June 19, 2005 – Members of VICCTRE (V.I. Community Cooperative Thoroughbred Retirement Efforts) were at Magens Bay Sunday raising money for and awareness of the plight of thoroughbred horses in the Virgin Islands.
In the short year since VICCTRE was founded, the group has assisted or outright rescued 15 horses; half were suffering from neglect, according to a brochure produced by the group.
Aside from showcasing one of their most recent success stories – a gray mare named Beauty – the group was celebrating another victory: Members have recently secured a new location at St. Thomas Dairies, where they can board the horses they have rescued at half the cost of their previous location.
"It makes it a lot more affordable for people to adopt," said Becky Mayes, one of the founding members.
For a $500 adoption fee and $250 a month, people can "adopt" one of the rescue horses, Mayes said.
Beauty has gained 100 pounds under the care she has been given. "She needs to gain another 200," Mayes said.
"She's great with children," Mayes said, which was evidenced throughout the morning as one "35-pounder" after another came up to pet the five-and-a-half-foot-tall mare.
"Some of them get a bit fiestier after they put some weight on, but she's going to be fine," Mayes said.
Beauty was not abused, according to Mayes. Her owner didn't simply didn't have the money to care for her.
She was the first horse to be seized by the Agriculture Department under the new animal cruelty law.
Anyone interested in adopting a thoroughbred or making any other contribution to support the group can call 998-9063, 998-0331, or 998-1229, or e-mail vicctre@yahoo.com
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