The Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance (TAA) announced today that they will participate in the upcoming American Association of Equine Practitioners (AAEP) Convention and Trade Show in Salt Lake City, UT on December 6-10. In an effort to further engage the veterinary community, Dr. Foster Northrop has donated $5,000 to the TAA with the hope that his colleagues will seek out representatives from the organization at the convention and become involved.
‘My entire career I’ve taken in horses from the communities I’ve worked in who had nowhere else to go, and tried to find new careers and new homes for them,’ said equine veterinarian Foster Northrop. ‘These horses give their all for us. I want to make sure they have a place to go when their careers are over, and I hope all equine vets feel the same.’
Veterinarians can take part in the TAA’s ‘Vet Challenge,’ by visiting Booth #406 to make a donation on-site through donation pledge cards, and via PayPal. Those who take part in the challenge will be listed on the ‘Challenge Board’ to showcase the efforts of the veterinary community. All attendees will be invited to learn more about the TAA’s accreditation process and lend their services as site inspectors to help accredit new organizations.
‘Veterinarians play an essential role in aftercare, from treating horses at our accredited facilities and assisting with site inspections to helping us convey our mission to the masses,” said Stacie Rogers Clark, who is a founding board member of the TAA. She recently stepped away from the TAA board so she could accept the new leadership role as an Operations Consultant. Stacie has served in every aspect of the formation of TAA, including chair of the Accreditation Committee. She will now be responsible for the complete day to day operations of the TAA.
‘I have been fortunate enough to work in horse racing my entire life, and working in aftercare has given me a uniquely informed perspective of the industry as a whole. As one of the founding board members I worked alongside many others to make sure the TAA became a reality, and the veterinary community has played a paramount role in that. I am proud to be leading the organization and its mission and determined that we will continue to make progress on behalf of both the horses and our industry,’ Clark further stated.
For more information about the booth or ways to be involved with the ‘Vet Challenge’, please contact Danielle Nichter, Marketing and Fundraising Coordinator, or visit her at the TAA Booth #406.
Based in Lexington, Kentucky, 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 The 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.
