Dale & Patti Shirley Equine Encore Foundation
In 2005, Equine Encore Foundation (EEF) officially began as Patti Shirley, a noted Southwest-based conditioner, transitioned her 120-acre farm in Tucson from a breeding and training facility into an aftercare facility. Her passion changed from bringing out the competitive best of the equine athletes under her care to providing the best for them once their racing careers had come to an end.
“Racing is a business,” Shirley said, “Here, we’re dealing with living creatures who have given us so much and ask so little in return. We need to step up and take care of our athletes.”
She did so in a big way. Over 100 former racehorses have enjoyed long-term retirement at EEF where the focus is mostly on retirement and sanctuary as many residents suffered injuries that prohibited them from having a second athletic career.
“Those are the ones I really care about,” said Shirley who realized that many people cannot afford to pay for a “pasture pal” anymore. “People have no idea the problem horses encounter when leaving the racetrack, these athletes did their jobs, paid their dues and they deserve a dignified retirement.”