SIGN IN YOUR ACCOUNT TO HAVE ACCESS TO DIFFERENT FEATURES

FORGOT YOUR PASSWORD?

FORGOT YOUR DETAILS?

AAH, WAIT, I REMEMBER NOW!

Sidelines MagazineSidelines Magazine

  • LOGIN
  • Home
  • Current Issue
  • Subscriptions
    • Flipbook
    • Subscribe Options
    • Order Individual & Back Issues
  • Podcast
  • Marketplace
    • Business Ads
    • Directories
      • Barns, Farms, Trainers & Clubs
      • Equestrian Services
      • Real Estate
      • Stallions
      • Tack & Feed Stores
    • Classifieds
    • Horse Trailers for Sale
  • Advertise
  • Blogs
    • Show World
    • What’s Happenin’
  • Partners
  • Contacts
    • Contacts
    • Employment
0
Monday, July 27 2015 / Published in Sidelines Spotlight

Alice Faye — From Kill Pen to the Thoroughbred Makeover

By Katie Navarra

Stacey Sheley and her rescue mare Alice Faye. Photo by Amanda Jean Photography

Stacey Sheley and her rescue mare Alice Faye.
Photo by Amanda Jean Photography

It was the day before Valentine’s Day when Stacey Sheley, founder of Open Door Equine in McCordsville, Indiana, received a phone call from an acquaintance who worked to save horses from slaughter. The woman had arranged a deal with a kill buyer that allowed her an opportunity to rehome a handful of horses each time a new shipment arrived at the kill pen.

Insistent that Stacey see one particular horse, the woman sent a picture of the horse’s pedigree. “The horse’s sire was Cryptoclearance,” Stacey said. An avid horse racing fan since childhood, Stacey remembered the athletic stallion who won the 1987 Florida Derby. That same year he finished fourth in the Kentucky Derby, third in the Preakness Stakes and second in the Belmont Stakes.

“This mare was out of his last batch of babies. Never in my life did I think I’d have the opportunity to own a horse of that caliber of breeding,” Stacey said.

With only 24 hours to decide whether or not to buy the dapple-gray mare, named Alice Faye, Stacey scrambled to find $400 and a friend with a truck and trailer willing to travel 45 minutes to the kill pen to collect the mare.

When Stacey arrived, she was uncertain the mare would survive. She estimated the mare’s body condition to be a 1.5. It was the worst she’d ever seen a horse. Shortly after arriving, she learned that this was the mare’s second trip to the kill buyer’s pen.

The first time she ended up there, the buyer recognized the mare’s pedigree. He contacted a friend in the racing industry and asked if he’d like to buy the mare and race her. Alice Faye returned to the track, ran until she stopped winning and when the trainer was finished with her, he sent her back to the same kill pen he bought her from.

Alice Faye at the home of the lady who rescued her from the kill buyer. “This was the day I met her when she staggered over to me, touched my elbow and looked me in the eye,” Stacey said.

Alice Faye at the home of the lady who rescued her from the kill buyer. “This was the day I met her when she staggered over to me, touched my elbow and looked me in the eye,” Stacey said.

A Second Chance

Starved and barely clinging to life, Alice Faye seized her chance at a better life. “As I was about to turn down the offer, Alice staggered towards me, touched me on the elbow and looked me in the eye,” Stacey said.

That was it — Stacey knew she couldn’t leave her.

After rescuing Alice Faye they body clipped her to see her condition. This photo shows her hip.

After rescuing Alice Faye they body clipped her to see her condition. This photo shows her hip.

“After I got her home we body clipped her to see what was going on. You could feel every nook and cranny of her shoulder and spine,” Stacey said. A chart on her stall door tracked how much she ate and drank on an hourly basis.

By late March/early April, she started to turn around. “We did some lungeing exercises with her to get her brain working and she stayed calm the whole time,” Stacey said.

Seeing promise in the mare, Stacey decided that when Alice was strong enough she’d begin training her for dressage. As training progressed, it became clear that Alice was a quick learner. Supporters who watched the mare’s progress encouraged Stacey to enter her in the 2015 Thoroughbred Makeover event sponsored by the Retired Racehorse Project.

Designed to encourage and support the transition of off-the-track Thoroughbreds (OTTB) into a second career, the Thoroughbred Makeover is one part of a weekend-long event celebrating off-the-track Thoroughbreds.

The event, scheduled for October 23–25, 2015, at the Kentucky Horse Park, will feature 350 Thoroughbreds who began their careers as racehorses and have since been retrained in one of 10 disciplines ranging from dressage and show jumping to hunter, eventing, competitive trail, barrel racing, fox hunting, polo, ranch work and freestyle.

Cryptoclearance Connection

Once entered, Stacey met Anna Frensemeyer, founder of Crytpo Aero (a wholefood horse feed made with all-natural, non-GMO products and includes ingredients like papaya, rosehips and more). “Anna heard we entered the Thoroughbred Makeover and called to ask if she could be our feed sponsor,” Stacey said. The sponsorship was a perfect fit, as Alice Faye and Crypto Aero, the feed’s namesake, are half-siblings. “After Crypto Aero passed away, Anna made it her mission to feed all his brothers and sisters,” she added.

Not only was the feed a connection to other owners of Cryptoclearance offspring, it was a game changer for Alice Faye. “Now that she’s on the feed, she’s more relaxed and even though she’s outside, her coat is a darker gray,” Stacey said.

Well-fed and ready for a warm-up show, Stacey entered Alice into her first dressage competition on May 17, 2015. “She was cantering backwards in the warm-up arena and I thought we’d never get through the test,” she said.

Once Alice passed through the in-gate she settled down and earned a 56, enough for a first place finish. Back at the stall, Alice was quick to destroy the evidence of her winning performance. “She pulled the first place rosette off her stall, chewed it up and spit it out,” Stacey laughed.

Through her participation in the Thoroughbred Makeover event, Stacey hopes that her story will inspire others to take on retraining off-the-track Thoroughbreds. “A lot of race horse owners truly care what happens to their horses after racing. My first Thoroughbred was given to me simply because he wasn’t working for his owners and they wanted him to have a good home,” she said.

Alice Faye enjoying her new life.

Alice Faye enjoying her new life.

Giving Back

Offering horses and people alike a second chance has been Stacey’s mission since 2011 when she established Open Door Equine with $1,000.

Since then, the facility has expanded and is now home to 23 horses. Open Door Equine offers boarding, lessons, rescue and retraining to a devoted following of clients and Stacey is currently in the process of starting a program to benefit the physical, emotional and mental well-being of the people who come to the barn for lessons.

“We work with veterans, we have a PATH (Professional Association of Therapeutic Horsemanship) instructor here and I am EAGALA (Equine Assisted Growth and Learning Association) certified to serve individuals with mental health and human development needs,” Stacey said.

The facility is a not-for-profit, all-volunteer barn. “We have a pretty awesome gaggle of folks who want to be a part of this. I couldn’t do it without their help,” Stacey concluded.

To learn more about Stacey and Open Door Equine, visit www.opendoorequine.com. For additional information about the Retired Racehorse Project and updates on the Thoroughbred Makeover event, visit www.retiredracehorseproject.org.

About the writer: Katie Navarra has worked as a freelancer since 2001. She has been a lifelong horse lover and owns a dun Quarter Horse mare she competes.

 

Photos courtesy of Stacey Sheley, unless noted otherwise

Double D Trailers Info

Tagged under: alice faye, cryptoclearance, kill pen, open door equine, ottb, stacey sheley, thoroughbred makeover

What you can read next

Maddy Keck: At Home at Savannah College of Art and Design
Allegra and Octavia Peardon: Moving to France, Horses and All 
Making Miracles at SIRE Therapeutic Equestrian Centers

Download Sidelines Digital now from your favorite app store!

Sidelines Magazine - Apple store   Sidelines Magazine - Google Play store   Sidelines Magazine - Amazon store
Update iOS app. Re-download Google Play and Amazon app.

Follow on Instagram!

sidelines_magazine

Sidelines Magazine
It's finally Spring🌷🌻☀️! Get your barn s It's finally Spring🌷🌻☀️! Get your barn set up with a Pyranha SprayMaster Misting System. 
✅Provides whole barn insect control! 
✅Easy to install with basic tools!
✅Electric pump & programmable automatic timer!

Get yours today!
@pyranhalife

#pyranhalife #madeintheusa #pyranha #equestrian #horselife #horselifestyle #barncare
Marie Meyers has been around the world because of Marie Meyers has been around the world because of dressage, but it’s her farm in Moorpark, California, that has captured her heart. The farm and the business that thrives there represent Marie’s lifelong journey—a journey made up of good friends, spectacular horses and relationships made to last.

Marie was raised in Southern California, and spent her childhood playing just about every sport under the sun, but she didn’t discover riding until she was 14 years old. “I loved animals so much, so I started taking lessons. I did jumping at first, but I was very bad at that, for sure!” Marie laughed.

After some time, Marie moved on to take lessons at Foxfield Riding Academy and began riding dressage. “I fell into dressage by accident,” Marie said, “At the beginning, I thought it was extremely boring, but then I got hooked. By the time I graduated from high school, I had plans to travel to England to work for Franz Rochowansky, a former head of the Spanish Riding School.”

In 1988, Marie’s hard work paid off, and the pair was selected as alternates for the 1988 Summer Olympic Games. “They didn’t take the alternates that year, so we didn’t go to Seoul, but the experience, the training and the European Tour afterwards set me up for the 1990 World Equestrian Games in Stockholm, Sweden,” Marie said.

In addition to having success representing her country, Marie was busy with her life—marriage, a business, teaching lessons and clinics. 

Learn more about Marie in this month's edition of Sidelines Magazine. Click the link in our bio for more 🦄

📸Photos by Lindsey Long Equine Photography, www.lindseylong.com

#dressage #equestrian #horse #horses #horsesofinstagram #dressagehorse #equestrianlife #showjumping #horseriding #equine #pony #pferd #instahorse #dressur #horselove #eventing #equestrianstyle #cheval #dressagerider #horselife #horselover #pferde #love #riding #jumping #pferdeliebe #horseofinstagram #horsebackriding #paard #dressurpferd
We are starting a ‼️new series‼️ here on o We are starting a ‼️new series‼️ here on our socials where we share some of the lovely stallions, and their breeders featured in each month's magazine. Our first feature on this #STUDSunday is...

 ✨ALVESTA OWAIN✨
Thistledown Arctic Lore x Alvesta Fairy Lustre
13.1hh, Welsh section B
Stud Fee $750 (plus collection)
AI only and EVA negative
Fairfield, VA

Contact Cheryl Maye at (703) 431-9096 for more information
https://www.mayeshowponies.com/more-info/stallions

You can find ALL of the stallions featured towards the back of the magazine in the equestrian gallery. Keep a look out EVERY Sunday for a new handsome STUD muffin🧁 and don't forget to subscribe to get your very own edition of Sidelines Magazine, the magazine for horse people, about horse people 🦄

📸  SAS Equestrian
‼️ROB JACOBS COLUMN‼️ The purpose of this ‼️ROB JACOBS COLUMN‼️

The purpose of this month’s column is to help the young equestrians of our sport develop and maintain healthy friendships within the industry. Cultivating healthy relationships with other members within the industry is not as easy as one may think. As a young equestrian, it may be difficult navigating friendships at the barn and at horse shows. Typically, kids have friendships within the barn they ride at but also friendships with others from different barns in their area. 

Initially, it may seem as though making other friends in the sport would be easy and ideal; after all, there is the common interest of horses. However, because of the natural therapeutic benefits of horses, the sport has a history of attracting all types of people, with a wide range of personalities. This can be both an advantage and a drawback. We are now in an era that acknowledges the growing need to discuss and manage one’s mental health. 

One thing I have learned is that we are likely to notice mental health challenges at an age younger than most people may think. Some of the friendship dynamics I have observed over the years have caused me to pause and really think about the future of our sport. Without looking for a source to blame for the cause of this, i.e. social media, parents, school, teachers, etc., I think if all adults involved worked to encourage, affirm, love, and respect our youth, the likelihood of them developing authentic friendships with their peers may increase.

Both humans and horses were designed to have connected relationships. These relationships allow a greater sense of security when one experiences challenges in life. Cultivating the quality and authenticity of these relationships requires intentional work. 

Thank you Rob for providing your helpful insight on developing healthy relationships. Check out his tips in his column you can find in the link in our bio.
Never miss a story by subscribing to Sidelines Magazine🦄 

Photo by Blenheim Equisports

#horse #horses #horsesofinstagram #equestrian #horseriding #equine #hunterjumper #equestrianlife #horselove #dressage #sidelinesmagzine
Load More... Follow on Instagram

From Our Classifieds Ads

  • CS REALTY - TRYON AREA
    CS REALTY - TRYON AREA Chuck Stark (843) 568-3974 www.chuckstark.com

    [Read more]

  • THE TACKERIA
    13501 South Shore Blvd., Suite 107 Wellington, FL 33414 561-793-2012 800-882-7656 info@tackeria.com www.tackeria.com

    [Read more]

Sidelines Articles by Email

Subscribe to Sidelines Magazine Articles by Email

RSS Sidelines Blogs: What’s Happenin’

  • Get More for Your Money with an Adjustable-Rate Mortgage
  • Longines Global Champions Tour of New York Returns to Governors Island
  • A Paris Horse Adventure: Saut Hermes 2022

RSS Sidelines Blogs: Show World

  • Will Coleman Retains Yanmar America CCI4*-S Lead in Dramatic Show Jumping at Setters’ Run Farm Carolina International
  • First edition of the World Sport Horse Sales was a hit with $410.000 for the most expensive horse
  • Liz Halliday-Sharp Takes Third Victory in $50,000 Grand-Prix Eventing Festival at Bruce’s Field

Category

Recent Posts

  • April 2023 – Table of Contents

    Subscribe for just $9.95 or Order Individual Is...
  • Building a Bond With a New Horse

    By Margie Sugarman I just bought a new horse. I...
  • Developing Healthy Relationships With Your Barnmates

    By Rob Jacobs The purpose of this month’s colum...
  • The Value of Self-Coaching

    By Liz Halliday-Sharp The sport of eventing is ...
  • Unbridled With Annette Longenecker

    By Britney Grover  Annette Longenecker wasn’t j...

Copyright © 1987 - 2021 Sidelines Magazine
Privacy Policy · Returns & Refunds Policy · Hosting by Lucian Web Service
· Login

TOP
Get the Sidelines Scoop — your weekly look behind the scenes.Sign me up!