Pennsylvania HBPA's New Start Re-homing Program Wins Zoetis Equine Charity Sweepstakes

From left to right: Megan Lapp, Zoetis; Dr. David Marshall; Lauren Zagnit, New Start; Sandee Martin, PA HBPA president; Todd Mostoller, PA HBPA executive director.

New Start, the Pennsylvania Horsemen's Benevolence and Protective Association (PA HBPA) retired racehorse re-homing program, was named grand prize winner in the Zoetis Equine Charity Sweepstakes. The equine charity in Grantville, Pennsylvania, received a $5,000 cash donation from Zoetis on behalf of the nominating veterinarian, Dr. David Marshall. Dr. Marshall nominated New Start while attending the 2016 American Association of Equine Practitioners (AAEP) Annual Convention. He practices veterinary medicine at Penn National Race Course.

“This is the first sweepstakes I’ve ever won – it’s a wonderful contest to win because I can pass on the value to an organization in need and help support the equine industry,” said Dr. Marshall. “My responsibility at the racetrack, in part, is to secure the health and welfare of the horses that race here. While the career of a racehorse is limited, racehorses have many valuable years to give following their time at the track. That’s why I nominated New Start, they help provide temporary homes for racehorses before beginning their second careers.”

As a part of the PA HBPA, New Start has helped re-home more than 350 former racehorses over the past three years. The program focuses on placing horses where they will succeed in second careers as show horses, barrel racers, eventers, polo mounts, pleasure horses and more.

“Once a horse is donated to our program by an owner, our committee’s veterinarian and I examine the horse. Our findings determine which one of our foster farms will be most suitable for transitioning the horse to a successful second career. The vast majority of our Thoroughbreds excel in a wide range of riding disciplines but a few go to a sanctuary we help support,” said Lauren Zagnit, program coordinator, New Start. “We are so appreciative of the support Zoetis has provided and the opportunity to utilize these funds to help more horses find second careers.”

“Zoetis is committed to working together with veterinarians, horse owners and equine professionals to help improve health and wellness for all horses,” said Sally Amtmann, senior equine marketing manager, Zoetis. “We are pleased to extend our industry support to provide New Start with resources to assist in managing the horses in their care.”

Building on a six-decade history and a singular focus in animal health, Zoetis colleagues work every day to be a comprehensive resource for the equine industry. Zoetis is a proud educational partner of the AAEP, the American Horse Council, the American Quarter Horse Association and a supporter of Time to Ride, A Home For Every Horse and many other equine community initiatives. For more information on how Zoetis supports the equine industry and works to help horses live long, healthy lives, visit www.zoetisUS.com.

The Zoetis Equine Charity Sweepstakes was held at the 2016 AAEP Annual Convention in Orlando, Florida, from Dec. 3-7, 2016. Convention attendees nominated any equine 501(c)(3) charity of their choice at the Zoetis booth, and one grand prizewinner was drawn at random following the show.