The veterinary practice of Teigland, Franklin, and Brokken, DVM’s, P.A. has partnered with the Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance (TAA) to donate the services of its team of veterinarians as accreditation site inspectors. The practice is the first to step forward and offer to volunteer its services in this manner.
Scott Hay, DVM, and his colleagues approached the TAA team while in Saratoga for the race meet and offered the services of their practice as site inspectors. “We wanted to give back to the Thoroughbreds who have been so good to us and one of the places we determined we could help was to dedicate donated time to aftercare,” indicated Dr. Hay.
Site inspections are an essential component of the TAA accreditation process and knowledgeable, experienced inspectors are vital to ensuring that all accredited organizations meet the TAA Code of Standards. The multi-doctor practice of Teigland, Franklin, and Brokken, based in South Florida, focuses exclusively on the care of racing Thoroughbreds with veterinarians practicing at tracks extending from Saratoga to Gulfstream. The reach of the practice enables it to provide site inspection services all along the East Coast.
The partnership was effective immediately with veterinarians from the practice already having completed multiple inspections this summer. “It was a pleasure to help, and I had a great experience inspecting the farm and meeting the people,” Heather Tillson, DVM, said of her experience as a site inspector. “It was an inspiring and uplifting experience to see happy horses and happy caregivers,” added Tom Brokken, DVM, one of the practice’s founding partners who also completed an inspection.
“It was a welcome addition to our supporters when Dr. Hay and his colleagues reached out to us to volunteer their services as site inspectors. This is the perfect way for veterinarians to contribute to the TAA and we look forward to others following this example,” said Stacie Clark Rogers, operations consultant for the TAA.
Based in Lexington, Kentucky, the non-profit Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance accredits, inspects and awards grants to approved aftercare organizations to retire, retrain and rehome Thoroughbreds using industry-wide funding. Funded initially by seed money from Breeders’ Cup Ltd., The Jockey Club, and Keeneland Association, the TAA is supported by owners, trainers, breeders, racetracks, aftercare professionals and other industry groups. To date, 42 aftercare organizations supporting 130 facilities across the U.S. and Canada have been granted accreditation and received funding from the TAA. To learn more about the TAA, visit www.thoroughbredaftercare.org/.
