August 2009

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. As a racehorse, Ferdinand won eight of 29 starts and earned $3,777,978, retiring as what was then the fifth leading money winner of all time. In 1989 he was retired from racing and sent to stud at Claiborne Farms near Paris, KY. Unfortunately, his foals did not perform well on the track and in 1994, he was exported to Japan for use as a stud in their developing thoroughbred racing program. Still, his offspring did not perform at the track and in 2002, this king of Thoroughbred racing was led to slaughter for human consumption.

Friends of Ferdinand began over drinks 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 Jims", 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 Jims" 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 a few short years Friends of Ferdinand Inc. has experienced phenomenal growth and momentum. We have implemented a Track-Listing program at Indiana Downs and Hoosier Park that in just 3 race seasons has helped place over 350 thoroughbreds into non-race homes. We have taken-in 37 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.

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.  Our biggest grantor is Tony Stewart and we are forever grateful to him and his foundation staff for their support, friendship and guidance.  I think it says something when NASCAR supports thoroughbred transitioning more than the race industry horsemen do.

Since our beginning, over 250 horses have received a chance at a second career because of our efforts!

I am very proud to be associated with 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 you're thinking about getting involved in horse welfare and thoroughbred transitioning, 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