Free vaccines keep unwanted horses healthy

A Lexington, Ky.-based home for retired thoroughbreds has lengthened many of its horses' lease on life with complimentary vaccines. The vaccines were courtesy of Intervet/Schering-Plough Animal Health and the Unwanted Horse Veterinary Relief Campaign.

Maker's Mark Secretariat Center, operated by the nonprofit Thoroughbred Retirement Foundation, vaccinated a number of horses in its Lexington facility, including Hootie. The 4-year-old Hootie raced only twice, both times unsuccessfully, and was retired to Maker's Mark by his owner. Since then, Hootie has put on weight and trained well, and he already has a potential adopter lined up.