk for neglect, abuse and slaughter and because of us they were spared these experiences. Our accomplishments have not gone unnoticed. Friends of Ferdinand has the support of Indiana's racing industry, Hoosier Park, Indiana Downs and has received national recognition and funding from Thoroughbred Charities of America, BlueHorse Charities and After the Finish Line.

Since our beginning, over 200 horses have received a chance at a second career because of our efforts!

I am very proud to be associated with the everyone involved in Friends of Ferdinand and I am proud of our accomplishments. Our strength and motivation comes from the fact that we can appreciate these animals for their beauty and talents beyond the finish line. Horses like Swift Road, Riverman Council, One-Eyed Peak and Kiri's Fee don't deserve the fate of an uncompetitive racehorse.

If your thinking about getting involved in horse welfare and rescue, on behalf of the Board of Director's and the horses of FFI, I invite you to become a Friend of Ferdinand.  As JoAnn Normile, the founder of CANTER once told me, "you don't need a barn, truck or trailer to save a horse."  

Sincerely
Sara Busbice
President, Friends of Ferdinand