“What do you do with an aging backstretch employee who has lived in a tackroom most of their life and depends on the racetrack for an income and is or will become too frail to work? When that fragile horse person loses his or her job, he or she stand to lose their living quarters and benevolent benefits. The answer is far from easy, in fact, I remember (on several occasions) it being a nightmare! There is a new developing program called “STABLE FOOTING” heading to starting gate and I am very hopeful for a strong finish and we could all pitch in no matter how little or a lot. Let’s get this horse to the Finish Line!
Here is a message from former Maryland trainer Scott Regan and retired pony girl Cathy Rosenberger.
“Good afternoon and thank you for allowing me a few moments of your time.
Before I begin, I want to express my sincere gratitude to the Maryland Thoroughbred Horsemen’s Association and its leadership for all of the improvements that have been made over the last three decades. Life for racetrack workers today is significantly better than it once was, thanks in large part to their efforts.
However, despite that progress, there remains a group of former workers, trainers, jockeys, and horsemen who have fallen through the cracks. These are people who dedicated their lives to this industry but now find themselves struggling with financial hardship, declining health, isolation, or simply the challenges that come with aging.
That is why Cathy Rosenberger and I created Stable Footing.
The idea began last year after I became aware of the living conditions and quality of life of several retired racetrack workers. What I saw troubled me deeply. These were proud people who had spent decades working hard, caring for horses, and contributing to the sport we all love. Yet many were facing daily challenges that most of us would never imagine.
Two longtime friends in particular were living under circumstances that no one should have to endure. They were overwhelmed financially, physically exhausted, and emotionally worn down.
They had little hope that things could improve. What struck me most was that neither lacked determination. Neither lacked character. What they lacked was guidance, support, and someone willing to sit down, assess their situation, and help them find a path forward
One year later, both are in a much better place-physically, mentally, and financially. Yes, some financial assistance was required. But more importantly, they needed someone who cared enough to help them make informed decisions and access resources that were already available to them.
That experience convinced me that there are many others facing similar struggles.
Stable Footing exists to provide advice, guidance, compassion, education, and when necessary, financial assistance. Our goal is not simply to solve a temporary problem, but to help people regain stability and dignity in their lives.
Those of us who spent years on the backside understand something unique about this community.
Whenever someone yelled “LOOSE HORSE,” nobody stopped to ask whose horse it was. They only asked where?
And then they ran towards the problem.
We ran because a horse was in trouble, and because helping each other was simply what we did.
It was one of the first lessons many of us learned at the racetrack. We were all in it together.
As the years have passed, I think every trainer, rider, and owner has come to appreciate an important truth: there are no leading trainers, no leading riders, and no successful racing operations without the hardworking men and women behind the scenes who make everything possible.
From the time I was eighteen years old until I was forty-six, I spent nearly every day surrounded by those people. Collectively, they remain among the finest people I have ever known.
Earlier this year, I learned something that deeply affected me. Eddie Sweat, Secretariat’s groom and arguably the most recognized groom in horse racing history, had been buried without a headstone because there were insufficient funds to provide one. I first met Mr. Sweat in 1973 when | was a young groom living in a bunkhouse at Pimlico. He was there with Secretariat for the Preakness. Standing outside that stall and speaking with him was a moment I never forgot.
Years later, knowing what Secretariat would accomplish and what Mr. Sweat meant to racing, it seemed impossible that his final resting place would go unmarked.
Thankfully, a group of devoted racing fans came together to correct that wrong. Through their efforts, Eddie Sweat now has a memorial worthy of his contribution to the sport.
That story serves as a reminder that even the most recognizable members of our racing family can be forgotten if someone does not step forward.
Stable Footing exists to make sure more people are remembered, supported, and helped when they need it most.
I understand that Cathy and I cannot accomplish this alone. The success of this organization will depend upon people who share the belief that those who devoted their lives to racing deserve support, respect, and dignity as they grow older.
Whether through donations, volunteer efforts, fundraising ideas, memorial gifts, grants, or simply spreading the word, there are many ways to help.
The truth is simple:
It takes a village.
Stable Footing is built upon the same spirit that existed every time someone shouted “LOOSE HORSE.” It is built upon the belief that we take care of our own.
I recently heard a quote that has stayed with me: “Kindness costs nothing, but changes everything.”
I believe that is exactly what this organization is about.
And I would like to close with a quote from Abraham Lincoln that I learned many years ago but only fully appreciated with age: “It’s not the years in your life that count; it’s the life in your years.”
The men and women who gave so much to this industry deserve to have life in their years.
If you believe that too, I respectfully ask for your support in helping Stable Footing fulfill its mission.
Thank you for your time, your consideration, and everything you have done for our racing community.
Respectfully,
Scott T. Regan”
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