Lexington, KY ‘ June 18, 2013 – The Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance (TAA) is pleased to announce that it has received applications for accreditation from 27 eligible aftercare facilities. These organizations will now begin the TAA’s process of review and onsite examination, to be eligible for consideration for grants in 2013 and 2014.
Applications were submitted from facilities in 13 different states in the United States and from two organizations in Canada. The facilities range in location from Kentucky, New York and Maryland to Arizona, Washington and California, and represent a cross-section of rescue, retirement, retraining and adoption programs.
‘We’re encouraged by the level of interest shown by such a diverse group of organizations in our first year of operations,’ said Mike Ziegler, Executive Director of TAA. ‘Continued support from all aspects of the industry is critical in order to support our accredited facilities and the great work they are doing to help retired Thoroughbreds.’
To be considered for accreditation, organizations must complete a detailed application process and careful onsite examinations by TAA inspectors and independent veterinarians. Facilities eligible to apply for TAA accreditation include those conforming to the following four broad standards:
- Possess 501 (c)(3) tax exempt status
- Have been operational for at least three years
- Care for a resident population of at least five horses, with at least half the horses being Thoroughbreds
- Follow a euthanasia policy consistent with that of the American Association of Equine Practitioners (AAEP)
The complete TAA Code of Standards for aftercare facilities and the accreditation application are available at http://www.thoroughbredaftercare.org/.
The TAA announced on May 1 that it had accredited its first three Thoroughbred aftercare facilities: Florida Thoroughbred Retirement and Adoptive Care in Palm City, Fla.; New Vocations in Marysville, Ohio and Southern California Thoroughbred Rescue in Norco, Calif. The three facilities are now eligible to receive financial support from the TAA for the ongoing care of retired Thoroughbreds.
Based in Lexington, Ky., the TAA is designed to serve as both the 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, jockeys, aftercare professionals and other industry groups. To support the TAA, please visit thoroughbredaftercare.org or call 859-224-2756.
