The Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance (TAA) announced today that it will award $2.4 million in grants to its 42 accredited facilities for 2014. The grant money will be used by these organizations to assist with the management, rehabilitation, and/or adoption of former racehorses in their care.
The TAA was created in 2012 and in 2013, it awarded $1 million in grants to its 23 facilities that had been accredited.
‘It’s great for the TAA to support so many worthy organizations across North America with funding that goes directly to retired racehorses,’ said Operations Consultant Stacie Clark Rogers. ‘The TAA’s base of funding and support has grown tremendously in 2014, with more and more people and businesses pledging their support. With 2015 on the horizon, I am hopeful and confident that the new year will bring additional support from others throughout the Thoroughbred industry.’
A list of the 42 accredited organizations receiving 2014 grants from the TAA can be found here: http://www.thoroughbredaftercare.org/default.asp?page=18.
To receive funding from the TAA, aftercare organizations must complete a rigorous accreditation process and on-site inspection, which includes a complete review of the following areas: operations; education; horse health care management; facility standards and services; and adoption policies and protocols.
Organizations must also have a current status as a 501(c)3 tax-exempt organization and must house a minimum of five Thoroughbreds, or 50% of their herd, among other criteria. To see a list of all accreditation requirements, click here: http://www.thoroughbredaftercare.org/default.asp?page=10.
Unaccredited equine aftercare organizations are encouraged to apply for TAA accreditation, beginning in January, to be eligible for 2015 grant distribution.
Based in Lexington, Ky., the 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 Breeders’ Cup, Ltd., The Jockey Club, and Keeneland Association, the TAA is comprised of and supported by owners, trainers, breeders, racetracks, aftercare professionals and other industry groups.
