The Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance noted Aug. 1 that it is receiving significant and growing support from the sales sector, with participation from buyers, consignors, and sale companies.
While participation varies from sale to sale in comparing 2013 to 2014, the average buyer participation rate at all sales thus far has increased 2.9% with more than half of buyers (49.5% to 52.4%) now participating. Consignor participation at all sales grew 5.3% over last year (72.5% to 77.8%) with nearly 80% of consignors getting behind TAA.
During January this year through the end of June, buyers have contributed $61,996; consignors have contributed $81,789; and the sales companies have invested $106,625 in support of the TAA's mission to ensure industry-wide funding for accredited organizations that care for retired Thoroughbreds.
As of the end of June, this has meant another $250,411 for TAA's accredited aftercare partners, so far (billing can continue up to 90 days).
Last year, the TAA began benefiting from a joint decision made by competing sales companies to come together for a common cause. Buyers and consignors at Fasig-Tipton, Keeneland, the Ocala Breeders' Sale Co., and Barretts Equine Ltd., can automatically contribute 50 cents for every $1,000 transaction, or $25 to TAA for every $50,000 Thoroughbred that is bought or sold. Additionally, sales companies donate another .05% of gross sales to TAA.
"Taylor Made, Eaton Sales, Summerfield Sales Agency, and many other sale participants have told me how proud they are to be a critical part of what TAA is doing to raise the industry standard for aftercare," said James Hastie, executive director of Lexington-based TAA. "We are grateful to see a growing number of buyers and consignors equally invested in promoting and supporting our mission."
TAA bookmarks, available at the upcoming sales, not only mark pages in sale catalogs but also summarize the TAA's impact:
• One tax-deductible gift to TAA supports accredited aftercare organizations across USA and Canada;
• After one full year of operation in 2013, TAA awarded $1 million to 23 aftercare organizations managing 80 facilities across North America;
• Within the first 18 months of accreditation, TAA partners placed 960 Thoroughbreds and permanently retired 380;
• In 2014, another 29 organizations with 72 facilities applied for accreditation before the May 15 deadline (not all will be accredited and new TAA partners will be announced in November);
• TAA's "Code of Standards" have been approved by the American Humane Association and American Association of Equine Practitioners.
For more information, visit thoroughbredaftercare.org.