ADAMS TWP — Hair designer and salon owner Pam Vivirito initially decided to lease a barn and board horses as a side business, but the soft-hearted horse lover changed her mind when she discovered scores of fine equine specimens are regularly disposed of after their money-winning days are over.

And as luck would have it, the barn being leased by Vivirito is owned by a lifelong horse rescuer.

Vivirito started with four horses in May. She now houses five horses, three of whom were rescued from slaughter at a racetrack and two who came from neglect situations. All five are thoroughbreds.

Vivirito said one of her brood was originally purchased for $250,000, won its owner a fortune in eight races, then was disposed of because a screw placed in his knee began protruding.

"He's a beautiful animal and he's so sweet," Vivirito said. "He's going to be a nice, sound trail horse."

Vivirito said contrary to popular thinking, racehorses are not a wild-eyed, mannerless danger on four hooves. She said while she and a group of volunteers must retrain the animals for trail or show riding, it usually takes less than a day.

"I was riding one racehorse with no hands the same day we got him," Vivirito said.

She said although the slaughtering of horses for meat that is mostly shipped to Europe has been banned in the U.S., horses like the ones at Vivirito's barn are regularly packed into huge trailers, sprayed with insecticide and shipped to Canada or Mexico for slaughter. Many do not survive the grueling journey.

She said the situation is made more heart-rending because racehorses are used as a commodity and rarely allowed to graze in a pasture.

"It's so sad," said Vivirito. "A lot of them never had a carrot, and to see them be able to just be a horse is so amazing. It gives them a whole new chance. It's so rewarding."

Vivirito said the first thing she does when she receives a horse is to have the farrier and dentist come shoe them and file their teeth if necessary. A veterinarian is also consulted if the horse has a physical problem.

She said the horses she is now caring for and working with would make wonderful eventing horses for a rider who can't afford the six-figure prices of such horses. Vivirito's four geldings and one mare are still young enough to compete and learn, and all have sweet personalities.

She said the sale price for one her horses would be $300 to $500.

Vivirito adopted out her first horse recently, but his new owners have decided to board him at Vivirito's barn.

"He's 16.2 hands," Vivirito said. "He's a gentle giant, and the clown of the barn."

In addition to racehorses, Vivirito takes in horses from homes where they can no longer be afforded.

"People call me crying, saying they can't afford to care for their horses anymore, and they say 'Help us find loving homes for them,'" Vivirito said. "Hopefully we've helped them too."

Fran Marinelli, owner of Hunter Hollow Farm, where Vivirito leases her rescue barn, has found a kindred spirit in Vivirito.

Marinelli has worked to rescue horses for a decade, taking on two or three horses at a time and selling them once they are fattened up and retrained. She recently had to cut back on her involvement with horses, though, because of health issues, which she hated to do. Enter Vivirito, who was searching for a barn to lease.

"I don't have to do the work anymore, but I can still see these horses get another chance," said Marinelli with a laugh.

Marinelli said she would rescue horses by going to livestock auctions and buying the most pathetic specimen. She estimates she's rescued well over 100 horses in her day.

"Horses suffer in silence," Marinelli said. "They don't make a peep when they look like they're on death's doorstep. My heart just goes out to them."

Marinelli was immediately impressed by Vivirito's energy and passion for rescuing castoff horses.

"My advice to Pam would be 'You may not be able to change every horse's world, but the ones you get in, you will be able to change their world for the better," Vivirito said.

She said many people over the years have considered her hobby ridiculous because of the expense incurred in taking in a horse that needs work. But she said seeing a horse go from a frightened animal who is suspicious of all humans to a friendly horse enjoying a wonderful home has become her life's work.

And although Marinelli can no longer perform the tough physical labor involved in horse rescue, she still enjoys the atmosphere. "That's my God time, just listening to them munch on that hay."

Vivirito said her rescue service, Equine Angels, is being run on donations only. She said a few local businesses help her out with hay and grain, but monetary donations are always welcome.

Those interested in donating, suggesting a horse for rescue or volunteering can call 412-629-3545 or visit the website, www.equine-angels-rescue.com.

"I think she's heading in the right direction," Marinelli said of her new friend. "A lot of horses that would've ended up on a dinner plate in Europe will not now."