Second Chance for Horses

Matt Seacrist started Second Chance for Horses, a nonprofit rescue, just as the economy slid into a recession. In spite of an uphill battle for financing, Seacrist and his partners, Dezeray and Mike Peters, manage to keep taking in and rehabilitating the horses no one else wants.

"People call me from the race track or dump off horses they don't want or can't take care of anymore," Seacrist said.

Second Chance is on leased property in Parkland. They also have a another location in Okeechobee. Dezeray Peters takes horses to Okeechobee to have more room to train them.

"It started with a couple and now she has six up there. We go back and forth a lot," Mike Peters said.

Training involves teaching ex-racehorses how to relax and be ridden for pleasure.

"Most of the horses here are racetrack thoroughbreds who have retired from the track, either because they weren't fast enough or because of an injury that precluded them from ever working that hard again," Mike Peters said.

Although Second Chance rescues any kind of horse, their focus is on racehorses. Seacrist wants to rehabilitate racehorses in part to change the public's perception of them.

"People don't want to touch thoroughbreds because they think they're psycho," Sea crist said. "But once they get off the track and get off the drugs, they are nice, calm animals."

Second Chance has 13 horses at their Parkland location and six in training in Okeechobee.

"We need to start moving the healthy horses so we have room for more," Mike Peters said. "We've been having a big problem since this financial crunch hit. It's harder to get donations and it's harder to find them homes. People just can't afford it right now."

Anyone who wants to take a look at a horse can view photos and descriptions on the website, www.secondchance

forhorses.org, or schedule an appointment to come to the barn and meet the horse. Donations also are accepted through the website.

"I want to make a real impact, and it's hard without money coming in," Seacrist said. He works full time and is keeping the nonprofit afloat himself.

"Right now, I'm supporting it," he said. "I'm buying feed. Finish Line Feed in Davie donates all kinds of stuff to me. They give us feed and hay. They have been a really big supporter for us."

Second Chance could also use additional volunteers.

"We want people to know that we're here. We could use help, either financially or by people coming out to volunteer."

In spite of the strain on his budget, Seacrist refuses to give up on the rescue. He's taken on second jobs in order to keep it running.

"Eventually I'd like to get bigger," he said. "I'll work myself to death to keep it going. I'm into it too deep to stop now."

By AMY BOWER DOUCETTE