Bright Futures Farm is an equine charity whose primary focus is re-homing off the track Thoroughbreds…horses that can no longer race due to disinterest or injury.  Once deemed “unprofitable” by their owners, tens of thousands each year are sent to auction with the owner knowing full-well that the majority will be purchased by “kill buyers” for slaughter (for human consumption overseas).

Our dedication has grown to include providing sanctuary for older horses that are unwanted after their “useful years” are over, including older stallions that cannot be gelded due to the risk of complications.  We are one of only two known facilities in the United States that accept senior stallions.

We are always in need of foster homes. When you foster a horse you help us save one more from harm.  Fostering expenses are tax-deductible.  If you have room, please ask us about our foster program.

Dalhart Darlin' is Missing

Dalhart Darlin'

1997 dark brown/bay Thoroughbred mare

15.3 - 16.1 hands

IDENTIFIABLE MARKINGS:

star on forehead shaped like the state of Texas

white "dot"/spot on back of RF leg approximately 4 inches above knee.

Lip Tattoo starts with A00

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Darlin was adopted by Margaret "Peg" Sherrod of 1901 SW 118 Avenue, Davie, Florida in spring of 2001.  Peg knew the rules very well.  She had even asked us at one point if she could "share" ownership of Darlin, and we said no. 

In January of 2004 Peg's "wonderful" husband, Curtis, "gave" Darlin to her sister in law, Debbie Sherrod of Port St. Lucie, Florida.  I located Debbie through a flyer that we had posted at Calder racetrack.  Debbie told us that Curtis was very clear that the horse was theirs to give away. 

Debbie advertised Darlin for sale through an ad in Horse and Tack magazine in April of 2004.  Debbie knew her bloodlines and asked $2500 for Darlin.  She did not sell her through that ad.

Debbie then took Darlin to Florida Classic Horse Sales at 3781 N.W. 100th Street,  Ocala, Florida 34475-1309

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At the Florida Classic Horse Sales that day, Darlin was purchased by a woman named Cathy Wyckoff from Ocala who kept her a month then traded her to a dealer named Norman Franklin, again, at Florida Classic Horse Sales, on August 21, 2004. 

Norman Franklin, the dealer who acquired her on August 21 did not remember Darlin, and therefore, we have hit a wall regarding her whereabouts. 

We need YOUR help.

With god's help, and the generous help of a wonderful private detective and friend, in Davie, we have traced Darlin this far.  She could be anywhere.

 We have received absolutely no help from Margaret (Peg) Sherrod - the woman who knew she was required to return the horse if she no longer wanted to care for her (and the saddest part of this entire situation is that we contacted Margaret TWICE while the horse was still with her sister in law - attempting to ask for an update.  We got nowhere, because every time I identified myself on the phone, the person on the other end hanged the receiver up.  My emails went unanswered.  It would have been so simple at that point to say "we don't want her, take her back".   For reasons that may remain a mystery, she didn't do that, and she now faces both civil and criminal prosecution for her actions.  Beyond that, *IF* she has a conscience, she has to live with herself, and I hope she never has another restful night.

If you think you can help us in any way - EVEN LOOKING AT HORSES THAT SEEM TO FIT DARLIN'S DESCRIPTION  PLEASE CONTACT US.  We just want to make sure she's in a good home, and let the family know that she has a home with us if at some point they can no longer keep her.

- the star and white spot are a definitive identifying marks, and the lip tattoo will confirm her identity (she has no other markings unless she's acquired a scar) -

Thank you.

info@brightfuturesfarm.org

814-827-8270