February 2024

A day of hearts reminds us of the hearts that thoroughbreds have on the track as they race to win, and off the track as they find careers that don't involve running at speeds over 40 miles per hour. It reminds us of the exhilaration we feel in our own hearts in their presence and the peace that we find when we spend time with them. We are reminded of the bond between human and horse and how we connect. They understand us when we are up and when we are down they help us turn it around.

That is the theme of EDDIE'S TURN and the story of how a human and a horse can bond to find healing for themselves and for others. It's a unique story that, once we have made it, will be used by our nonprofit partners to help spread the word of how powerful horses like Eddie are when they embark on new careers and how they help revitalize humans who come in contact with them. We can't wait to help support both the equine therapy community and the off the track thoroughbred community.

While we wait for our funding to come in (see below), we are preparing to film. Something very important to consider is how to work with cast and crew around horses and other animals. Even people who are accustomed to being around them need to be reminders, something that we do in an on-site safety meeting. Everyone that will be on set working with or near the actor animals, including cast and crew, handler(s), provider(s), designated production representatives, and others.

Photo credit: Ashly Covington

There are a number of topics that may be addressed, including, for example:

• When, where and how the horses will be working

• How to behave around the animals

• The reality of risk to all involved

• Safeguards and safety procedures

• Communication

• Emergency procedures for humans and animals, including transportation and treatment

Working animals are given space to relax and cared for by their handlers to be sure that they are on top of their game - just like everyone else on set!

Do you have questions about working with horses on set? Please hop over to Facebook or Instagram to ask! You can also download some of the guidelines that we use HERE.

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Horses and Healing:

Champions Retreat

Horses have always been my guide, my passion and my inspiration and ultimately, my career. Especially Thoroughbreds, the most majestic, athletic, soulful animal on the planet, to me. When I married Matt, a 3rd generation racehorse trainer, I began working for Santa Anita Park. We wore a lot of hats at the track, one of mine was to manage our mascot, Fighting Furrari, who played Seabiscuit in the 2003 movie. Ability First, an organization that helps autistic and down syndrome kids would often visit the park. When an 11 year old autistic boy came to meet Seabiscuit, the light bulb clicked on for both Matt and I. This young boy was non-verbal prior to his encounter with the horse. If horses have the power to help a kid to speak, what else can they do for challenged individuals?

The plan for our nonprofit, Champions Retreat, was born from this encounter. We have dedicated our lives to building and managing a facility that could help both retiring racehorses to find a soft landing and helping those in our community with physical or mental challenges.

A year ago we were contacted by Fostering Idaho with the idea of bringing foster kids and their families out to Champions Retreat for an equine encounter. We had over 40 kids come out that were excited to meet our senior horses. Depending on their comfort level, they petted, fed treats and climbed on the backs of our two therapy geldings for a guided trip around the arena. All the kids left with a big smile, but one in particular pulled hard at my heartstrings.

It was our first session. There were 5 foster kids, foster parents, a biological parent and a social worker plus staff from Fostering Idaho and a volunteer. Two 7 year old boys were the first up. Foster brothers in an amazing family, one had already been adopted by his foster parents and the other, a timid blond, was still in foster care. The adopted child was very talkative and outgoing while the other boy was sullen, did not make eye contact and wouldn’t speak.

Matt took the adopted boy on Freckles (racing name: Point Breeze), I coaxed the other child onto Luke (racing name: London Follies), slowly we started to walk around the arena with a volunteer walking by his side. I spoke quietly to the boy, asking him to take deep breaths and to let me know if he wanted to stop. After a few minutes, his face had softened and he was making eye contact with me. A few trips around the ring later, he whispered “can we go faster, I want to beat my broth- er” and the race was on! By the end of the session, his smile lit up the barn as he waited for the other 3 kids to take their turn. When we were finished, everyone came back into the arena to say goodbye. The timid blond kid walked purposefully over to Luke and wrapped his arms around the horse’s chest to give him a hug. We all had tears in our eyes. This is how magical horses can be.

Candace Chew

To learn more about Candace, Matt and their herd of healing thoroughbreds, check out Champions Retreat.