The Fight to Save Massachusetts' Horse Farms: A Legacy at Risk
For nearly 170 years, Arlene Brown’s family farm in Rehoboth, Massachusetts has been a staple of New England agriculture. Passed down through four generations, her land has weathered economic shifts, changing industries, and the evolving needs of the community. But now, at 85 years old, Arlene is facing a heartbreaking reality—without the horse racing industry, her farm, like so many others in Massachusetts, is struggling to stay afloat.
A Farm That Evolved With Time
Arlene’s farm has always been a symbol of resilience and adaptability. Originally a cattle farm, it later transitioned into a vegetable farm with a cranberry bog, supplying fresh produce to the region. But it wasn’t until Arlene’s husband took over that the farm became what it is today—a horse farm that thrived during the golden years of Massachusetts horse racing.
For decades, the farm’s success was deeply intertwined with the racing industry. Horses were bred, trained, and cared for year-round, fueling not only the farm’s livelihood but also the broader agricultural economy of the state.
A Once-Thriving Industry Now in Decline
“Farms were thriving in Massachusetts when Suffolk Downs was open,” Arlene recalls. Before the historic racetrack’s closure, farms like hers played a vital role in the racing ecosystem. During the summer, horses would race and train, while the winter months were dedicated to breeding and foaling. It was a year-round operation that kept farmland valuable and the agricultural economy strong.
But with the loss of Suffolk Downs, many farms have been forced to sell to developers for pennies on the dollar. What was once a thriving industry—providing jobs, supporting veterinary services, and sustaining farmland—has been gutted, leaving families like Arlene’s fighting to hold on.
The Role of Horse Racing in Agriculture
Many people don’t realize just how deeply horse racing is tied to the success of farms. It’s not just about the races—it’s about the entire support system required to care for these animals. A single racehorse requires:
Round-the-clock care – Horses need specialized training and attention from handlers who understand equine behavior.
Veterinary services – Vaccinations, checkups, and emergency care keep them in peak condition.
Farrier (horse shoe) services – Routine maintenance for hoof health and performance.
Dental care – Horses require a specialized equine dentist 1-2 times per year.
Agricultural jobs – Trainers, farmhands, breeders, and suppliers all depend on a thriving horse industry.
Arlene passionately defends the care and treatment of racehorses, stating, “They are the most cared-for animals in the world. Without a well-taken-care-of horse, you can’t race.”
A Future Without Horse Racing?
For Arlene and many others, the future looks bleak without a resurgence of the racing industry. “Without horse racing, farms have no future in Massachusetts,” she says. The closure of racing venues has led to a domino effect, where farmland is no longer viable, and the once-thriving agricultural economy is disappearing.
A Champion for Agriculture
Arlene knew Richard Fields, a well-known advocate for the agricultural industry in Massachusetts, and she admired his relentless efforts to support the farming community. Fields worked tirelessly to bring agriculture and horse racing back to New England, knowing that without them, farmland would vanish.
He supported agricultural schools, owned a large farm, and even pioneered a horse therapy and retirement program for inmates at the Massachusetts Correctional Institution, allowing them to care for retired racehorses. His vision for integrating horse racing into a sustainable agricultural future remains critical, and his legacy continues to inspire those who fight to keep farms alive in Massachusetts.
The Reality of Any Sport
Critics of horse racing often point to the risks involved, but injuries are not exclusive to racing—they occur across all equine sports, from show jumping to eventing, as well as in traditional sports like football or gymnastics. Responsible regulations and care measures continue to evolve, ensuring that horse welfare remains the top priority.
Saving Massachusetts’ Farming Heritage
Arlene’s story is just one of many. If horse racing isn’t revitalized in Massachusetts, centuries of agricultural tradition could be lost. The economic benefits, job creation, and preservation of open land depend on the return of a strong racing industry.
For those who value history, agriculture, and the future of New England farming, supporting responsible horse racing isn’t just about sport—it’s about saving a way of life.
