ReRun gives retired racehorses a second chance at life

Montgomery — ReRun, a nationwide adoption agency that helps thoroughbred racehorses achieve new careers, benefited from a successful trail ride fundraiser held at the Stewart Buffer Lands on Sept. 17. A team of volunteers joined Debbie Schiraldi, an equestrian properties realtor of Hudson Heritage Realty who was the first main sponsor of this charity event. Schiraldi and her daughter, Alyson, adopted a ReRun horse five years ago and have for years been getting the word out in the Hudson Valley about the ReRun program. Linda Meyer, an avid trail rider and advocate for horse trails in New York State, was the course designer. The trails weaved their way through the scenic hills of the Stewart Buffer Lands, a 5,500-acre park in Montgomery. Local businesses joined forces to help the ReRun team. Raffle tickets were drawn every half-hour, and a Golden Horseshoe Hunt was a challenge to riders who wanted to take home a major prize with a value up to $100. Schiraldi thanks Gary Galati, a local attorney; Scott Greene of the Tuthill Insurance Agency; Kathy Casper of Whinnies and Knickers Tack Shop; and Hudson Heritage Realty, the Golden Horseshoe sponsors. Coca Cola of New Windsor, Cunningham Livestock Insurance, Horse Hollow Press, Don Maney Tack Shop, Kevin Dunleavy, Spear Brothers Feed, New York Mortgage, HAS Home Warranty, and Budget Blinds made donations. Wings and Things did catering job that resembled a chuck wagon. This was the first ReRun trail ride fundraiser in the buffer lands, and Schiraldi plans to organize another one next year. “This event was a success financially and a tremendous hit in getting ReRun’s name out to the public,” she said. “Remember, when you’re looking to buy a new horse, check out ReRun.org. You never know where you’ll find that diamond in the rough.” For more information about the ReRun Program, visit or e-mail Schiraldi at Debbie@hudsonheritagerealty.com.