Our Mission

Akindale Thoroughbred Rescue is committed to the rescue, rehab and retraining of Thoroughbreds no longer able to race and to provide a safe haven for those unable to go on to new careers. ATBR is also dedicated to promoting public awareness of the issue of equine slaughter.

About Akindale Thoroughbred Rescue

John Hettinger, respected businessman and philanthropist, had a vision of keeping his 1000 acres of pristine land in Pawling, NY undeveloped so as to use the space to save Thoroughbred racehorses from slaughter. With this in mind, Mr. Hettinger founded Akindale Thoroughbred Rescue (ATBR) to fulfill his dream. He has deeded this property in perpetuity, to provide for the ongoing care of these horses. Since its' inception in April 2006, ATBR has rescued hundreds of horses directly from auctions such as New Holland where they are destined for slaughter. Many other horses have been shipped to Akindale from national organizations such as TRF, New Vocations and Mid Atlantic Horse Rescue. Horses that can no longer race, are still in their prime and are ready for new careers or even just as pasture ornaments or companion animals are given safe haven at Akindale. Mr. Hettinger was an extraordinary human being, whose compassion and dedication to this cause knew no bounds. As a life-long Thoroughbred owner and breeder, he had a vision of keeping these Thoroughbreds, who have given so much to so many, from a hard and cruel fate. Mr. Hettinger had long been a leading force in the on-going battle to end horse slaughter in the United States. He fought daily to have the necessary bills passed, making the slaughter of horses as well as the inhumane transportation of horses bound for slaughter over the US borders into Canada and Mexico, illegal.

Wednesday, September 22, 2010

The second annual Hettinger Challenge Hunter Pace at ATBR

Dear Friends,
It’s that time of year again … the second annual Hettinger Challenge Hunter Pace at ATBR. Most of you remember my antics last year deciding that my first ride in 2 years should come in the form of a 4 hour excursion on a thoroughbred we pulled from a field at ATBR. It was a spectacular day and one I won’t forget. Although my horse seemed to build steam with each hour as everyone else (human and equine began to wane), I can’t wait to get back in the saddle again on October 23rd (rain date Oct 24th)! The proceeds from The Hettinger Challenge (named in memory of the founder and owner of ATBR and Akindale Farm) will be split evenly between the Oblong Trail Association and Akindale Thoroughbred Rescue.

Attached is a copy of the event information as well as a sponsorship form. The success of this event is credited largely to sponsors, who lend their name and financial support to the event. By participating as a sponsor, your name and/or organization will benefit from exposure of 300 plus riders and others attending the wonderful day long event. We have many levels of sponsorship packages, as you will see from the attached form. You can select the level of participation and be secure in the knowledge that your sponsorship fee will be used to help Akindale Thoroughbred Rescue, a cause very close to my heart. For my friends who are looking for a lot of advertising bang for the buck, you can get your name out there for as little as $150-$500.
For anyone wanting to join us – we’d love to have you bring your horse (and your friends) up for a great day of riding the scenic trails and fields in beautiful Pawling! It is sure to be another fun event.
Hope to see you all there!

http://www.oblongtrails.com/index.htm

http://www.oblongtrails.com/HunterPacePage.htm

http://www.oblongtrails.com/2010hunterpaceregistration.htm

http://www.oblongtrails.com/2010RegistrationForm.htm