All Posts Press Releases Success Stories Aftercare Editorials Previous PostNext Post The Unbreakable Bond The Unbreakable Bond By: Alexis Arbaugh November 30, 2023 Other, Success Stories Tags:Success story, Thoroughbred Aftercare, Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance, Thoroughbred Athletes Morgan’s anticipation grew as she awaited the outcome of her pending adoption application at Thoroughbred Athletes. She had high hopes for finding a special equine companion, one that would form a deep bond with her, just as she intended to care for the horse. Morgan understood the importance of selecting a horse that would match her temperament and riding style. She was looking for a horse that would not only be a reliable partner but also a friend. She envisioned a horse that could share adventures, be a source of comfort, and provide a sense of trust and connection. Lynn Sullivan, the founder of Thoroughbred Athletes, had an eye for matching horses with their ideal companions, and she knew she had found the perfect match for Morgan. The horse Lynn had chosen was Claudettes Glitter, and from the very first moment Morgan met her, it was clear that she had found her unicorn. Glitter had a warm and affectionate personality that immediately drew Morgan in. The horse’s cuddly nature and strong desire for love and attention touched Morgan’s heart. Her calm demeanor and soft, soulful eyes seemed to convey a sense of trust and a longing for a close connection. But what truly sealed the deal for Morgan was Glitter’s love for butt scratches. Morgan couldn’t resist. It was in that moment, while showering the horse with love and seeing how happy it made her, that Morgan knew she had found her perfect horse. With excitement and gratitude, Morgan made the decision to bring Glitter home, knowing that their bond would be something truly special, filled with love, trust, and countless cherished moments together. Glitter is making remarkable progress in her retraining. Given her youth, Morgan is taking a deliberate and cautious approach to help her adapt to her new role. Currently, Morgan is currently working towards making her a hunter. Glitter loves to take long relaxing trail rides and bask in the sun on their walks. A recent diagnosis of kissing spine has placed a limit on Glitter’s jumping activities to prevent further injury. Overriding dorsal spinous processes, also known as “kissing spine”, occurs when the vertebrae in a horse’s spine are too close together, causing the small bits of bone that extend upward from the vertebrae to “kiss” together. The lack of space between these bones reduces mobility in the back and in turn causes pain and/or discomfort as the spinous processes interfere with each other. It is one of the leading causes of back pain in equines, but can be treated in a variety of ways, one of which includes surgery. Her ultimate goal is for Glitter to be not just a companion but her dearest friend and trusted partner. Professional ambitions or competition goals aren’t their primary focus. Instead, they love the simple pleasures of joy riding and evolving together. Share This Article Do you have a success story that you would like to share? Submit your experience with an accredited organization here: Success Story Submission

All Posts Press Releases Success Stories Aftercare Editorials Previous PostNext Post Masterful One: From Dressage Dreams to Eventing Excellence Masterful One: From Dressage Dreams to Eventing Excellence By: Alexis Arbaugh November 25, 2023 Other, Success Stories Tags:Blue Bloods Thoroughbred Adoption, Success story, Thoroughbred Aftercare, Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance Kaitlyn had a clear goal in mind: she wanted a horse that could help her excel in the world of Dressage. Her deep love for off-the-track Thoroughbreds led her to reach out to Elizabeth MacDonald, the founder and director of Blue Bloods Thoroughbred Adoption and Placement, when she was ready to adopt a horse. This organization is known for its expertise in retraining retired racehorses, especially for various equestrian disciplines like Dressage. By collaborating with Elizabeth MacDonald and her organization, Kaitlyn wanted to find the ideal Thoroughbred that matched her Dressage ambitions. Kaitlyn and Elizabeth went back and forth exchanging ideas regarding horses that would align with Kaitlyn’s goals. Elizabeth introduced a horse named Masterful One, fondly known as Boon, as a sweet and special horse who would do good just about anywhere if he had friends. Kaitlyn was particularly drawn to this description and was captivated by his beautiful pictures and videos. In the videos she noticed how lovely and floaty his gaits were, and his amazing dark grey coat. Kaityln decided to hop in her car and make the drive to Blue Bloods because Boon was something special and she needed to see him in person. She had already fallen in love with his videos and pictures but seeing him in person was a totally different experience. Kaitlyn immediately connected with his cute quirks, goofy side, and the genuine sweetness and affectionate disposition that couldn’t quite be captured in the videos. Boon was quick to settle in and make Kaitlyn’s barn his own. As Kaitlyn worked with Boon more and more, she helped him unwind, relax, and come onto his own. They learned a lot about each other along the way, which helped them both connect and communicate effectively. Initially focused on Dressage, Kaitlyn began the process of training and guiding Boon through the intricacies of this discipline. However, as they progressed, it became evident that Boon had a remarkable aptitude and enthusiasm for jumping. Recognizing this change in direction, they shifted their focus towards honing both their Dressage and jumping skills, aiming to excel in lower-level eventing competitions in the future. While the dream of becoming a Dressage dream team still lingers, their evolving journey has opened new possibilities in the world of eventing. “Adopting Boon is the best thing I’ve ever done for myself, and I’m so very grateful to have him in my life,” wrote Kaitlyn when describing her love for Boon. Share This Article   Do you have a success story that you would like to share? Submit your experience with an accredited organization here: Success Story Submission Masterful One: From Dressage Dreams to Eventing Excellence November 25, 2023 By: Alexis Arbaugh     Do you have a success story that you would like to share? Submit your experience with an accredited organization here: Success Story Submission

All Posts & News Press Releases Success Stories Aftercare Editorials Supporter Features Inspector Spotlights Previous PostNext Post Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance Grants $3.8 Million to Accredited Organizations for 2023 Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance Grants $3.8 Million to Accredited Organizations for 2023 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE November 17, 2023 News Tags:accredited aftercare, Accredited Organization, Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance LEXINGTON, KY — Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance announced today, Nov. 17, that $3.8 million will be awarded as grants to 86 Thoroughbred aftercare organizations that currently hold Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance accreditation for 2023. Since inception in 2012, Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance has now awarded more than $31.9 million in grants to their accredited Thoroughbred aftercare organizations. Over the course of 12 years as the overarching entity for Thoroughbred aftercare, Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance has experienced remarkable growth, expanding from 23 to 86 accredited organizations and from $1 million to $3.8 million in annual grants. In total, Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance has awarded over $31.9 million in grants—earmarked specifically for equine care. These funds have been directed to Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance-accredited organizations, which, through their collective efforts, have successfully retrained, retired, and rehomed over 16,500 Thoroughbreds across approximately 180 facilities. The goal of this financial support is to empower them to provide exceptional care and rehabilitation services for retired racehorses. Receiving accreditation from Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance is a significant recognition for the organizations dedicated to the care and support of retired racehorses. This prestigious accreditation signifies that these organizations adhere to specific standards and criteria concerning horse welfare, facility care, and management. Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance accreditation serves as a testament to an organization’s commitment to maintaining high-quality practices in every aspect of equine well-being, reinforcing the assurance that the retired racehorses under their care receive exceptional treatment and support. “Congratulations to the 86 accredited organizations for receiving grants from Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance this year. These organizations exemplify exceptional equine care, and we take great pride in supporting their efforts in retraining, retiring, and rehoming Thoroughbreds. As they persist in their tireless care for retired racehorses, Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance’s essential funding serves as a valuable resource, helping them to carry out their important work,” said Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance, Accreditation and Grants Manager, Janice Towles. Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance President Jeffrey Bloom stated, “Each year the Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance team works hard to raise funds for our exemplary accredited organizations who are doing right by these retired Thoroughbred racehorses. We are very appreciative of our industry stakeholders for helping to raise these funds. Your contributions this holiday season would greatly assist in caring for our Thoroughbreds throughout North America.” Accredited organizations undergo a thorough application and inspection process prior to accreditation being awarded to ensure they meet the Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance’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 accreditation. Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance 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 generous donations from these varied sources throughout the year collectively contribute to the funds allocated for grants awarded to Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance-accredited organizations at the end of each year. These collaborative efforts highlight the industry-wide commitment to the well-being and post-racing life of Thoroughbreds, reinforcing Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance’s mission. 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 inception in 2012, Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance has granted more than $31.9 million to accredited aftercare organizations. Currently 86 aftercare organizations comprised of approximately 180 facilities across North America have been granted accreditation. To learn more about Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance, visit thoroughbredaftercare.org.   Contact Samantha Smith859-224-2882ssmith@thoroughbredaftercare.org   Emily Dresen352-362-6934edresen@thoroughbredaftercare.org Share This Release

All Posts Press Releases Success Stories Aftercare Editorials Previous PostNext Post A Tale of Three Brothers: Ca$h, Nik, and Disco A Tale of Three Brothers: Ca$h, Nik, and Disco By: Alexis Arbaugh November 11, 2023 Other, Success Stories Tags:MidAtlantic Horse Rescue, Success story, Thoroughbred Aftercare, Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance In January 2022, Nina Shaffer experienced the loss of her dearest friend, Rosstar Superboy, a 32-year-old purebred Arabian gelding. When their remarkable 29-year companionship came to an end, Nina was devastated. Rosstar Superboy had been with her every step of the way, guiding her from the early stages of lead line and walk/trot riding to her successful professional career. In addition to this, he played a vital role in Nina’s lesson program, helping her educate the next generation of horsemen. Having navigated the challenging process of coping with her profound loss, Nina knew that she needed to start looking for her next group of exceptional lesson horses for her expanding program at Grand Slam Equestrian. Similar to her beloved Rosstar Superboy, all the horses in her stable had previously been rescued and had ultimately found their way to her barn. These horses are now cherished members of her equestrian family, receiving the utmost love and care. Nina got ahold of Nina Lyman, the President of TRRAC (Thoroughbred Retirement, Rehabilitation, and Careers), to assist her in the search for suitable lesson horses. In March of 2022, she adopted her first horse, Cashton Peak. Nina was captivated by the way he galloped in the field, and it became evident to her that he belonged at her farm. She learned that Ca$h had been returned to TRRAC, making him in need of a permanent home. Once Ca$h was at her farm, Nina quickly realized that he held a special place in her heart, becoming what is often referred to as a “heart horse.” She also recognized that he was not quite ready to take on the role of a lesson horse for children, as he required substantial professional training and time spent with her before he could teach young riders. Among the numerous horses that Nina considered, Nik’s Star Choice was one of them. Similar to Ca$h, Nik had been returned to TRRAC after participating in the 2021 Thoroughbred Makeover. Initially, Nina had some reservations about Nik, but she eventually decided to bring him home. Just a week later, he arrived at the farm. Ca$h’s first high score TIP award. In a matter of weeks, with professional training and guidance from Nina, Nik made remarkable progress. He even attended his first horse show during this period. Upon returning from the show, he seamlessly transitioned into his new role as a lesson horse. “Nik has been an incredible addition to my program,” Nina wrote about Nik. Fast forward to July 2022, Nina’s lesson program continued to expand, prompting her to reach out once more to Nina Lyman at TRRAC in her quest for additional horses. That day, she welcomed Beacos Disco Pants into her equestrian family. Disco had been a participant in the 2021 Retired Racehorse Project but had been returned to TRRAC shortly after the event. Following the adoption of Disco, Nina Lyman approached Nina to ask for help in finding homes for more horses at TRRAC. Unable to turn down the opportunity to make a difference in the lives of these animals, Nina wholeheartedly agreed to help. Since that pivotal moment, she has played a crucial role in rehoming over 30 horses from TRRAC, and this number continues to grow. “It has been the greatest honor of my 30-year career,” Nina wrote about her involvement with TRRAC. Out of the 9 horses that Nina has in her barn, 6 of them come from the TRRAC organization. Ca$h, Nik, and Disco represent TRRAC’s partner organizations: Second Call and CharlesTown. Nina takes immense pride in her horses, recognizing their remarkable resilience and adaptability. She acknowledges that these horses have risen to the challenges she’s presented them. Each one of her horses has participated in various shows, including prestigious events sanctioned by the United States Equestrian Federation (USEF). What brings Nina the greatest sense of fulfillment is knowing that her horses are not only succeeding in their own right but also stepping up to the plate as dedicated educators. In addition to teaching lessons at her farm, Nina extends her passion for horses to working with individuals with special needs. These horses hold a special place in her heart and are well-versed in their roles, offering invaluable support to those they serve. In a recent turn of events, Nina’s grandmother experienced a stroke, and it’s heartwarming to learn that Ca$h has become a wonderful companion for her during this challenging time. Nina is grateful for her off-the-track-Thoroughbreds (OTTBs) and for the organization TRRAC. For her, the aftercare process of providing retired racehorses with safe homes and a second career is of utmost importance. Her dedication to this cause is evident in her unwavering commitment. Nina’s overarching goal is to secure loving homes for as many of these retired racehorses as possible. In doing so, she aims to highlight the incredible breed and their remarkable versatility. Nina’s commitment to rescuing and rehabilitating retired racehorses demonstrates her dedication to providing these animals with a second chance at a fulfilling life beyond the racetrack. Her partnership with TRRAC is a testament to her passion for helping these horses find loving homes and fulfilling roles in her growing lesson program. Share This Article   Do you have a success story that you would like to share? Submit your experience with an accredited organization here: Success Story Submission

All Posts & News Press Releases Success Stories Aftercare Editorials Supporter Features Inspector Spotlights   Previous PostNext Post Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance Accredits 46 Organizations Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance Accredits 46 Organizations FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE November 9, 2023 News Tags:Accredited Aftecare, Accredited Organization, Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance, Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance Organizatinon LEXINGTON, KY — Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance announced today that 46 Thoroughbred aftercare organizations have been awarded accreditation for 2023. The 46 organizations include 37 organizations who are continuing their accreditation and 9 that earned accreditation this year. Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance, the gold standard and only accrediting body in Thoroughbred aftercare, now has a network of 86 organizations with approximately 180 facilities in North America. The 9 organizations earning accreditation this year are: After The Races NY Inc., Bowman Second Chance Thoroughbred Adoption, Central Virginia Horse Rescue, Dale and Patti Shirley Equine Encore Foundation, Desert Oasis Rescue LLC, Hidden Pond Farm Equine Rescue, Rising Starr Horse Rescue Corporation, and Run for the Ribbons Inc., and Thoroughbred Retirement Network of Louisiana. The 37 organizations that are continuing their accreditation this year are: ACTT Naturally, Inc., After the Homestretch – Arizona, Akindale Thoroughbred Rescue, Beyond The Roses Equine Rescue & Retirement, Blue Bloods Thoroughbred Adoption and Placement, Inc., Brook Hill Retirement Center for Horses, CANTER California, Circle A Home for Horses Inc., Equine Rescue of Aiken, Florida TRAC, Glen Ellen Vocational Academy, Inc., Hope After Racing Thoroughbreds, Hope for Horses, Inc., Horse and Hound Rescue Foundation, James River Horse Foundation, Kentucky Equine Adoption Center, LoneStar Outreach to Place Ex-Racers, LongRun Thoroughbred Retirement Society, Lucky Orphans Horse Rescue, MidAtlantic Horse Rescue Inc., New Beginnings Thoroughbreds, Inc., New Stride Thoroughbred Adoption Society, New Vocations Racehorse Adoption Program, Old Friends Equine Retirement, Racing For Home, Inc., Redwings Horse Sanctuary, ReRun, Inc., Second Wind Thoroughbred Project, Inc., Secretariat Center, South Florida SPCA, The Exceller Fund, Inc., Therapeutic Horses of Saratoga, Thoroughbred Placement Resources, Inc., Thoroughbred Retirement Foundation, United Pegasus Foundation, Virginia Thoroughbred Project, and Win Place Home, Inc. Accreditation from Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance is an important recognition for organizations that provide care and support for retired racehorses. It signifies that these organizations meet certain standards and criteria in terms of horse welfare, facilities, and management. Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance accredited organizations undergo a thorough application and inspection process prior to accreditation being awarded to ensure they meet the Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance 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 accreditation. All organizations that hold Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance accreditation are eligible to receive financial grants to support the care of their Thoroughbreds. Grant applications are currently being reviewed and the total grant amount awarded by Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance will be announced this month. Since 2012, Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance has awarded $28.1 million to accredited organizations. “We are extremely grateful to have a record number of 86 accredited organizations this year. We take great pride in having them as part of our network because they demonstrate a commitment to both themselves and the racing industry in ensuring the proper retraining, retirement, and rehoming of Thoroughbreds once their racing careers have concluded,” said Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance, Accreditation and Grants Manager, Janice Towles. “We are deeply honored to be recognized and accredited by Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance. This acknowledgment reaffirms our commitment to the welfare and well-being of retired Thoroughbred racehorses,” said Brandi Goode from Desert Oasis Rescue LLC. “Being a part of this incredible network not only strengthens our mission but also provides us with valuable resources, support, and the opportunity to collaborate with like-minded organizations. We look forward to making a positive impact and contributing to Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance’s admirable efforts in caring for our horses.” The full list of 86 organizations, information about the accreditation process, and the Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance’s Code of Standards can be found on thoroughbredaftercare.org. 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 inception in 2012, Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance has granted more than $31.9 million to accredited aftercare organizations. Currently 86 aftercare organizations comprised of approximately 180 facilities across North America have been granted accreditation. To learn more about Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance, visit thoroughbredaftercare.org. Contact Samantha Smith 859-224-2882 ssmith@thoroughbredaftercare.org Emily Dresen 352-362-6934 edresen@thoroughbredaftercare.org Share This Release  

All Posts & News Press Releases Success Stories Aftercare Editorials Supporter Features Inspector Spotlights   Previous PostNext Post Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance has Successful Weekend at Breeders’ Cup World Championships Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance has Successful Weekend at Breeders’ Cup World Championships FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE November 7, 2023 News Tags: LEXINGTON, KY — It was a great weekend for Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance as the Official Aftercare Partner of the 40th running of the Breeders’ Cup World Championships. The Breeders’ Cup continues to strengthen its partnership with Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance through many activations, including named races on both Friday and Saturday. On Friday, The FanDuel Breeders’ Cup Juvenile presented by Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance (G1) was won by FIERCENESS. FIERCENESS was ridden by John Velazquez, trained by Todd Pletcher, with owner/breeder Repole Stable. On Saturday, the Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance Stakes (G2) was won by SALESMAN (IRE). SALESMAN was ridden by Flavien Prat, trained by Richard Mandella, with owner/breeder Wertheimer et Frere. “Our company takes immense pride in its support for Thoroughbred aftercare and the transition to second careers for our equine athletes. We will continue to highlight the hard work that the industry is putting forth both during and after their careers on the track,” stated Andrew Moore, General Manager of Racing for FanDuel Group. set up both days on-site alongside California Retirement Management Account (CARMA). Fans and participants were able to meet a retrained Thoroughbred, Red King, who was on-site over the weekend. NBC host, Donna Brothers, even stopped by to do a special feature on Red King which was highlighted on-air over the weekend. Fans were able to stop by the booth and answer questions about second careers, and it was a great opportunity to highlight accredited aftercare. VIP guests from the Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance “Off to the Races” campaign joined the weekend, and even were able to do the call to post for the Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance race and join in the winner’s circle presentations for both named races. Another highlight included support from FanDuel. FanDuel honored Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance with a check presentation with a $100,000 donation on Thursday, prior to The FanDuel Breeders’ Cup Juvenile presented by Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance (G1). All of the charities from Breeders’ Cup 40 Days of Giving were also honored in the winner’s circle on Sunday with a check presentation for the generous campaign conducted by Breeders’ Cup. “We express our gratitude to Breeders’ Cup, Santa Anita, and FanDuel for once again shining a spotlight on Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance. Our participation in this event underscores showcases our commitment to accredited Thoroughbred aftercare and the racing community. It was wonderful to have the presence of a former Breeders’ Cup contender, Red King, as a representative for all retired racehorses. It is important to show the public that racehorses can achieve great success in alternative careers once their racing careers come to an end. We look forward to continuing to celebrate all Thoroughbreds and our relationship with Breeders’ Cup and FanDuel in the future,” said Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance, Operations Consultant, Stacie Clark. Overall, it was an excellent weekend of racing to be involved in, and a great opportunity to emphasize the importance of accredited aftercare following the racing career of these incredible athletes. 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 inception in 2012, Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance has granted more than $31.9 million to accredited aftercare organizations. Currently 86 aftercare organizations comprised of approximately 180 facilities across North America have been granted accreditation. To learn more about Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance, visit thoroughbredaftercare.org. About FanDuel Group FanDuel Group is an innovative sports-tech entertainment company that is changing the way consumers engage with their favorite sports, teams, and leagues. The premier mobile gaming destination in the United States, FanDuel Group consists of a portfolio of leading brands across sports betting, iGaming, horse racing, advance-deposit wagering, daily fantasy sports. In addition, FanDuel Group operates FanDuel TV its broadly distributed linear cable television and leading direct-to-consumer OTT platform. FanDuel Group has a presence across all 50 states with approximately 17 million customers and 25 retail locations. The company is based in New York with offices in Los Angeles, Atlanta and Jersey City, as well as in Canada, Scotland, Ireland, Portugal, Romania and Australia. FanDuel Group is a subsidiary of Flutter Entertainment plc, (LON: FLTR) the world’s largest sports betting and gaming operator with a portfolio of globally recognized brands. Contact Samantha Smith 859-224-2882 ssmith@thoroughbredaftercare.org Emily Dresen 352-362-6934 edresen@thoroughbredaftercare.org Share This Release  

All Posts Press Releases Success Stories Aftercare Editorials Previous PostNext Post Witt Way’s Second Chance Witt Way’s Second Chance By: Alexis Arbaugh October 28, 2023 Other, Success Stories Tags:Lonestar Outreach to Place Ex-Racers, Thoroughbred Aftercare, Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance Beginning his racing career as a two-year-old in 2012, Witt Way developed chips in both knees during his three-year-old season. His connections opted for surgery to remove the chips, and after some downtime to heal, he began his racing career again as a four-year-old. Although he was completely sound, he just wasn’t progressing in his training, and after just fifteen career starts, it appeared that Witt Way was not destined to be a great racehorse. Fortunately for the young Thoroughbred, his thoughtful connections all agreed he would excel in another career and in 2014 Witt Way retired from racing and began looking for a new home. That is when Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance-accredited LoneStar Outreach to Place Ex-Racers (LOPE) decided to take him. “His racing connections thought he had plateaued at that point,” Founder and Executive Director Lynn Reardon said. “They felt he needed a new career and donated him to LOPE. The vast majority of our horses are donated by their racing connections, which is really cool to see.” The four-year-old gelding arrived at Reardon’s Driftwood, Texas facility in October of 2014 and made his presence known right away. “One of the things that stands out to me was how friendly and kind Witt Way was,” said Reardon. “He was of course tall, dark and handsome — with a splashy star too! But Witt Way was truly a case of ‘Handsome is as handsome does’ — he was sensible, willing and just a sweet guy all-around.” From his arrival at LOPE, “Witt,” as he is now called, exhibited his natural abilities and proved to be a nice mover on the ground. His knee chip removal could prove difficult for any future jumping or Eventing homes, but Reardon and her team were confident that he could excel on the flat. “He had the perfect build and movement for dressage,” stated Reardon. A tall, dark, and handsome natural mover was just what Roxanne Ellingsworth was looking for when she began her search for a new dressage partner in 2015, that’s when she happened upon the LOPE website. “I found him online and fell in love with him,” said Ellingsworth. “He looked like a diamond in the rough to me.” So Roxanne hooked up her truck and trailer and headed to LOPE. “[I] had to have him,” she said. Although Reardon and the rest of LOPE had witnessed Witt’s natural movement from the ground, he had yet to have his first ride off track, which didn’t sway Roxanne at all. “He was never ridden at the rescue,” she said. “I was the first one on him after the track and he was a perfect gentleman.” So together they began Witt’s retraining in dressage. “He was taking to it [Dressage] like a duck to water,” Roxanne recalled proudly. “[He’s a] complete Dressage diva!” The pair trained and competed in lower-level dressage successfully for the following seven years, until just last year when something about Witt didn’t feel right to Roxanne – her beloved gelding was suddenly struggling at the canter. “We just kept thinking it’s his feet, he has typical Thoroughbred feet – thin soles no heel,” she explained. “But it was getting worse, and I know him so well, something [was] wrong.” Knowing her partner better than anyone, Roxanne began to do some research, looking for a solution to what was ailing Witt. “Sure enough he fit the bill for kissing spine disease,” she said. Overriding dorsal spinous processes, also known as “kissing spine”, occurs when the vertebrae in a horse’s spine are too close together, causing the small bits of bone that extend upward from the vertebrae to “kiss” together. The lack of space between these bones reduces mobility in the back and in turn causes pain and/or discomfort as the spinous processes interfere with each other. It is one of the leading causes of back pain in equines, but can be treated in a variety of ways, one of which includes surgery. While Witt begun his rehab and recovery and Roxanne is happy to look to the future. “Once we are back fit again it’s off to 1st level and my goal is my USDF Bronze Medal with him. That will take us to 3rd level,” she said proudly. “He is gorgeous in the show ring and just struts his stuff. He was born for Dressage.” Share This Article   Do you have a success story that you would like to share? Submit your experience with an accredited organization here: Success Story Submission

All Posts & News Press Releases Success Stories Aftercare Editorials Supporter Features Inspector Spotlights   Previous PostNext Post Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance Announced as Beneficiary for Maryland Jockey Club’s Canter for a Cause Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance Announced as Beneficiary for Maryland Jockey Club’s Canter for a Cause FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE October 17, 2023 News Tags:1/st, 1/ST Racing, Canter for The Cause, Maryland Jockey Club, Pimlico Race Course, TAA, Tbaftercare, Thoroughbred Aftercare, Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance LEXINGTON, KY — Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance will be present at Pimlico Race Course for the annual Canter for a Cause charity event on Sunday, October 29, 2023. Sponsored by the Maryland Jockey Club, Canter for a Cause is scheduled to run from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. EDT rain or shine, with all proceeds going to Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance. Canter for a Cause is an annual event that gives riders the opportunity to ride their personal horse on a racetrack. The event serves as an excellent opportunity to promote second careers for Thoroughbreds and put accredited aftercare at the forefront, with Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance being the sole beneficiary of the event. A representative from Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance will be on-site at the event to answer questions about life after racing and accredited aftercare. Entries will be taken in four groups: Seabiscuit (walk, trot, canter, and gallop); Secretariat (walk, trot, and slow canter); War Admiral (walk and trot); and Ben’s Cat (lead line). Each participant will be assigned a ride time based on his or her group, and requests to ride with friends should be made in advance. All riders will have the opportunity to get a picture taken by the official track photographer, Jim McCue, in the Winner’s Circle. “Maryland Jockey Club is honored to host Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance at the Canter for a Cause event for another consecutive year,” said Georganne Hale, Vice President of Racing Development at the Maryland Jockey Club. “Our shared commitment to Thoroughbred aftercare ensures that retired racehorse have access to resources necessary to ensure a bright new future once they are done racing.” The registration deadline for Canter for a Cause is Monday, October 23, 2023, at 5 p.m. EDT. Space is limited and the entry deadline is firm, so it is suggested that anyone interested register as soon as possible. Entries may be submitted online: www.pimlico.com/canter-for-a-cause. 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 inception in 2012, Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance has granted more than $31.9 million to accredited aftercare organizations. Currently 86 aftercare organizations comprised of approximately 180 facilities across North America have been granted accreditation. To learn more about Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance, visit thoroughbredaftercare.org. Contact Samantha Smith 859-224-2882 ssmith@thoroughbredaftercare.org Emily Dresen 352-362-6934 edresen@thoroughbredaftercare.org Share This Release  

This article was originally featured in the October 2023 Issue of BloodHorse Magazine in the Second Acts series. This article is the original format and text. To read the BloodHorse article or to subscribe click HERE. Why an OTTB is an Excellent Therapy Horse October 16, 2024 By: Joell Dunlap Square Peg horse Kentucky Guy with Instructor Emma Bond There’s a lovely breeding farm in our quaint coastal California town of Half Moon Bay. The founder, a dear friend and colleague of mine, has every reason to take pride in her farm and the reputation earned for breeding successful show jumpers competing against European bloodlines. Recently, she called to offer me a gelding for our program. He’s young with a lovely temperament. However, it’s clear he won’t meet requirements for the International Jumper circuit. Rather than opting for a quick sale that might lead to unfavorable circumstances, the owners are determined to secure him a wonderful home. I returned the call and thanked her for thinking of us. I took the opportunity to remind her the racing industry frequently provides us with numerous lovely geldings with pleasant temperaments. Unlike the showjumping industry, the racing industry remains supportive of our program and provides critical operating funds.  “But this gelding has three months training with a very good trainer,” my friend informed me. She is correct; the trainer is very good. She continued, “and he’s much further along than anything you would get fresh off the track.” I’ve been sitting on that comment all day. Last year, I traveled to Ireland and visited the Irish National Stud. We met some folks on our tour including a woman who had worked for years in a therapeutic riding program. “But you would never use one of these horses in your program?” She gestured towards the lovely, retired racehorses grazing peacefully in paddocks. “Yes,” I replied, “that’s exactly who we use.” “Well, not Thoroughbreds with hot bloodlines like this?” she stammered. My mind drifted to the array of bloodlines back home who were kindly caring for our families at Square Peg: Bodemeister, Kingmambo, Unusual Heat, Afleet Alex, and Fusaichi Pegasus. You probably can’t get hotter than those. I’m a sucker for a nice pedigree. Both conversations involved experienced and professional horse enthusiasts, and both conveyed the notion that off the track Thoroughbreds are, at best, poorly suited for the type of work we engage in. work we engage in. Joell Dunlap shares a quiet moment with Fravel, a son of Unusual Heat who came to Square Peg after a winless racing career Let’s spend a quick minute on “what we do.” Because it’s important: Square Peg currently maintains a herd of 24 horses. Seventeen of them are registered Thoroughbreds. We serve the Square Pegs of the world – that is to say, people who have been marginalized. Our specialty is in serving the autism community and we’ve been doing it since 2004. Our horses are riding horses and our approach is to help people regulate using a calm horse with a strong and steady rhythm. We are obsessive geeks who study the Classical Masters of Horsemanship: Baucher, Olivera, Pluvinel. We’re honored to be mentored by the Valenca Family of Portugal and we’ve studied under Christian Bachinger, Second Rider for the Spanish Riding School of Vienna. I say this not for bragging rights (okay, I’m admittedly proud of it, but it’s not the point) but to illustrate that this isn’t a program of glorified pony rides or of herd observation unmounted work. Not that either of those doesn’t have therapeutic effects, but it’s not what we do.  These Thoroughbreds, which are often marginalized as being “too reactive, too fragile, too big,” possess the capacity for Classical Dressage including piaffe, passage, terre y terre and more. Our mentors are continually amazed at the willingness our Thoroughbreds show to learn, to try, to meet soft aids with honesty and integrity.  It would be remiss not to acknowledge the therapeutic impact of a Thoroughbred’s sheer beauty when discussing the breed. The athleticism, the sought-after “look of eagles” we seek in the sales ring, the symmetry, the intelligent ears, and the inquisitive eyes all contribute to the profound sense of awe evoked by the Thoroughbred’s majestic presence. When a Thoroughbred showcases their unique quirks or displays their individual personality, it brings about a sense of lightness, awe, and gratitude. These emotions play a crucial role in a healing regimen, and once again, the Thoroughbred delivers on all points. Microrithms, was trained by hall of Famer Bob Baffern, was accomplished on the racetrack and is now ably serving the autism community at Square Peg. While it may be evident to most of us, my initial observations show the necessity to emphasize – a Thoroughbred “right off the track” has plenty of experience you don’t see in another breed of the same age. Racehorses have been exposed to regular riding, handling, bathing, transportation, shoeing, and grooming. They’ve encountered tractors, cars, bicycles, crowds, loudspeakers, flapping laundry, barn goats, and much more. Familiar with being ponied by another horse, they are unfazed by the sight of other horses being led in the same manner. There’s more to these amazing athletes: unlike any other breed I’ve encountered, they are attuned to humans. They have been in close concert with, at work and home with humans as part of their herd, part of their livelihood – an interwoven part of their social fabric – for their entire lives. They look to humans for care, comfort, play, and companionship. This is what heals us. This is what makes horse stories our favorite stories. This is what teaches us about ourselves, about our capacity for seeing others and being seen ourselves. This is how we learn about forgiveness.  To watch a Thoroughbred in a post parade – heading over to give his very best – we see athleticism, we see lithe muscles coiled and ready to carry our hopes, or at least our live Daily Double wager dreams

All Posts Press Releases Success Stories Aftercare Editorials Previous PostNext Post The Many Careers of Missn Suesann The Many Careers of Missn Suesann By: Alexis Arbaugh October 9, 2023 Other, Success Stories Tags:Remember Me Rescue, Success story, Thoroughbred Aftercare, Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance With only one start on her record as a three-year-old, Missn Suesann was not long for the racehorse life. Trained by Dallas Keen, husband of Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance-accredited Remember Me Rescue Executive Director Donna Keen, there were no questions about her retirement just one month after her exit from race training. “Missn Suesann was sent to us in the fall of 2009 along with 2 other horses from a small breeder named Todd Martin. She was always a little spitfire,” Keen recalled. “I can not remember what ended her career, but I was so glad Mr. Martin let us rehome her.” Missn Suesann would retire to Remember Me Rescue after her first and only race in March 2010, where she would find her true calling at her forever home with Amanda Frye. Amanda found her long-term partner on Remember Me Rescue’s Facebook page in April of 2010. “When I first saw her photo, I was amazed at her beauty and athleticism,” said Frye. “She had the kindest, sweetest eyes and face.” Not wanting to waste any time in contacting the organization, and after a lengthy conversation with Executive Director Donna Keen, Frye made the trip to Remember Me in Burleston, Texas the very next day. Although Amanda had originally been drawn to the bay filly for her outward appearance, the deal was sealed when they met and experienced Susie’s kind demeanor in person. “It was love at first sight,” Frye recalled. “When I first met Susie, we just clicked. I think we both knew we belonged to each other.” After filling out the required adoption application and awaiting her approval, Susie was on her way home to begin her new life. For the first five and half years with Frye, Susie was retrained and worked as a ranch horse. “[She was] sorting pairs, doctoring, roping, riding fence,” she recalled. “Just whatever we needed done on our ranch.” Although, Susie loved he ranch horse life, it wouldn’t be long before the duo began a new journey that lead them to the show ring. “When I decided I missed jumping, I pulled her out of the pasture and she started the show horse life,” said Frye. They began competing in the Show Jumpers in 2016 and have enjoyed their time cruising around the Jumper ring together for the last seven years. In 2021, Susie stepped into her fourth “career” as a mother. Her foal was born on April 16, 2021, and was affectionately named “Dragon” as a way of honoring her mother’s fiery spirit. “She gave me a beautiful filly,” Frye gushed. “Susie was the original fire breathing dragon, so baby dragon just stuck. [Her] registered name is Capchure FR.” When looking towards the future, Amanda and Susie’s goals haven’t shifted much. “Most of my goals have been accomplished with Susie over the years. But our main one now is to work our way back up to the .95-1M Jumpers and maybe do some Take2 Thoroughbred classes,” Frye reports. “[I’m] hoping to possibly qualify for TIP Championship in the fall of 2023.” Although Susie showed no interest in racing, her athleticism and passion made her capable of so much more. “I have ridden close to a hundred [Off Track Thoroughbreds] in my life. And I have yet to find another breed that has the heart and try that a TB does,” Frye stated. “They give you their all every single time you climb on their back. If a Thoroughbred gives you their heart, you will have a partner for life.” Share This Article   Do you have a success story that you would like to share? Submit your experience with an accredited organization here: Success Story Submission