Social Security for Horses

Sometimes it seems the simplest solutions are the ones we overlook. Case in point is the eloquent proposal set forth by Herb Moelis, president of Thoroughbred Charities of America in the July 26 issue of Bloodhorse.

Apparently a number of years ago, Mr. Moelis proposed the following idea to The Jockey Club: "When owners register their foals, the Jockey Club requires a registration form to be filed with payment of $200," Moelis writes. "Why can't we add $50 to provide for care of the foal for life? This would be similar to a Social Security program for horses."

Sounds perfectly reasonable to me, although given the mess our Social Security system is in, I would hesitate to call it by the same name, but you get the general idea. Long-term care insurance for horses, required by the owner when the horse is registered with The Jockey Club at birth. I am sure there would need to be some sort of governing body that administered the funds and kept track of the money, but nothing that could not be overcome.

According to Moelis, "There are approximately 40,000 thoroughbreds registered each year. At $50 each the total amount assessed annually would be $2 million. This would go a long way to providing a decent life for all thoroughbreds after their racing careers."

It seems that The Jockey Club did not want to be the governing body of this program and told Moelis they thought it would be a "burden" to owners. When Moelis volunteered his organization, TCA (which maintains a comprehensive file on all rescue and retirement organizations), to help distribute the funds, it fell on deaf ears. Sounds like the Jockey Club is making excuses.

Here's my suggestion. Ask them again. Given the state of affairs that the racing industry is in, that $50 could go a long way to being a PR bonanza for the sport if spun the right way. "Racing takes care of its own from cradle to grave...." Sounds pretty good to me.

Or as Moelis writes, "If an owner cannot afford $50 when registering a foal, then that person has no business being an owner. For the welfare of our industry and the welfare of our horses, this assessment is necessary and reasonable."