Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance

All Posts & News Press Releases Success Stories Aftercare Editorials Retraining Tips Supporter Features Inspector Spotlights   Previous Post Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance to be Present at Colonial Downs for Virginia Derby Day Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance to be Present at Colonial Downs for Virginia Derby Day FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE September 5, 2024 News Tags:accredited aftercare, Best Turned Out, Colonial Downs, Kitten’s Joy Stakes, Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance, VIP, virginia Derby Day LEXINGTON, KY — Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance will be present at Colonial Downs Racetrack during the weekend of the $500,000 New Kent County Virginia Derby, set for Saturday, September 7, 2024. The Virginia Derby is a Grade III race that covers 1 1/8 miles on the turf. Colonial Downs, a longtime supporter of accredited aftercare, will honor Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance with a named race on the Virginia Derby Day. Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance will present Race # 7, the Grade III $125,000 Kitten’s Joy Stakes, which is a 1 1/16-mile turf race that is set to run at 4:20 PM ET. Following the race, a presentation will take place in the winner’s circle, where the connections will receive a Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance branded gift bag and blanket. On Saturday, Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance will present Best Turned-Out awards for all six stakes races at Colonial Downs, including the Virginia Derby and the Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance Kitten’s Joy Stakes. The Best Turned-Out awards are generously sponsored by Virginia HBPA. Additionally, a representative from Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance will be present to host the winners of the “Off to the Races” VIP Experience online benefit auction. This exciting VIP experience was donated by Colonial Downs. The winners will enjoy a table for six at the 1609 Restaurant, paddock passes and winners circle access for the Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance Kitten’s Joy Stakes, and much more. “I’m both excited and grateful to represent Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance at Colonial Downs on Virginia Derby Day,” said Suzie Picou-Oldham, Inspections Administrator, Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance. “We will be presenting Best Turned-Out awards, sponsored by Virginia HBPA. This is a fantastic way for us to celebrate accredited aftercare while awarding the grooms who care for the horses on the track.” 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 Retraining Tips Supporter Features Inspector Spotlights   Previous Post Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance On-Site for Pacific Classic Day at Del Mar Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance On-Site for Pacific Classic Day at Del Mar FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE August 22, 2024 News Tags:Del Mar, Pacific Classic, Thoroughbred Aftercare, Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance, VIP Experience LEXINGTON, KY — Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance is excited to announce its presence at Del Mar for the highly anticipated Pacific Classic Day on Saturday, August 31, 2024. This event promises a thrilling day of racing, with the Grade I $1,000,000 FanDuel Racing Pacific Classic headlining the weekend’s celebrations. As one of the “Win and You’re In” races for the Breeders’ Cup Challenge Series, the Pacific Classic is expected to draw significant attention from racing fans. In a strong display of commitment to accredited aftercare, Del Mar Thoroughbred Club will honor Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance with a named race on the undercard of Pacific Classic Day on Saturday. Following the race, a presentation will be made to the winning connections, featuring a Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance branded gift bag and blanket sponsored by Fenwick Equestrian and Dean Dorton. This race presentation highlights the importance of responsible aftercare for Thoroughbreds. A representative from Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance will be present to host winners of the “Off to the Races” VIP Experience online benefit auction. This exciting VIP experience was generously donated by Del Mar Thoroughbred Club. The winners will enjoy a table for four in the Turf Club, a pre-race tour of the paddock, access to the winner’s circle for the Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance race, and much more. The partnership between Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance and Del Mar Thoroughbred Club exemplifies the racing industry’s dedication to accredited aftercare, showcasing how the impact of racing extends far beyond the track. “Del Mar is extremely committed to the well-being of Thoroughbreds, both on and off the track. Our partnership with Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance reflects our dedication to supporting responsible aftercare practices,” said Josh Rubinstein, President, Del Mar Thoroughbred Club. “Through initiatives like the ‘Off to the Races’ campaign, we’re ensuring that we are contributing to the cause and showing that there is a brighter future for our incredible athletes after the track.” Additionally, Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance is pleased to announce donations from Commonwealth and Ocean Reef Racing. These contributions will significantly support the mission of providing safe and secure retirements for Thoroughbred horses, underscoring the commitment of Commonwealth and Ocean Reef Racing to the welfare of these equine athletes. A combined check presentation for the donations will take place on Pacific Classic Day. “We are thrilled to be able to partner with Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance in the support of these magnificent animals during and after their racing career has ended,” said Billy Paynter, Managing Partner, Ocean Reef Racing. “It is the responsible and right thing to do by the animal. You don’t get into this game unless you truly love the horses. We look forward to this partnership for years to come.” 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 Retraining Tips Supporter Features Inspector Spotlights   Previous Post Holly’s Dream Dressage Horse Holly’s Dream Dressage Horse By: Alexis Arbaugh July 31, 2024 Success Stories Tags:New Vocations Racehorse Adoption Program, Success story, Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance, Western Dressage Buckeye Warrior’s dressage debut in May of 2022 Holly Zecchin was in the market for a horse with the potential to compete in Western Dressage when she found Buckeye Warrior on the New Vocations Racehorse Adoption Program website. Buckeye Warrior, a 2016 bay gelding, had run from 2018 to 2021, earning a total of $43,819. Unfortunately, at the time he was listed on the website, Buckeye Warrior was rehabilitating from a stress fracture in his left tibia. Consequently, there were no videos of him, only photos showcasing his conformation. Holly initially passed on the dark bay gelding, thinking his injury might affect their future together. However, the more she looked at his photos, the more she realized that she “should take on Buckeye.” Even with his injury, Holly believed Buckeye’s conformation was ideal for Dressage. Leandra Cooper, Buckeye’s trainer at New Vocations, provided Holly with detailed information about Buckeye’s personality. Leandra described him as having a kind eye and a quiet nature. Though a bit reserved, he was also trusting and smart. After meeting Buckeye in person, Holly wrote, “Leandra’s description was so accurate.” Holly adopted Buckeye in November 2021, hoping he would be eligible and adequately prepared to compete in the 2022 Retired Racehorse Project (RRP) at the Kentucky Horse Park in Lexington. “Buckeye has exceeded any objectives I could have set for him this year,” Holly wrote. His “intelligent and trusting nature have allowed him to really excel at Western Dressage.” To prepare for RRP, Buckeye and Holly competed at the Basic Level in Oklahoma, where he was named champion in the open division. He also qualified for the Western Dressage Association World Show, held in Guthrie, Oklahoma, from September 28 to October 1, 2022. When the pair finally competed at RRP in October, they won the Dressage division and the Thoroughbred Incentive Program (TIP) National Championship for Western Dressage. After RRP, Buckeye had a few weeks off to rest and recuperate from a busy yet successful 2022. Since then, Holly and Buckeye resumed training for Level One Western Dressage competitions. Holly’s goal is to “bring Buckeye up the levels of Western 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 Retraining Tips Supporter Features Inspector Spotlights Previous Post Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance to Highlight Initiatives in Saratoga Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance to Highlight Initiatives in Saratoga FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE July 24, 2024 News Tags:accredited aftercare, Accredited Organizations, Fasig Tipton, Fasig-Tipton Sales, NYRA, Saratoga Race Course, Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance, Whitney Stakes LEXINGTON, KY — Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance will return to Saratoga this August to highlight accredited aftercare with a variety of initiatives at Saratoga Race Course and Fasig-Tipton. Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance will be present for both the weekend of the Grade 1, $1 million Whitney Stakes, and the following week of the Fasig-Tipton Selected Yearling sales. New York Racing Association, Inc. (NYRA) will feature Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance as its Community Partner during the weekend of the Whitney Stakes. The 97th running of the Whitney Stakes will be held at Saratoga Race Course on Saturday, August 3, 2024. Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance will be present at NYRA’s Community Outreach Booth on both Saturday and Sunday, where patrons and race fans can visit to learn about accredited aftercare. Branded merchandise will also be available at the booth in exchange for a donation, including a limited-edition Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance ‘Saratoga’ t-shirt. During the weekend of the Whitney Stakes, Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance will be honored with a named race on Saturday’s undercard. After the named race, a presentation will be made to the winning connections, including a branded blanket and branded merchandise. Additionally, representatives from Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance will present the Best Turned Out Horse award on Saturday during the Fasig-Tipton Lure in the winner’s circle. Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance will host the winners of the Saratoga VIP Experience from the “Off to the Races” online benefit auction. This experience was generously donated by NYRA, the National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame, and Anne’s Washington Inn. The winners will enjoy a horseman’s box for five, paddock and winner’s circle access for the Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance race, a tour with Tom Durkin at the National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame, and much more. Fasig-Tipton, another supporting partner of Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance, is set to hold The Saratoga Sale featuring selected yearlings on August 5-6. Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance representatives will be on-site to converse with consigners, buyers, and supporters to discuss accredited aftercare. In addition, Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance will hand out New York Thoroughbred Breeding & Development Fund co-branded rub rags to consigners of the New York Bred Yearlings Sale, which will be held August 11-12. “We are very excited to once again participate in so many industry events and spread awareness for accredited aftercare while we are at the NYRA Saratoga race meet,” said Stacie Clark Rogers, Operations Consultant, Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance. “It’s wonderful to connect with supporters and partners during the race meet and the Fasig-Tipton Sale and to visit and meet with many of our New York accredited organizations.” While in Saratoga, Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance will visit accredited aftercare facilities to conduct inspections as part of the accreditation process. Staff will also meet with trainers, owners, and other supporters throughout the week to discuss accredited aftercare. Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance board members will convene for an annual board meeting on Thursday, August 8. 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 Retraining Tips Supporter Features Inspector Spotlights Previous Post Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance Announces Fourth Annual Calendar Photo Contest Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance Announces Fourth Annual Calendar Photo Contest FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE June 26, 2024 News Tags:2024 Calendar Photo Contest, Calendar Contest, Press Release, Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance LEXINGTON, KY — Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance announces the opening of its fourth annual Calendar Photo Contest. Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance is seeking photos of Thoroughbreds to feature in the 2025 Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance Calendar. Submissions will be accepted starting July 1, 2024, through July 31, 2024. Photo entries should feature a registered Thoroughbred that is either currently residing at or was rehomed by a Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance accredited organization. High-resolution color photos taken within the past year are preferred. Resolution must have a minimum effective ppi of 300 ppi at 11.25 x 8.75 inches (w x h). Photographs should be submitted by the photographer or with explicit permission of the photographer. Watermarked or purchased professional photography will not be considered. Example of photos include: a Thoroughbred showcased in a specific season (spring, summer, fall, winter), a Thoroughbred in training for a second career, an adopter and their Thoroughbred, a Thoroughbred used in equine-assisted therapy, and so on. All photographs must be relevant to the mission of Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance and adhere to the criteria specified in the official contest rules. Photos will be judged on clarity, artistry, and photographic quality. Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance will select twelve winners, with one photo featured for each month. Each winner will receive Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance branded merchandise and a free copy of the 2025 calendar. Additionally, one of the twelve winners will be chosen for the cover and will receive a Tipperary helmet of their choice as the grand prize, sponsored by Tipperary Equestrian. Honorable mentions will also be awarded with a free copy of the 2025 calendar. “The calendar contest is a unique opportunity to showcase not only some of our accredited organizations but also the remarkable abilities and success stories of Thoroughbreds in their second careers,” said Samantha Smith, Marketing & Communications Director, Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance. “These photos celebrate the versatility and achievements of Thoroughbreds, highlighting their journeys from the racetrack to new, fulfilling roles. We use these images not only for the calendar but across various platforms throughout the year, including social media, to inspire and engage our supporters. We look forward to all the exciting pictures that are submitted to us each year.” Entry to the contest is free and open to residents of the United States, Canada, and Puerto Rico. The contest is open to participants 18+ or with parent/guardian permission for those under the age of 18.  Online submissions will be accepted July 1, 2024, through July 31, 2024. For more information, the official rules, and the contest submission form, visit: www.thoroughbredaftercare.org/calendar-contest/ 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 Share This Release

All Posts & News Press Releases Success Stories Aftercare Editorials Supporter Features Inspector Spotlights Previous Post A New start For asuka A New Start For Asuka By: Alexis Arbaugh May 29, 2024 Success Stories Tags:Circle A Home For Horses, Success story, Thoroughbred Aftercare, Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance Asuka at Circle A Home For Horses Ruth Cheyenne Gilman had been a volunteer at Circle A Home For Horses, as well as having adopted a horse previously from the organization. In the fall of 2022. Asuka, a slender and beautiful Thoroughbred mare arrived at Circle A Home For Horses in Virgina Beach, Virginia. Initially, Asuka appeared moody and seemed to be “thoroughly scared of people,” wrote Ruth when she met the bay mare. However, after having time to adjust to her new environment and get to know her new caretakers, Asuka slowly came around. Less than a year later, in the summer of 2023, Asuka was ready and in need of a new home. Fortunately for Asuka, Ruth’s husband had always been drawn to her, and when he found out that she needed a home, he knew just how to persuade Ruth. Asuka was just a “feisty, opinionated, misunderstood mare” who needed a place to call home. Circle A Home For Horses Soon after getting the mare to Ruth’s house, her husband went back to work and Asuka became Ruth’s sole responsibility. For a while Asuka remained scared and closed off to the environment and people, as she was when she first arrived at Circle A Home for Horses. Once Asuka realized that Ruth and her husband were her new herd, her aggressive behavior started to slowly disappear. “She is still incredibly opinionated but so am I [and] seeing her come around has been amazing,” Ruth wrote. With “consistency, confidence, and trust” they continue to chug along in their training. Ruth couldn’t be prouder of Asuka. Some days they make a lot of progress and other days they just make small steps, nonetheless they move forward. Ruth is very careful with the number of expectations she puts on Asuka because she understands that Asuka probably had quite a demanding life as a racehorse. She just wants Asuka to be happy. “We work every day on physical and mental health,” wrote Ruth. Starting in the summer of 2024, Ruth will evaluate Asuka on if she wants to be a riding horse. Ruth is not worried one bit if Asuka decides that she doesn’t right now, she is committed to going at Asuka’s pace and doing what Asuka wants when she is ready. “My # 1 goal is [to keep] Asuka safe, happy, healthy, and [that] she knows she is loved], Ruth wrote. Asuka | Ruth Gilman 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 Retraining Tips Supporter Features Inspector Spotlights   Previous PostNext Post the adventures of starship chewy The Adventures Of Starship Chewy By: Alexis Arbaugh May 10, 2024 Success Stories Tags:Mounted Shooting, Parades, Playdays, Remember Me Rescue, Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance, Trail Ashley Kruse was browsing through Remember Me Rescue’s Facebook page when she happened upon Starship Chewy’s listing. Intrigued, she made an appointment with the organization to meet him. Ashley traveled to the Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance accredited organization located in Burleson, Texas, eager to meet this promising horse. Starship Chewy, a 2015 gelding, had a racing career that spanned six years, during which he competed 45 times across California, New Mexico, and Arizona, earning a total of $45,882. His racing days behind him, Chewy was ready for a new chapter. During her first ride on Chewy at the ranch, Ashley quickly fell in love with his stoic personality. “There was a banner that was waving in the breeze, Chewy did not seem bothered by it and even allowed me to walk him up to it while I was mounted,” Ashley shared. Chewy’s calm and alert demeanor impressed her. An incident in the barn further cemented her admiration for him. As Ashley was unsaddling Chewy, a goat in a nearby stall jumped up on the gate, causing a loud ruckus. Chewy simply flinched, turned his head to look, and calmly realized it was not a threat. Ashley knew then that Chewy’s composed mind made him the perfect trail horse. “Chewy is doing amazing now,” Ashley reported. She has taken him to various events and exposed him to numerous new experiences. Together, they have attended a horsemanship clinic, participated in playday events, and carried flags in local parades. On their camping trips, Chewy has encountered wagons, cannons, gunshots, being high-lined overnight, flags, and many other noises, all of which he handled without issue. Even on trail rides next to busy highways, Chewy remains unfazed by the noise and commotion. Ashley believes Chewy deserves a “slow life” after his competitive racing career. She has no desire to compete with him, preferring to enjoy a relaxed and “chill” life together. “Chewy has an incredible spirit and mind,” Ashley wrote. “He has surpassed my expectations with so many things I have thrown at him.” On Sunday mornings, when the weather is nice, Ashley, Chewy, and his “brother” Rocket, another gelding, go to the Lone Star Cowboy Church of Limestone County to greet churchgoers at the gate before service. This has become a cherished routine for them. Ashley hopes to try mounted shooting with Chewy one day, but her primary goal is to ensure he remains happy, healthy, and enjoys a peaceful life filled with new adventures. “He is the perfect boy,” Ashley concluded, expressing her gratitude for having Chewy in her life and her plans to keep him as part of her family forever. 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 Post smoking romance and his girls Smoking Romance and His Girls By: Alexis Arbaugh May 10, 2024 Success Stories Tags:english, Hope After Racing Thoroughbreds, hunter, hunter jumper, Huntseat, Success story, Thoroughbred Aftercare, Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance In the spring of 2021, Charlotte Qualley and her mother Betsey attended the Iowa State Fair. At the fair, they noticed Hope After Racing Thoroughbreds (HART), a Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance accredited organization. They conversed with the HART representatives about horses that were available for adoption, and discussed which horse would be the most suitable match for the mother-daughter duo. They were primarily focused on a horse for Charlotte, but were interested in a horse they both could ride. Part of the criteria for a horse was one that could grow and develop alongside Charlotte. A horse that wasn’t too young or green” and that would help Charlotte become a better rider. Smoking Romance was a nine-year-old bay gelding who had raced 41 times during his five years on the racetrack. They wanted a horse who had the potential to adapt and learn new things, and Smoking Romance seemed to be a great candidate for that position. After Betsey and Charlotte’s second time visiting Smoking Romance they knew he was the one for them. They realized that he was willing to try anything that was asked of him and was a fast learner – perfect for Charlotte. “He just needed to build some trust in someone,” wrote Betsey. At this point, S’more, as Charlotte and Betsey call him, had been with them for over two years and is thriving. “He’s had a lot of growth,” Betsey wrote, “he’s picked up everything that he learns and has built a trust with both of us, particularly Charlotte, who is his only rider”. Charlotte and Betsey paid close attention to S’more and discovered what makes him happy. For example, he prefers front shoes only and benefits from regular chiropractic adjustments. S’more’s ground manners have improved significantly since they adopted him, as he now pays more attention to and trusts his rider. They worked extensively on trailer loading, focusing especially on straight-load trailers. When Betsey and Charlotte adopted him, he would only load onto a slant-style trailer, but now he loads onto both with ease. S’more had been treated for ulcers with Betsey and Charlotte, and they work to ensure that his diet keeps him happy and healthy. “We feel like we’ve gotten him to a pretty good place,” wrote Betsey. They learned that he would rather be out with his herd than cooped up in a stall. “We’re always working on finding the best fits for him, whether it’s saddle fit, bridle, food, or any other care,” Betsey explained. Betsey and Charlotte’s future plans include getting S’more comfortable with loading and unloading from the trailer so that they can take him on adventurous trail rides. Another goal is to teach him more cues for riding and eventually compete in a fun horse show. 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 Post Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance On-Site for Preakness Week Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance On-Site for Preakness Week FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE May 9, 2024 News Tags:1/ST Racing, accredited aftercare, Halway Feeds, Paragon Farms, Pimlico Race Course, Prekkness 149, Thoroughbred Aftercare, Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance LEXINGTON, KY — Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance will be on-site this year at Pimlico Race Course for the week leading up to Preakness 149 on Saturday, May 18, 2024. The Preakness is a Grade I race that spans a distance of 1 3/16 miles and serves as the second leg of the Triple Crown. With the combined efforts from 1/ST RACING, Maryland Jockey Club, America’s Best Racing, and Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance, accredited aftercare will be promoted with several on-site activations throughout the week. The 9th annual America’s Best Racing (ABR) Pre-Preakness Party to benefit Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance and The Jockey Club Safety Net Foundation will be held at Mt. Washington Tavern in Baltimore, Maryland on Wednesday, May 15, 2024, at 7 PM EDT. The evening will consist of networking, cocktails and hors d’oeuvres, guest analyst handicappers, and a silent auction. All proceeds of the auction, which will be both online and in person, will benefit Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance. Tickets can be purchased and you can register for the auction here: www.thoroughbredaftercare.org/abr-pre-preakness-party/ On Friday, May 17, Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance will be recognized with a named race sponsored by Hallway Feeds on the undercard of Black-Eyed Susan Day. Following the running of the race, a presentation will be made to the winning connections including a branded blanket and gift bag. On Saturday, May 28, Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance will present the Sir Barton Stakes sponsored by Brandon and Diannah Perry of Paragon Farms and Newgate Realty. Paragon Farms, founded by Thoroughbred owners and breeders, Brandon and Diannah Perry, entered into an agreement to annually donate $100,000 to Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance as the title sponsor of the Sir Barton Stakes for three consecutive years beginning with the Preakness 147. After the running of the race, a presentation will be made to the winning connections, including a branded blanket and gift bag, as well as a check presentation made to Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance from Paragon Farms. “Maryland Jockey Club and 1/ST RACING is proud to be partnered with Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance, and we are very excited to have them back once again for Preakness 149,” said Mike Rogers, 1/ST RACING Executive Vice President and Maryland Jockey Club Acting President and General Manager. “Through the promotion of accredited aftercare throughout the race weekend, we hope to garner support from race fans.” The Grade II George E. Mitchell Black-Eyed Susan Day has a post time of 5:44 PM EDT on Friday. The Preakness Stakes has a post time of 7:01 PM EDT on Saturday. On both days, Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance will host the Best Turned Out Horse Awards in the Pimlico Race Course winner’s circle for each race sponsored by Hallway Feeds on Friday and Fidelity First on Saturday. Additionally, a representative from Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance will be present to host the winners of the “Off to the Races” VIP Experience online benefit auction. This exciting VIP experience was generously donated by 1/ST RACING, America’s Best Racing, and Mt. Washington Tavern. The winners will enjoy a table for four in the Turfside Terrace on Black Eyed Susan Day and Preakness Day, tickets to the ABR Pre-Preakness Party, access to the winner’s circle, and much more. Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance will have a booth on the first level of the grandstand on Friday and Saturday, where race fans and participants can learn more about accredited aftercare. Branded merchandise and race memorabilia will be gifted in exchange for donations. “Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance is thrilled to be a part of Preakness 149,” said Emily Dresen, Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance Director of Funding & Events. “We appreciate all opportunities from ABR, Maryland Jockey Club, and 1/ST RACING to promote accredited aftercare, as well as the ongoing support from the racing industry.” Photo Credit: Katie Jones 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