Local

Georgetown equestrians go cross country for former racehorses

By Lezlie Sterling

lsterling@sacbee.com
Valerie Ashker, 60, gives a thumbs-up to a passer-by as she begins a 3,000-mile cross-country journey on Monday, May 9, 2016, from Georgetown to Virginia riding her off-the-track throroughbred named Primitivo to raise awareness about ex-racehorses and the second careers they can have beyond racing.
Valerie Ashker, 60, gives a thumbs-up to a passer-by as she begins a 3,000-mile cross-country journey on Monday, May 9, 2016, from Georgetown to Virginia riding her off-the-track throroughbred named Primitivo to raise awareness about ex-racehorses and the second careers they can have beyond racing. Lezlie Sterling lsterling@sacbee.com

Valerie Ashker left her Georgetown farm Monday to ride across the United States on horseback with her boyfriend, Peter Friedman. Their mounts are two ex-racehorses, Primitivo, 7, and Solar Express, 17. The couple are riding to raise awareness of the plight of former racehorses for the Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance, a group that promotes “second careers” for the horses once their racing days are over. Ashker and Friedman plan to follow the historic Pony Express Trail through California, cross the Rocky Mountains and end up in the Virginia horse country.

This story was originally published May 9, 2016 at 5:16 PM with the headline "Georgetown equestrians go cross country for former racehorses."

Get one year of unlimited digital access for $159.99
#ReadLocal

Only 44¢ per day

SUBSCRIBE NOW