Finger Lakes Thoroughbred Adoption program celebrates 20 years. Photo provided by Kent and Mary Therese Friel
BY DEB AND TIM SMITH
Finger Lakes Thoroughbred Adoption Program (F.L.T.A.P) is celebrating a 20-year milestone in their mission of finding new careers, and forever homes, for retired thoroughbred racehorses. Since their founding, F.L.T.A.P. has given over 900 horses a second chance to be winners!
F.L.T.A.P. is doing their part to make sure that horses have a loving home and a second career after they are done racing. They are accredited by the Thoroughbred After Care Alliance. Their “Purple Haze” adoption barn is located right next to Finger Lakes Racetrack in Farmington, New York. Somewhere, in Rock and Roll Heaven, Jimi Hendrix is looking down and smiling about the “Purple Haze” name given to this special adoption barn.
They are the only adoption program in North America that is physically located on the grounds of a racetrack. “It is very fulfilling just seeing these horses go on to a better life, and knowing that we had a small part in doing that for them” said Kim DeLong, President of F.L.T.A.P. “They really do touch your soul.”
F.L.T.A.P.’s specialty is evaluating every horse that comes into the program and guiding them into a soft-landing new home that is going to be a perfect fit for them. The adoption barn is open to the public and visitors are welcome.
The owners of Mendon’s Mary Therese Friel Modeling Agency (Kent & Mary Therese Friel) have been supporters of this wonderful organization for many years. Many MTF Models have participated in fundraising events organized by the agency over the years to contribute to the F.L.T.A.P. organization. Agency President Mary Therese Friel is a life-long equestrian herself, with a deep love of horses, and has adopted five thoroughbreds from F.L.T.A.P.
Recently the Friels teamed up with Director/Cinematographer Carrie Matarese to produce a heartwarming video to create awareness for this incredible organization. The video was shot on location at the Finger Lakes Thoroughbred Adoption Program’s Purple Haze Adoption Barn in Farmington, and features interviews with the staff and volunteers.
So what is the process for adopting a horse if you are so inclined?
* There is a small deposit/fee along with the initial application.
* Then if approved after the vetting process, you pay (the very affordable) adoption fee, that has been given to you prior.
* In each case for each different horse, there may be a different price for each one/situation/value/etc.
The video is beautifully shot and tells a wonderful story that certainly tugs on the heartstrings. You can see that video at the following address: https://youtu.be/f2uuuOijDoU. For additional information about Finger Lakes Thoroughbred Adoption Program, please visit www.fltap.org.
