Q&A with Second Call

I spoke with Laurie Lane at Second Call to learn more about their program.

Where is Second Call based?

It is based at Monmouth Park with partner farms in Thurmont, Maryland, and Jackson, Millstone, and Hunter’s Run, New Jersey.

How did your program begin?

Laurie was a co-founder of ReRun in the early 90s. ReRun was a national program with satellite farms in eleven states. Monmouth was always supportive of this program. At some point Laurie recognized Monmouth’s need for its own, dedicated aftercare program and left ReRun to form Second Call in 2012. 

What makes Second Call unique?

Second Call does a lot of triage. They model the program after Turning for Home. Being at the track, Laurie is able to evaluate the horses. At Second Call, they rehabilitate the horse before working with a partner farm to retrain and rehome the horses. Second Call maintains ownership while horses are in triage. 

What are the criteria for accepting a horse into your program? What happens after a horse is accepted?

The horse has to be stabled or running at Monmouth to be accepted. Once accepted, Second Call does a full soundness evaluation with a veterinarian. We decided on a best course of action. If the horse needs rehab, the horse stays with Second Call until it is ready for retraining. When a horse is ready for retraining and rehoming, Second Call works with After The Races, Thoroughbred Retirement, Rehabilitation and Careers, and Bluebloods. These programs receive a care stipend when taking a horse.

Do you require new owners to do reporting?

When a horse is transferred to one of the retraining programs, that program has ownership. Once the horse is adopted, the program includes Second Call on the paperwork, which lets them know where and to whom the horse was adopted. Additionally, it provides a double safety net, as Second Call can be contacted if something goes awry with the horse.

How many horses have gone through your program?

In the first few years, the number of horses was smaller, but in recent years Second Call has averaged 40-50 retirements per meet.

How does Second Call receive funding?

Second Call receives funding via Monmouth Park, private donations, and grants. They also have TAA accreditation, which provides funding. New Jersey Thoroughbred Horsemen’s Association holds an annual golf outing that provides funding as well.

Do you have a story about a horse that we can share with our readers?

Laurie had a story about PJ’s Bad Boy:

PJ’s Bad Boy came to Second Call with quite the “Bad Boy” reputation. He was a super confident horse that had neither patience nor tolerance for his humans. PJ had an amazing breeder/owner, who after a conversation with him, it was evident he loved PJ very much and wanted the best for him. PJ was spoiled and always got his way. He became a bit of a monster child and would lash out if asked to do the simplest task, such as stand still for the vet. PJ arrived on our farm and met his “Super Nanny”. Just like the show Super Nanny, Marilyn has an amazing gift to read and understand what each and every horses needs. Marilyn looked at him with a smile and said, “You’ve been a naughty, naughty boy.” Marilyn spent months teaching our resident bad boy manners and that love sometimes means being told no. 

One night we get an email from Beth, who sadly told us she lost her beloved horse and PJ had caught her eye. We very quickly realized how amazing Beth would be as an adopter for PJ. With all his quirks Beth was sure this was her next forever companion. PJ started his 1,200 mile journey to warm and sunny Florida. Beth describes her Bad Boy, “He is the sweetest, funniest boy. Kids who come for their lessons stop and give PJ kisses and treats along with the adults. I love him to pieces!!!!” No words can describe the feeling we get when a horse gets a momma like Beth!

If people want to help your program, what can they do?

Second Call is always glad to accept monetary donations, as well as gift cards for supplies. Most importantly, Laurie wants people to do the right thing. To quote her “I want to not be needed.”

You can learn more about Second Call at https://sctap.com/

You also can follow them on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SecondCallThoroughbreds 

To learn about another aftercare program, read this article.