Lexington, Ky – January 6, 2020 – New Vocations Racehorse Adoption Program announced today that the estate of Joyce and Paul Robsham made a $500,000 contribution to the program’s endowment fund. The Robshams were two of New Vocations’ founding supporters and instrumental in creating the endowment fund in 2005.
“Joyce and Paul loved horses and the sport,” said Patricia Davis, executor and trustee of the Robsham Estate. “They firmly believed that breeders and owners were ultimately responsible for their horses’ welfare, and they were adamant that their horses retire from the track before injury to ensure a successful second career. Dot Morgan’s integrity and passion for New Vocations impressed Paul so much that he had no doubt in its future growth and long-term sustainability.”
“Paul was a visionary,” said New Vocations Executive Director Dot Morgan. “He saw the need for racehorse aftercare options long before it was recognized by the industry. He had a vision of New Vocations growing into a first-class charity that would serve racing nationally into perpetuity. The Robshams’ vision and commitment to racehorse aftercare is truly a gift that will ultimately provide sustainability to our program allowing us to serve more horses in the years to come.”
The donation comes during challenging times when all the program’s live fundraising events were cancelled due to COVID-19 and several grants were decreased. At the same time, the nonprofit served more than 600 horses—a record number—in 2020.
New Vocations continues to seek additional support to help the endowment fund grow to a level at which it will become even more sustainable. For information on contributing please contact Andrea Mandella at Andrea@horseadoption.com or visit newvocations.org.
Photo attached: Left is Bill Terrill, Joyce and Paul Robsham and Mike Smith in the trophy presentation for winning the 1995 Alabama Stakes with homebred Pretty Discreet.
