Premarin is a drug whose name originates from the key ingredient, PREgnant MAre's urINe. It is prescribed to alleviate the symptoms of menopause and aid in treating osteoporosis by substituting equine estrogens for those naturally produced by the human body.

The event, "Hoofbeats Across the Heart of America" - organized by The United Pegasus Foundation (UPF) - began with the rescue of 15 foals in Manitoba, Canada, and will end in New York City or Philadelphia sometime this weekend, after making numerous rest stops at various farms along the way.

UPF is a racing charity that provides California's thoroughbreds with humane retirement or a second career. Their involvement with Premarin began with a simple goal - to rescue pregnant thoroughbred mares that were discovered in California feed lots, destined for sale to Premarin farms. In addition to the concern about the fate of the foals produced by these mares, the care for pregnant mares on Premarin farms does not conform to reasonable humane standards, according to the UPF.

Many of the foals born to these mares are destroyed. The organizers of this event hope to raise awareness of the slaughter of these foals who become a useless by-product of the Premarin industry.

Rock Valley Rescue, run by and established by Liz Mott and Chris Peretin, is located on Rock Valley Farm, Inc., on Route 165 eight miles east of the intersection with Route 166 in South Valley. The farm will serve as a stopover this weekend for the caravan of foals.

"The purpose of Rock Valley Rescue is to promote the prevention of equine abuse because we believe in the humane treatment of and survival as an alternative to slaughter or public auction for abused, neglected and unwanted horses," Rock Valley Rescue's website states. "We shall provide shelter, food, daily care, medical treatment, rehabilitation and adoption services for horses in need of such refuge. Our goal is to stop the neglect and abuse of horses and help educate people to know that the dollar value of a horse has to be put aside for their health and safety. We are also committed to educate the public on horse consumption in foreign country's, auction barns and Premarin farms."

Mott and Peretin, along with many local volunteers, are opening up their homes, pastures and barns to the people and animals needing rest and care during the long journey.

"These innocent foals are living proof of an industry which is responsible for the rampant overbreeding of horses in North America," said Mott. "This, in turn, results in the slaughter of tens of thousands of our beautiful equine friends every single year...I believe that it is time to kill the industry...not foals."

"Estrogen can be derived from animal sources or vegetable sources," said Dr. John Dewey of Bassett Healthcare's Women's Clinic. "If people have concerns about animal treatment there are alternatives. It's a political and moral choice each person must make for themselves. I don't believe there is any clinical difference between the animal or vegetable sources of estrogen."

The caravan should arrive at the South Valley farm on Friday night, with a press conference scheduled for Saturday from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. T-shirts will be sold for $20 to help pay for caravan costs.

"We welcome everybody to come and look," said Mott. "These babies are absolutely beautiful, and there will be many experts to answer any questions people might have."

Mott hopes to establish Rock Valley Rescue as a non-profit foundation, in order to receive grants and offer donors a tax deduction. She can be reached at (607) 264-3519 or via E-mail at dirtgirl33@aol.com. The website www.rockvalleyrescue.com is available for more information on her horse rescue efforts.

For more information on The United Pegasus Foundation, call (626) 279-1306, Email unitedpegasus@yahoo.com or visit their website at www.unitedpegasus.com.