Need New Hay Barn: Collapsed barn leaves hay exposed to elements

Neigh Savers’ Northern California horses are in desperate need of a new hay barn. Our delapidated hay barn has finally collapsed. Although temporarily covered with tarps, Geibel Farm gets a tremendous amount of rain and the horses’ hay is getting exposed to the elements, thus running the risk of spoilage.

Through the generosity of two contractors, an electrician and a welder, all labor is being donated. Per the city of Clayton, the structured must have significant steel reinforcement to meet coding standards. Unfortunately, as a result of the steel reinforcement, the cost of materials is approximately $3,000.

We are now raising money to assist in the rebuilding project. Any donations are appreciated and fully tax-deductible.

Macho happily munching on carrots from his supporter Allison

As a result of racing injuries, Materazzi “Macho” was suffering from bone chips in his front knees. The bone chips were causing swelling, lameness, and degenerative arthritis. With successful surgery and rehab, horses like Macho can continue their careers, and even continue to race.

Thank you to Dr. Kim Kuhlman for performing the surgery at a significant discount and Dawn Mellen from After the Finish Line for providing emergency medical funding. Macho is now successfully recovering and will never have to run another race; instead, he has won the race of his life. We are grateful to all of his supporters, donors, and previous owners for giving this kind, affectionate and beautiful gelding a chance at a happy and healthy life. Macho’s prognosis is excellent and he will go on to have a productive second career. 

Jockey Mike Smith riding Warning Zone to victory in Gr. 2 Sunset Handicap

Neigh Savers Southern California Program is pleased to announce the arrival of Warning Zone aka “Ozzie”. Ozzie arrived at the end of April and is enjoying life at Kimberlee Farms. He stepped off the trailer a perfect gentleman.

Thank you to top trainer, Kristin Mulhall for placing this special thoroughbred in our care. He was retired from the track, a champion with winning 2 Graded Stakes races under the guidance of Jockeys Mike Smith and Cory Nakatani and, as well as having over $350k in career earnings. He will now enjoy lots of love, carrots, and most likely retrain for a career as a hunter.

Warning Zone Arriving at Kimberlee Farms

Kimberlee Farms owner, Kim von Disterlo, has fallen in love and has adopted. She aspires to showing him in Hunter Hack and Rusty Stirrup classes. As a horse who has given so much of himself, he will enjoy a quiet life and a special woman to love him forever.

Warning Zone, we are pleased to welcome you home!

Colette, of Geibel Farm, with long-time supporters Doug and Susan

The Neigh Savers’ first Northern CA open house was a hit! Saturday, May 22^nd was an exciting day for our Northern California team as Craig & Colette Geibel of Geibel Farm and NS founder Karin Wagner welcomed all who came to visit our first annual open house. We offered pony rides, homemade goodies, new volunteer opportunities and a chance to meet our retired off-track Thoroughbreds and are grateful to our volunteers and supporters for helping to make the day a success!

New Volunteer Cheri with Yah Never Know

A special thank you to Craig & Collete for all of their hard work and for donating farm fresh eggs and brownies, to Cyndi and Jessica for giving pony rides to the kids, to Trish for donating fantastic homemade jams, to Victoria for donating stall guards, to Carolina and Family who volunteered all day long and provided cookies for our bake sale, to Andrea for homemade brownies, and Michele for exotic Turkish goods. Also thanks to Shelby & Cheri who signed up new volunteers, and to Allison for offering to help sponsor Macho. Big thanks to the Clayton Pioneer, whose article helped bring publicity and support to our event.

Ashna enjoys her first pony ride with proud papa Swapan

All proceeds from the pony rides and homemade goodies sale directly benefit the care of the horses.

Fritz's bright and happy smile

Neigh Savers’ Northern California program is proud to bring Fritz Grau into its program. Fritz is a six year old, 16.3 h/h chestnut gelding. Fritz was a fierce competitor on the track and known around the barn for his gentle, kind, and even personality. He has always loved the attention of people and munching on his carrot treats. Fritz is currently in rehabilitation for a slight shin fracture and should be able to return to work around August 2010.

Fritz has a special story. His dam, College Band, was found on a feedlot in foal and gave birth to a stillborn foal. After being rescued by a well-known California horse breeder, College Band became a favorite dam and produced some very fine racers over the years.

Geri named Fritz after an old friend who always talked race horses and loved the track and all things racing. However, Mr. Fritz Grau could never be convinced to participate as a race horse owner. Several years ago, Mr. Grau was diagnosed with terminal cancer. Although he had never owned a horse, his dear friend, Geri, named this kind, young colt after him. In his final days, Mr. Grau found much joy in visiting his namesake at the barn.

As fate would have it, Mr. Grau’s widow, Susan, is helping to sponsor Fritz in her beloved husband’s memory. Mrs. Grau writes: “Fritz is a gorgeous, friendly horse as you are probably aware, and named after my wonderful, gorgeous, friendly, unfortunately deceased husband. Thank you so much for his care and being there.”

Fritz and Cat's Matching Sock

Fritz has excellent conformation, a short back, and clean legs. With his personality, heart, and physical build, he will make a fine riding partner and best friend to a very special person. We look forward to seeing Fritz find his new career, but in the meantime he and Ymustichasethecat are the best of friends, spending their days paling around the paddock and joined at the hip.  The two chestnuts look like twins.  They even each have one white sock on rear right legs!

Fritz will be available more adoption in the fall. We are currently accepting applications for him. Interested? Email: karin@neighsavers.com