TAA awards $3.5M to 81 accredited aftercare organizations

A Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance press release

The Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance announced today that $3,500,000 will be awarded as grants to 81 Thoroughbred aftercare organizations that currently hold TAA accreditation.

Since inception in 2012, the TAA has now awarded more than $20.7 million in grants to accredited Thoroughbred aftercare organizations.

“We are grateful to the TAA’s many supporters that have allowed us to award $3.5 million this year,” TAA President John Phillips said. “We know these funds will significantly assist the work of TAA-accredited organizations during this challenging time. As we look forward to 2021, we ask industry participants to continue to support accredited Thoroughbred aftercare and our equine athletes.”

Earmarked specifically for equine care, TAA grants have helped accredited organizations assist more than 11,000 Thoroughbreds at approximately 170 facilities across North America.

TAA-accredited organizations undergo a thorough application and inspection process prior to accreditation being awarded to ensure they meet the TAA’s Code of Standards, which covers five key areas: operations, education, horse health care management, facility standards and services, and adoption policies and protocols. Facility inspections are conducted at all facilities housing Thoroughbreds for each organization. Ongoing updates and re-inspections are required of all organizations as a condition of TAA accreditation.

The TAA is supported by members from every aspect of the Thoroughbred industry, including owners, breeders, trainers, stallion farms, racetracks, sales companies, horsemen’s groups, foundations, veterinarians, horseplayers, racing fans, wagering technology companies, and many others.

The full list of TAA-accredited organizations, information about the accreditation process, and a list of the TAA’s industry supporters is available on ThoroughbredAftercare.org.

About the Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance

Based in Lexington, Ky., the Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that accredits, inspects, and awards grants to approved aftercare organizations to retrain, rehome, and retire Thoroughbreds using industry-wide funding. Along with continued funding from its original partners Breeders’ Cup, The Jockey Club, and Keeneland Association, the TAA is supported by owners, trainers, breeders, racetracks, aftercare professionals, and other industry members. Since inception in 2012, the TAA has granted more than $20.7 million to accredited aftercare organizations. Currently 81 aftercare organizations supporting approximately 170 facilities across North America have been granted accreditation. To learn more about the TAA, visit ThoroughbredAftercare.org.

Jennie Rees is a communications and advocacy specialist in the horse industry who spent 32 years covering horse racing for The (Louisville) Courier-Journal before taking a corporate buyout. In addition to handling communications for the Kentucky HBPA, Rees serves as a consultant to the National HBPA. Other projects include the Preakness Stakes, Indiana Grand’s Indiana Derby Week and work for various HBPA affiliates and horsemen’s associations.