The Thoroughbred Owners and Breeders Association will offer a Thoroughbred Charities of America "check-off option" to all renewing and new membership applicants beginning in June. Applicants will be given an option to donate a specified amount or an amount of their choice which will be designated to fund Thoroughbred rescue, retirement, retraining, research, education, backstretch and therapeutic programs. "We feel it's important to offer our members an opportunity to help provide a better future for our equine athletes and the people in our industry who need assistance through the programs that receive TCA support," said Dan Metzger, president of TOBA. "It is consistent with our mission to improve the economics, integrity and pleasure of the sport on behalf of Thoroughbred owners and breeders."TCA executive director Liz Harris will soon be working with other Kentucky associations in offering the "check-off option" to each of their memberships. Voluntary "check-off' Programs are also in the works in the states of Arizona, New Mexico and California, with varying option check offs. For additional information on how your organization can participate in this program, please contact Erin Halliwell.
TOBA, based in Lexington, Ky., was formed in 1961 and is a national trade organization of leading Thoroughbred horse breeders and owners. Projects managed by TOBA include the American Graded Stakes Committee, Sales Integrity Program, The Greatest Game and Claiming Crown. TOBA is also the owner of the The Blood-Horse, Inc.
