The Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance has accredited 19 equine aftercare organizations, bringing the total number of sanctioned organizations to 42 that operate more than 120 facilities throughout North America.
Accredited organizations may apply for grants annually from the TAA to go toward the ongoing care of retired Thoroughbreds, with individual grant amounts based on a comprehensive review and allocation process by the TAA grants committee and approval from the TAA board of directors. An announcement regarding 2015 grants will be made in December.
"In a relatively short period of time, the TAA has built a strong program and the industry has shown great action and momentum in getting behind it," said Stacie Clark, operations consultant for TAA. "This year alone, the TAA will have accredited 19 new facilities, bringing the total number of accredited organizations to 42 in just two years, and these organizations will receive approximately $2.5 million in grants."
The newly-accredited organizations include: Biszantz Memorial (dba Tranquility Farm), Bright Futures Farm, Inc., CANTER Michigan, Equestrian Inc., Equine Advocates Incorporated, Final Furlong, Inc., Finger Lakes Thoroughbred Adoption Program, Inc., Friends of Ferdinand Indiana, Inc., Harmony and Hope, Heaven Can Wait, Inc., Illinois Equine Humane Center, NFP, Los Angeles Pet Rescue/Farralone Farms, Oklahoma Thoroughbred Retirement Program, Ltd., Our Mims Retirement Haven, R.A.C.E Fund, Inc., Racehorse Remember Me Rescue Foundation, Second Stride, Inc., Square Peg Foundation, and Thoroughbred Athletes, Inc.
To hold TAA accreditation, an organization must complete a thorough application process and meet the TAA Code of Standards, both of which have been reviewed and approved by the American Humane Association and the American Association of Equine Practitioners. The application process includes a review of operations, education, horse healthcare management, facility standards and services and adoption policies and protocols, and an on-site inspection of their facilities by TAA representatives.
Based in Lexington TAA is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization designed to serve as both an accrediting body for aftercare facilities that care for Thoroughbreds following the conclusion of their racing careers, and a fundraising body to support these approved facilities. Funded initially by seed money from the Breeders' Cup, Ltd, The Jockey Club, and Keeneland Association, the TAA is comprised of and supported by owners, trainers, breeders, racetracks, jockeys, aftercare professionals, and other industry groups.
More information at TAA's website.
