PO Box 37, St. John, USVI  00831
http://www.vicctre.com

February, 26, 2007 - The Virgin Islands Community Cooperative Thoroughbred Retirement Effort is thrilled to work with Habitat For Horses in the most recent and largest single shipment of four retired Thoroughbreds from St Thomas, USVI to Florida.

VICCTRE (pronounced “victory”) was founded in August 2004 by four equestrians living, working, and riding in the US Virgin Islands.  From four very different locations in the US, and with very different backgrounds in the horse world, each of us brought a multitude of strengths to the foundation, and development of the organization.

Now, well into our second year, VICCTRE has rescued, rehabilitated, retrained, and in many cases relocated 28 horses.  Established as a 501 (c) 3 non-profit organization, VICCTRE has made a lasting impact on the community of racing in the territory. Our commitment to raising awareness and promoting equine welfare was recognized and affirmed as the USVI passed its first Animal Cruelty Bill in 2005.

Horses rehabilitated through our efforts often have pedigrees to impress and winnings into the hundreds of thousands of dollars.  Sadly, most are claimers who have suffered minor injury, and end up here with little known about their health history.  Most are “older” as far as racing Thoroughbreds are concerned, and are asked to run in extreme heat on hard surfaces.  The life of a racehorse in the Virgin Islands is far from living in paradise.

In the beginning, VICCTRE was focused on the “rescue” getting horses in horrific condition from the streets and “the bush”, while more recently we have seen a fortunate shift, due to the huge success of the organization, and VICCTRE is now getting more healthy horses ready to retire from the grueling life at the track.  Valuable relations built over the years with several trainers have helped us in this arena.

VICCTRE is the revolving door through which horses in the Virgin Islands pass on their way to greener pastures, and second careers.  We love each and every one and see a bright future ahead for each one of them and for our organization.  As the four horses reach the Ravenwood Farm in Florida we are reminded of our successes, are overwhelmed by the outpouring of efforts, energy, and generosity of each and every person involved.

Working with Habitat for Horses and Ravenwood Farm has resulted in new and exciting relationships for VICCTRE, but at the end of each and every day we are reminded that we do this for the welfare of the horses.  These Virgin Islands horses are treasures and will enrich the lives of those fortunate enough to take them home.