West Point Thoroughbreds

The month-long effort to raise funds for the TAA’s 81 accredited organizations and thousands of off-track Thoroughbreds, the TAA Holiday Giving Campaign, ended on Dec. 31st, resulting in $180,000 raised for accredited aftercare. “It was encouraging to see such enthusiasm for our holiday fundraiser,” said TAA President, Jeffrey Bloom. “Thank you to every person who donated to the TAA’s Holiday Giving Campaign. It takes a great deal of funds to care for our industry’s retired athletes, and large influxes of donations such as these are vital to the TAA’s ability to support its accredited organizations.” The campaign featured 14 one-day only match donation days with match amounts ranging from $500 to $10,000. The 2022 match sponsors were as follows: Bob & Jill Baffert, Simon Bray, Donna Brothers, Aidan Butler & Cannonstone, Kurtis Coady & Megan Devine, Jack Damico & East Coast Partners, Denali Stud, Hidden Brook Farm, Sol Kumin, Dr. Pug & Susie Hart, Mike Rogers, Rick Schosberg, Siena Farm, and West Point Thoroughbreds. Not only was the Holiday Giving Campaign deemed a success in terms of donations, it was an exciting opportunity for the TAA to expand its network of industry supporters. More than 70% of the donations collected during the Holiday Giving Campaign came from first-time donors. “We are so thrilled with the outcome of the Holiday Giving Campaign,” said TAA Funding and Events Manager, Emily Dresen. “Thank you to the 14 match sponsors, hundreds of donors, and our media partners for making this campaign a success. It’s all about the horses and what better time to support our beloved athletes than the season of giving.” Designed to serve as both the accrediting body for Thoroughbred aftercare facilities and a fundraising and grant allocation body to support these approved facilities, funds raised from the Holiday Giving Campaign will help care for the more than 4,000 retired racehorses currently residing in TAA-accredited organizations across North America. To learn more about the TAA’s impact, click here. Photo: Jen Halliwell

As part of the Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance (TAA)’s month-long Holiday Giving Campaign, West Point Thoroughbreds has pledged to match all donations up to $5,000 made to the TAA on Dec. 12, 2022. West Point Thoroughbreds, well known for their Gold Standard in partnerships and success on the track, also emphasizes this gold standard in their aftercare initiatives and responsibilities. Two months after reaching the pinnacle of racehorse ownership—thanks to Breeders’ Cup Classic (G1) winner, Flightline—West Point Thoroughbreds aims to bolster fundraising for the industry’s most expansive aftercare funding solution, the Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance. “The Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance is an initiative that we all need to stand behind,” said West Point Thoroughbreds Chief Operating Officer, Erin Birkenhauer. “A large portion of racehorses are not destined for the breeding shed, but that doesn’t mean their wellbeing is no longer our responsibility. The due diligence performed by the TAA and their accredited organizations saves horse’s lives, it saved King Congie, and we at West Point are proud to support this vital undertaking. “The TAA was put in place to ensure aftercare organizations operate with the gold standard and to fairly distribute the grants that we, as an industry, need to provide. One donation to the TAA supports the many, many horses in need. It’s as simple as that.” “The importance of including aftercare in your business plans couldn’t be more important,” said TAA Operations Consultant, Stacie Clark Rogers. “West Point continues to show the value they place on their equine athletes, and we are so excited to include them in our Holiday Giving Campaign.” TAA’s Holiday Giving Campaign commenced November 29th and is scheduled to conclude New Year’s Eve. Those wishing to support the TAA, its 81 accredited organizations, and thousands of retired Thoroughbreds can donate through the TAA’s website or text DONATE to 56651. During the Holiday Giving Campaign, TAA is also offering donors the benefit of sending digital holiday cards to colleagues, friends, and loved ones. Throughout the end of the year, the Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance will continue to host special one-day only donation matches with some of horse racing’s biggest names. For more chances to double your donation, watch the TAA’s social media, website, and industry advertisements for the next Holiday Giving match day announcement. To learn more and donate to the TAA’s Holiday Giving campaign, CLICK HERE.