Grace Belcuore, the founder of California Equine Retirement Foundation (CERF), was first and foremost a racing fan. So when the legendary gelding John Henry went off into a ballyhooed retirement at the advanced age of 10, Grace's mind went racing to the sport's other aging veterans. What, the former school teacher wondered, happens to all those lesser-known, yet equally gallant, old geldings when their racing days are done?

Thus was born CERF, first incorporated in September of 1986 and later granted tax-exempt status in May of 1987. The foundation's goal was a relatively simple one — give former racehorses a happy place to retire, — or help them find a new job and new life. Making that basic thought work has been the challenge for Grace and the people who have joined her noble cause.

Two years after its opening, CERF found a home in Winchester in Southern California's Inland Empire. Bit by bit the facility has been refined, expanded and adapted to the work at hand -- the making of that happy home for ex-racehorses. Since its inception, CERF has "rehabilitated" more than 300 thoroughbreds and today runs at maximum capacity with some 70 to 75 resident horses.

CERF's original mission was expanded in 1997 to include assistance to performance horses and an educational program for potential industry employees. It was joined in this latter goal by the State of California, many leaders in the racing industry and several institutions of higher education.

CERF ranch is located at 34033 Kooden Road in Winchester, CA, 92596 east of Interstate 215. The telephone number is (951) 926-4190 and our fax number is (951)926-4181. The ranch is open Monday through Saturday from 7:00 am to 4:00 pm and the office hours are from 8:00 am to 3:00 pm Monday through Friday.

Visits to the ranch are welcome, but must be made by appointment. Our answering machine and FAX machine are on seven days a week and twenty four hours a day.