Dear Source,
In response to your article, Track Open With New Management, But What About the Horses? , I would like to suggest that VICCTRE, TRAXCO, The Horse Racing Commission, The Horse Owners Association, UVI, Dept of Agriculture, Port Authority, and all other interested parties work together to establish an adequate pasture area for retired horses right here on St. Croix.
Directly west of the Racetrack a grazing area can be built with trees and sheds for providing shade for the horses. With several watering areas dispersed throughout the field. With a treatment area where veterinarians can treat abused or sick horses. A quarantine area for horses picked up from the side of the road or found abandoned in open fields. Set up an area where locals as well as tourists can park and look at the horses grazing or running free.
Sending horses to these prisons in the states is a wonderful idea but, why don’t we do the same thing right here to help rehabilitate those in our own jail? Several organizations have already approached the Virgin Islands Police Department about establishing a Mounted Unit to help Patrol our streets and beaches. This facility and these horses could be used to get this unit off the ground.
Law enforcement agencies across the United States rehabilitate and use horses that have been rescued from abuse and neglect. I think this could be a great project that will help take care of the horses and at the same time address many of the concerns we have in our community.
Edwin Torres
St. Croix

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