Oct. 6, 2006 – Pistarckle Theater will hold a benefit performance on opening night of the play "Equus" at 8 p.m., Friday, Oct. 20. Tickets for the performance are $29 and a portion of the ticket price will be donated to the Virgin Islands Community Cooperative Thoroughbred Retirement Effort. Call 775-7877 or 998-0331 to book tickets, or go to Marina Market, Draughting Shaft, Beans Bytes & Websites.
In its third year, VICCTRE has rehabilitated, either by rescue or retirement, an impressive 25 horses to date. The grassroots non-profit organization has never had a day without a horse to take care of. Currently, they house four un-adopted horses at their St. Thomas Dairies facility along with a few that were adopted and continue to board there. Most horses, however, are expected to recover from injury or neglect and be shipped to the U.S. mainland and a new and loving home.
The cost of owning a horse in the Virgin Islands is prohibitive to many. Perhaps this is why so many are discarded and left to fend for themselves. Unfortunately, the wilds of the islands do not meet the nutritional and basic health needs for thoroughbreds, which need to be pampered and cared for meticulously in order to stand up to the rigors of the racetrack.
VICCTRE has filled a void in the animal welfare system in the V.I. by providing an alternative retirement for any horse needing a home. The organization is recognized as the Community Advocate of the Year by the local Humane Society and acknowledged by the Thoroughbred Retirement Foundation of the United States. For more information, contact Lynn Utech at 998-0331.
