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All Posts & News Press Releases Success Stories Aftercare Editorials Retraining Tips Supporter Features Inspector Spotlights Humberger Toggle Menu Previous Post Andrew Beck: Aftercare Enthusiast & Musician Andrew Beck: Aftercare Enthusiast & Musician By: Alexis Arbaugh November 18, 2024 Other Tags:Aftercare Enthusiast, Andrew Beck, Gainesways Farm, Musician, Polo, Singer/ Songwriter, Thoroughbred Aftercare, Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance Equally at home on the polo field and the music stage, Andrew Beck approaches every endeavor with unmatched energy and commitment. Raised on the renowned Gainesway Farm in Lexington, Kentucky, he developed a deep connection with horses early on. Alongside his passion for horses, Andrew discovered a love for music, learning to sing and play guitar at a young age. Now based in Nashville, Tennessee—known as “Music City”—he pursues a career as a musician while frequently traveling to Lexington to compete in polo matches. Gainesway Farm, a strong industry supporter of Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance, is committed to the aftercare of retired Thoroughbreds. As a leading breeding operation, Gainesway is home to a significant number of horses year-round. While many of their Thoroughbreds go on to become racehorses, stallions, or broodmares, Gainesway understands that some horses thrive in new roles or simply enjoy life as companions. Established in 2010, the Gainesway Polo team became a great option for their Thoroughbreds that didn’t seem to fit into other careers. As a founding member, along with his two brothers, of the polo team and advocate for aftercare, Andrew and his team plays a key role in training and transitioning these horses to their second careers. Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance had the opportunity to speak with Andrew Beck about his involvement in the aftercare community and how his passion for music intertwines with his love for horses. He emphasized that a Thoroughbred’s value should not decrease once their racing career ends; rather it should increase, as the breed is highly capable of learning new skills. “Beyond racing, horses enjoy having something to do,” Andrew explained. Many Thoroughbreds will retire from racing at a young age and thrive when given a new purpose and goals beyond the racetrack. Andrew highlighted that polo is a discipline in which Thoroughbreds can excel due to their competitive spirit and athleticism. The best polo horses need to move swiftly, stop, and turn sharply, making former racehorses ideal candidates. Thoroughbreds are also highly intelligent, quick to grasp new concepts, and naturally enjoy being around people. As Andrew put it, “[Thoroughbreds] take their new job and run with it.’” Andrew Beck and Skittles (Photo courtesy of Cathy Allinikov) https://youtu.be/sLu7wCfZkIQ Teaching a horse to be comfortable with a mallet and mastering techniques such as the neck rein can be challenging, but Andrew noted that Thoroughbreds tend to be more “chill” than not when it comes to learning new skills. Throughout the training process, he and his fellow horsemen have learned a great deal about themselves and how to adapt to each horse’s unique learning style. “Hanging around these animals is so therapeutic,” he emphasized. Working with a horse, especially a Thoroughbred, is deeply fulfilling and provides a sense of purpose for both horse and rider. Immersed in both the music world and horse retraining, Andrew began to notice the versatility of horses beyond their athleticism. He would hum along to the rhythm of their hoofbeats or sway with the horse’s movements. Before long, he realized he could turn this into music. “Their beat could be the backbone of a song,” he remarked. He was also struck by the curiosity his polo horse, Skittles, showed toward his guitar and singing. “Horses aren’t afraid of unfamiliar challenges,” he said. Aftercare for horses can be more than retraining or providing sanctuary. “The opportunities are limitless,” Andrew said. Thoroughbreds are intelligent, loving creatures that deserve to be cared for and appreciated. Aftercare is essential not only for the horses themselves but also for the integrity of the racing industry and adopters. When horses are given the chance to thrive after their racing careers, it reflects positively on the entire industry. As Andrew put it, “these animals are individuals, and like all of us, they deserve a good life.” Share This Article

All Posts & News Press Releases Success Stories Aftercare Editorials Retraining Tips Supporter Features Inspector Spotlights Humberger Toggle Menu Previous Post Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance Grants $4.14 Million to 83 Accredited Organizations Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance Grants $4.14 Million to 83 Accredited Organizations FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE November 18, 2024 News Tags:accredited aftercare, Aftercare Organization, Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance LEXINGTON, KY — Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance announced today that $4.14 million in grants will be awarded to 83 Thoroughbred aftercare organizations that currently hold accreditation status for 2024. This financial support is designed to assist organizations in delivering exceptional care and rehabilitation services for retired racehorses. Since its inception in 2012, Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance has seen significant growth, expanding from 23 to 83 accredited organizations and increasing its annual grants from $1 million to $4.14 million. In total, Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance has awarded over $36.04 million in grants—allocated specifically for equine care. These accredited organizations have successfully retrained, retired, and rehomed approximately 18,500 Thoroughbreds across 175 facilities. Receiving accreditation from Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance is a notable recognition for organizations dedicated to the care and well-being of retired racehorses. The achievement of accreditation indicates adherence to specific criteria concerning horse welfare, facility care, and management. It serves as a testament to an organization’s dedication to maintaining high-quality practices in every aspect of equine management, ensuring that retired racehorses receive exceptional treatment and care. “Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance is thrilled to announce grant awards to our 83 accredited organizations this year,” said Janice Towles, Director of Accreditation & Grants, Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance. “The funding we provide is essential for these organizations to continue their incredible work and protection for retired Thoroughbred racehorses as they transition into second careers. We are extremely proud of each organization’s commitment and diligence in supporting these horses, ensuring they receive the best possible futures beyond the racetrack.” Accredited organizations undergo a comprehensive application and inspection process before accreditation is awarded, to ensure they meet the Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance Code of Standards. The Code of Standards covers five key areas: operations, education, horse health care management, facility standards and services, and adoption policies and protocols. Inspections are conducted at all facilities housing Thoroughbreds within each organization, and ongoing updates and re-inspections are required as a condition of accreditation. Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance is supported by members across all facets of the Thoroughbred industry, including owners, breeders, trainers, stallion farms, racetracks, sales companies, horsemen’s groups, foundations, veterinarians, horseplayers, racing fans, and wagering technology companies. Charitable donations from these varied sources throughout the year collectively contribute to the funds allocated for grants awarded to Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance-accredited organizations at year-end. These collaborative efforts highlight the industrywide allegiance to the well-being and post-racing lives of Thoroughbreds, reinforcing Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance’s mission. “Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance is grateful to continue increasing the total grant amount each year to support accredited aftercare organizations. With a new record of over $4 million in grants awarded this year for the first time, it underscores our commitment to long-term equine welfare,” said Stacie Clark-Rogers, Operations Consultant, Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance. “We extend our sincere gratitude to the donors who go above and beyond the minimum giving levels. These generous contributions have made it possible to meet our annual funding targets, helping even more retired Thoroughbreds find the safe, fulfilling futures they deserve. As we move forward, it is essential that we continue to receive support so we can maintain and expand these efforts, ensuring that we can help even more horses in need.” To learn more about Thoroughbred accreditation visit thoroughbredaftercare.org, and to support accredited aftercare visit thoroughbredaftercare.org/donation_now About Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance Based in Lexington, KY, Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that accredits, inspects, and awards grants to approved aftercare organizations to retrain, retire, and rehome Thoroughbreds using industry-wide funding. Along with continued funding from its original partners Breeders’ Cup, The Jockey Club, and Keeneland Association, Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance is supported by owners, trainers, breeders, racetracks, aftercare professionals, and other industry members. Since its inception in 2012, Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance has granted more than $36.04 million to accredited aftercare organizations. Currently, 83 aftercare organizations comprised of approximately 175 facilities across North America have been granted accreditation. To learn more about Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance, visit thoroughbredaftercare.org.   Contact Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance 859-224-2756 info@thoroughbredaftercare.org Accreditation & Grants Janice Towles 859-224-2762 jtowles@thoroughbredaftercare.org Media Contact Samantha Smith Share This Release