named programs · 1 · from sources
What they call their work
Thoroughbred Adoption Program
Rescues retired racehorses from Finger Lakes Racetrack and places them in qualified homes across various disciplines including trail riding, lesson programs, and competitive events
activities · 3 groups
What they do
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Equine Rescue and Retirement Care 6 activities
- Adopter transportation assistanceSupports adopters by facilitating transportation arrangements for retired racehorses, helping them locate qualified shippers to move adopted horses.
- Equine retraining and post-adoption supportManages retraining programs for adopted horses to prepare them for second careers in riding and competition, including documented success in transitioning horses to Pre-Children’s, 4H, and USEF “AA” Children's circuit events.
- On-site horse care and barn operationsConducts daily barn chores including stall cleaning, feeding, grooming, and general horse care to maintain the health and well-being of retired racehorses housed at the Purple Haze Center.
- Rehabilitation care for retired racehorsesProvides comprehensive rehabilitative care for injured, underweight, or behaviorally challenged retired racehorses, including treatment for fractured cannon bones, tendon injuries, movement issues, and stall anxiety. Care includes turnout, ground pole work, Adequan treatment, nutritional support, and slow retraining protocols.
- Retired racehorse adoption programPlaces retired Thoroughbred racehorses from Finger Lakes Gaming & Racetrack into adoptive homes or approved equine placement organizations, with applicant screening to ensure suitable care. Facilitated the adoption of at least 34 horses between December 2025 and June 2026, and has rehomed over 400 Thoroughbreds since inception.
- Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance accreditationMaintains accreditation from the Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance, first achieved in October 2014, demonstrating adherence to high standards in equine care and adoption practices.
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Nonprofit Internship Programs 1 activity
- Equine management internship programOffers annual internships focused on equine management, including hands-on experience in barn operations, medical care, grooming, nutrition, and retraining of retired racehorses.
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Uncategorized 1 activity
- Youth and community engagement programsOffers scheduled group tours for 4H groups, riding clubs, and youth organizations, and participates in local community and fundraising events to promote awareness of retired racehorse adoption.
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financials · form 990 · fy2024
revenue
Total revenue$301K
Contributions & grants$205K68%
Program service revenue$96K32%
Investment income$640%
Other revenue$408
expenses
Total expenses$208K
Program expenses94%
Admin / overhead6%
Fundraising0%
Salaries & benefits$86K
Grants paid out$0
Largest expense lineCompensation
balance sheet
Total assets$572K
Cash$369K
Investments$0
Liabilities$2K
Net assets$570K
Liquid reserves21.3 mo
4 years on record · 2020–2024 · YoY revenue +40.5%
leadership · form 990 part vii · fy2024
Who runs it
board members · 11
- Chris Riegle — Board Member
- Dave Brown — Board Member
- Kim DeLong — President
- Mike Lecesse — Board Member
- Natalie D'Aurizo — Secretary
- Neil DeMoney — Treasurer
- Patrick Placito — Board Member
- Paul Barrow — Board Member
- Richard Cutri — Board Member
- Vieden Zahariev — Board Member
- Wanda Polisseni — Vice President
relationships · 21
Who they work with
- American Humane Association Funder — Provided a grant for the construction of the Purple Haze Center.
- Camp Good Days Partner — Hosted a visit from Camp Good Days as part of group tour programming.
- Delaware North Companies Partner — Donated two acres of land at Finger Lakes Gaming and Racetrack for the construction of the Purple Haze Center.
- Delaware North Companies Partner — Several board members have professional ties to Delaware North Companies, which operates Finger Lakes Gaming & Racetrack.
- Facebook Network — Uses Facebook group for outreach and engagement with potential adopters and supporters
- Finger Lakes Finest Thoroughbreds, Inc. Partner — Collaborates with trainers at the track and people interested in acquiring off-the-track Thoroughbreds (OTTB) to help retiring racehorses find new homes.
- Finger Lakes Gaming & Racetrack Partner — Multiple board members are employed at Finger Lakes Gaming & Racetrack, indicating an operational and personnel partnership.
- Finger Lakes Gaming & Racetrack Partner — Source of retired Thoroughbreds placed into adoptive homes through FLTAP's program.
- Finger Lakes Gaming and Racetrack Partner — Partnered with FLTAP in establishing the Thoroughbred adoption program and provided land for the Purple Haze Center.
- Finger Lakes HBPA Partner — Wanda Polisseni and Dave Brown have leadership roles in the Finger Lakes Horsemen’s Benevolent & Protective Association, indicating a collaborative relationship with FLTAP.
- Horsemen's Benevolent Protection Agency Partner — Collaborated with FLTAP on addressing the post-racing welfare of Thoroughbred horses.
- NYBreds Partner — Partner organization supporting FLTAP, indicated by logo display.
- New York State Senator Michael F. Nozzolio Government — Secured $60,000 in state funding for the construction of the Purple Haze Center.
- Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance Network — Accredited FLTAP in October 2014, indicating formal affiliation and adherence to aftercare standards.
- Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance Network — FLTAP is an accredited organization of the Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance.
- Thoroughbred Charities of America Funder — Listed as a major supporter and grantee, indicating funding relationship.
- USEF Partner — Adopted thoroughbred competes in USEF-sanctioned events following rehoming.
- Victoria B Creative Partner — Provided website design and maintenance services for FLTAP.
- Wanda Polisseni Funder — Provided significant funding for the project and inspired the naming of the Purple Haze Center through her stable, Purple Haze Stables.
- Warsaw County 4-H Partner — Hosted members of Warsaw County 4-H for a group tour or camp activity.
- ladyalina14@yahoo.com Partner — Primary contact email for coordinating volunteer and internship applications and group opportunities.
strategies · 3
How they approach the work
Named approaches extracted from this org’s sources. Where others share an approach, follow it to see the full set of orgs running it.
- Herd-Simulated Environment for Retrainingmethodology: herd-simulated housing designBy housing horses in facility designs that simulate natural herd dynamics—using vision slots, open fronts, and spacious movement areas—the organization reduces stress and supports psychological well-being during retraining, because environmental enrichment improves adaptability and readiness for adoption.
- Individualized Rehabilitation and Matching Modelmethodology: individualized_rehoming_assessmentBy assessing each horse's temperament, physical traits, and behavioral tendencies, the organization matches retired racehorses to adopters whose experience, resources, and goals align with the horse’s needs and potential, because personalized placement increases long-term adoption success and equine welfare.
- Second-Career Rehabilitation Theorymethodology: second-career-rehabilitationBy providing structured rehabilitation and training, retired racehorses can successfully transition into new roles, because their athleticism and trainability—when properly supported—enable them to thrive in second careers rather than face neglect or slaughter.