Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance

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

Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance announced Monday that tickets are now available for the ninth annual America’s Best Racing (ABR) Pre-Preakness Party. In celebration of the 149th running of the Preakness Stakes, the ABR Pre-Preakness Party is set to be held on Wednesday, May 15, 2024, at the Mt. Washington Tavern in Baltimore, Maryland. Also, registration is now open for the silent auction associated with the event that benefits Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance. Proceeds from the ABR Pre-Preakness Party will benefit Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance and The Jockey Club Safety Net Foundation. The event will also strive to raise awareness for a new event partner, the Ed Brown Society, which celebrates the rich history of African-Americans in the equine industry and creates opportunities for young people of color to gain industry exposure. Sponsored by the Honorable Earle I. Mack and Lael Stables, the Pre-Preakness Party is one of the most anticipated events of Preakness week. “I am pleased to support an event that aims to holistically better our sport of horse racing, which gives us so much joy and pleasure,” said Mack. “Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance’s accreditation program is integral to ensure our horses are cared for after working hard for us on the racetrack. The Safety Net Foundation, in helping the humans who make up the sport, truly lives up to its name. America’s Best Racing serves to grow the sports fan base. The Ed Brown Society celebrates and creates opportunities for a more racially diverse racing community. Many causes, all of them good!” Tickets for the event are now available online for $35 per person or at the door for $40 per person. The ticket price includes: One (1) complimentary drink ticket Complimentary snack platters (wings, dips, veggie, cheeses) Access to well-known horse racing personalities and handicapping experts Networking opportunity among racing enthusiasts In addition to an evening of networking, cocktails, and hors d’oeuvres, the silent auction will again be one of the main attractions of the Pre-Preakness Party. The auction items will be on display at the party location but bidding can be done either in-person or remotely. Registration for the auction is open, and items will continue to be added. The auction will open on Monday, May 13, at 10 a.m. ET, and will close promptly at the conclusion of the party on Wednesday, May 15, at 9:30 p.m. ET. “When we started this event nearly a decade ago, our mission was to celebrate the middle jewel of the Triple Crown in a setting where racing fans felt welcome to participate,” said Dan Tordjman, ABR’s manager of Partnerships. “We feel more on-mission than ever before, and we couldn’t be more excited to kick off Preakness week with everyone in the Baltimore area, as well as our friends at Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance, Safety Net, and Ed Brown Society. We’re also grateful again for the support of our event sponsors.” To purchase tickets, register for the auction, and learn more about the event visit: thoroughbredaftercare.org/abr-pre-preakness-party

All Posts & News Press Releases Success Stories Aftercare Editorials Supporter Features Inspector Spotlights Previous Post Jonny Be Bueno Jonny Be Bueno By: Alexis Arbaugh April 16, 2024 Success Stories Tags:CARMA, Dresage, Jumping, Redwings Horse Sanctuary, Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance The first time Marisa Isbell rode Jonny Be Bueno at Redwings Horse Sanctuary in Paso Robles, California, she could feel that he was a special horse. Even from the walk, she could tell that he was attempting to communicate with her and understand her with every leg aid that she applied. He seemed eager to converse with Marisa through the only way they could: body language. He was an incredibly sensitive horse, so he always responded right away, eager to figure out what Marisa asked. Jonny is a gray ten-year-old Thoroughbred gelding. Sired by Rattlesnake Bridge and out of Silver Spook, he had an impressive sales history. Sold first as a yearling at the Ocala Breeders’ Sale (OBS) 2016 August Yearlings sale for $55,000, then again as a two-year-old at the OBS April 2017 Spring Sale of Two-Year-Olds in Training for $80,000. Jonny then ended up in California in the fall of 2017, where he raced at Del Mar and Los Alamitos before retiring. That is when he ended with CARMA and Redwings Horse Sanctuary, beginning a new chapter with Marisa. “He is doing so well,” wrote Marisa. For the first ten or so months that Marisa owned Jonny, they did mostly groundwork. Groundwork serves as the first step in building a trusting relationship with a horse, as it allows both horse and rider to get to know each other before progressing to riding. They did so much groundwork because Jonny was extremely reactive, and Marisa could tell that he needed time to unwind. He needed to get used to his new environment and surroundings, as well as gain some confidence. Marisa started riding Jonny shortly after the ten-month mark of his adoption. “He has completely blossomed into a confident, poised, well-developed horse,” Marisa shared. Jonny, once prone to spookiness and tension, can now remain calm even in the face of heavy winds, playing dogs, and passing cows. Jonny loves the mental stimulation and consideration that comes with practicing dressage. Marisa has even started teaching him how to jump over small jumps, which he is not impressed by in the slightest. Marisa is looking forward to the continued journey of growth and partnership with Jonny. With dedication and perseverance, she aims to further develop their dressage skills. Marisa is also eager to focus on improving Jonny’s jumping technique. As they progress, Marisa hopes to compete in three-day eventing competitions, where they can showcase their combined talents and celebrate their remarkable bond. Together, they embark on an exciting journey filled with shared achievements, unforgettable moments, and the unwavering companionship that only a horse and rider can share. 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 Announces Auction Registration and Tickets Now Available for America’s Best Racing’s Pre-Preakness Party Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance Announces Auction Registration and Tickets Now Available for America’s Best Racing’s Pre-Preakness Party FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE April 15, 2024 News Tags:ABR, ABR Pre-Preakness Party, America's Best Racing, Pre-Preakness Party, Preakness, Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance LEXINGTON, KY — Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance announced Monday that tickets are now available for the ninth annual America’s Best Racing (ABR) Pre-Preakness Party. In celebration of the 149th running of the Preakness Stakes, the ABR Pre-Preakness Party is set to be held on Wednesday, May 15, 2024, at the Mt. Washington Tavern in Baltimore, Maryland. Also, registration is now open for the silent auction associated with the event that benefits Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance. Proceeds from the ABR Pre-Preakness Party will benefit Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance and The Jockey Club Safety Net Foundation. The event will also strive to raise awareness for a new event partner, the Ed Brown Society, which celebrates the rich history of African-Americans in the equine industry and creates opportunities for young people of color to gain industry exposure. Sponsored by the Honorable Earle I. Mack and Lael Stables, the Pre-Preakness Party is one of the most anticipated events of Preakness week. “I am pleased to support an event that aims to holistically better our sport of horse racing, which gives us so much joy and pleasure,” said Mack. “Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance’s accreditation program is integral to ensure our horses are cared for after working hard for us on the racetrack. The Safety Net Foundation, in helping the humans who make up the sport, truly lives up to its name. America’s Best Racing serves to grow the sports fan base. The Ed Brown Society celebrates and creates opportunities for a more racially diverse racing community. Many causes, all of them good!” Tickets for the event are now available online for $35 per person or at the door for $40 per person. The ticket price includes: One (1) complimentary drink ticket Complimentary snack platters (wings, dips, veggie, cheeses) Access to well-known horse racing personalities and handicapping experts Networking opportunity among racing enthusiasts In addition to an evening of networking, cocktails, and hors d’oeuvres, the silent auction will again be one of the main attractions of the Pre-Preakness Party. The auction items will be on display at the party location but bidding can be done either in-person or remotely. Registration for the auction is open, and items will continue to be added. The auction will open on Monday, May 13, at 10 a.m. ET, and will close promptly at the conclusion of the party on Wednesday, May 15, at 9:30 p.m. ET. “When we started this event nearly a decade ago, our mission was to celebrate the middle jewel of the Triple Crown in a setting where racing fans felt welcome to participate,” said Dan Tordjman, ABR’s manager of Partnerships. “We feel more on-mission than ever before, and we couldn’t be more excited to kick off Preakness week with everyone in the Baltimore area, as well as our friends at Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance, Safety Net, and Ed Brown Society. We’re also grateful again for the support of our event sponsors.” To purchase tickets, register for the auction, and learn more about the event visit: thoroughbredaftercare.org/abr-pre-preakness-party 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 America’s Best Racing America’s Best Racing is a multimedia fan development and awareness-building platform, initiated by The Jockey Club, designed to increase the profile and visibility of North America’s best Thoroughbred racing events and is the online destination for all things related to the sport. Through expert content, human and equine interest features, award-winning video content, livestream, second-screen productions, and wide-reaching programs, America’s Best Racing introduces the love of horse racing to the next generation of fans, turning them into lifelong fans of the sport and lifestyle. For more information about “A Stake in Stardom” and the Road to the Triple Crown visit americasbestracing.net. You can follow America’s Best Racing at americasbestracing.net as well as on social media platforms Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, YouTube, Instagram, and TikTok.   About The Jockey Club Safety Net Foundation The Jockey Club Safety Net Foundation is a charitable trust that provides, on a confidential basis, financial relief to needy members of the Thoroughbred industry and their families. Recipients of the Safety Net Foundation’s support represent virtually every facet of the Thoroughbred industry, from jockeys, trainers, exercise riders, and grooms to office personnel and other employees of racetracks, racing organizations, and breeding farms. Assistance can come in any number of forms, including financial aid for basic living expenses such as rent and household bills, and for medication, surgical, and hospital costs. Since 1985, The Jockey Club Safety Net Foundation has provided more than $16 million in assistance. To learn more about The Jockey Club Safety Net Foundation visit tjcfoundation.org.   Contact Samantha Smith859-224-2882ssmith@thoroughbredaftercare.org Emily Dresen352-362-6934edresen@thoroughbredaftercare.org Share This Release