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The cycle of life may appear long and elaborate in biology lessons. However, the reality is quite different, as very few animals or people have the opportunity to live a complete life. Apart from aging, diseases accelerate an organism towards its demise. A Kentucky-bred equestrian racehorse, unfortunately, succumbed to a similar fate, as it perished due to an incurable illness.

The equestrian racehorse had lived for eight long years before finally perishing. The horse breathed its last in its hometown of Kentucky, thanks to the Caribbean Thoroughbred Aftercare Inc. They posted the news of Ruler of the Nile’s demise on social media.

Equestrian body cared for retired horse despite low funds

The Caribbean Thoroughbred Aftercare Inc wrote a short heartfelt obituary on the social media account. The obituary contained details about the career of the equestrian racehorse and also talked about its final days. Ruler of the Nile was born in 2015 and had a racing career of six years. It competed in a total of 40 races throughout its career and fetched a price of $1,000,000 after turning two years old. Ruler of the Nile participated in just two races in 2023, owing to its deteriorating health. However, it secured the first position in its final three races in 2022. 

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The Caribbean Thoroughbred Aftercare Inc. is a non-profit organization. Ruler of the Nile lived its final days at the organization before it succumbed to end-stage degenerative joint disorder. The organization successfully managed to transport Ruler of the Nile to its home in Kentucky in its final days. However, the organization is currently facing a financial crisis and finds itself unable to bear the costs of rehab and operation of horses. Owing to the shortage of funds, the organization has turned to the community for financial help and support. 

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Equine rehab center facing imminent shutdown

The adoption coordinator of the Caribbean Thoroughbred Aftercare, Chrissy Laughlin, spoke about the problems faced by the body. She said, “Responsible aftercare is an imperative duty of the racing industry–one that cannot be overlooked or ignored.” Laughlin also advocates for the proper and dignified retirement of equestrian racehorses. She posts her views regularly via her Twitter account and says that it’s the responsibility of people to pay their horses back. 

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“As they profit from breeding and bringing these magnificent horses to Puerto Rico, it is incumbent upon the industry to step up and provide the essential funding for their lifelong well-being and care,” pointed Laughlin. She argued that the industry is not taking responsibility for these horses after milking their profits. She asserts that the horses, as athletes who have given their all, deserve proper treatment for their contributions. The future of the equestrian rehab facility hangs in the balance as they are facing a shortage of willing adopters. The center closed its doors on 1st August 2023 and is not accepting more horses due to a lack of funds.

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