TCA Essay: A Friend of Mine

The Thoroughbred Charities of America Essay contest invites anyone 18 years old and younger to write about their experience as a volunteer, supporter, or recipient of services from an organization that received a TCA grant. The winning essay by Katelyn Read earned an additional $1,000 for Neigh Savers. Another honorable mentions was awarded this year to Arielle Lacob, 17, who wrote about Saving Horses. Both honorable mention charities will receive an additional $500. 

By Hadley Macey

My name is Hadley Macey and I am 10 years old and live in Noblesville, Ind. I would like to tell you how a local racehorse rescue named Friends of Ferdinand has changed my life.

In 2010, when I was 4 years old, my mom adopted a Thoroughbred racehorse named My Gal Flo from Friends of Ferdinand. At first Flo seemed like a really big horse, but she was elegant and graceful. She was well-mannered and a curious horse. Florence became my friend and showed me that I have a passion for horses. She has taught me that horses are amazing creatures. My mom borrowed a horse for me to ride when I was 5 years old. This horse was an old Quarter Horse named Halley. I learned to ride, but as I became a better rider, Halley was too slow for me. Because of our relationship with Friends of Ferdinand, I was able to find my next horse.

I knew I wanted a Thoroughbred because they were gorgeous, graceful, and kind horses. My mom heard about my horse for sale through Friends of Ferdinand. When I saw Zeppelin (TJC name Doniphon), I realized how special he was. He was really beautiful! When I got on him and started to walk around the arena, I felt relaxed and he was so smooth. At that point, I lmew he was the horse for me. He was really gentle, kind, and so very pretty. Because my mom purchased Zeppelin, his young owner was able to adopt her next horse from Friends of Ferdinand.

Our newest horse, Fudge (TJC name Dangerous Warrior) was also adopted from Friends of Ferdinand. Fudge had a very tough life before coming to Friends of Ferdinand. When Fudge was donated, he had EPM and a crooked leg. Friends of Ferdinand made him better with medicine. He is an energetic young racehorse who likes to play and run around in the field. Because of Friends of Ferdinand, we are the proud owners of three amazing racehorses.

Racehorses are a big part of my life. They are gentle giants and such loving creatures. Life wouldn't be complete without having racehorses. Because of our horses from Friends of Ferdinand, I am learning skills that will make me a good person and successful in life. My racehorses help me find joy when I am sad. My Friends of Ferdinand horses also teach me to pay attention to details which help me to be a better student at school. My racehorses are my best friends. They also allow me to spend lots of time in the barn with my Mom which is nice. She teaches me everything she knows about horses. Someday, we will take our horses to horseshows.

I wish there were more rescues like Friends of Ferdinand to help make sure retired racehorses have safe and great homes.