TAA accredits first three facilities for 2013

The Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance has accredited its first three aftercare organizations for 2013: Florida Thoroughbred Retirement and Adoptive Care in Palm City, Fla.; New Vocations in Marysville, Ohio; and Southern California Thoroughbred Rescue in Norco, Calif. These facilities are now eligible to receive financial support from the TAA for the ongoing care of retired Thoroughbreds.

Following the application process and a series of examinations by TAA inspectors and independent veterinarians, each organization was judged to have met or exceeded TAA requirements in the areas of operations, education, horse care management, facility standards and services, and adoption policies and protocols.

“We are honored to be among the first aftercare facilities accredited by the Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance,” Florida Thoroughbred Retirement and Adoptive Care director Barbi Moline said. “The support of the TAA will help ensure that we can continue to give Thoroughbreds the lives they deserve after their racing days are over.”

New Vocations and Southern California Thoroughbred Rescue also issued statements praising the accreditation standards and TAA’s assistance in helping them meet their aftercare goals for the upcoming year.

Facilities eligible to apply for TAA accreditation must conforming to four standards. They must possess 501 (c) (3) tax exempt status; they must have been operational for at least three years; they must care for a resident population of at least five horses, with at least half those being Thoroughbreds; and they must follow a euthanasia policy consistent with that of the American Association of Equine Practitioners.

Applications for accreditation must be submitted by June 1 for organizations to be eligible for consideration for grants in 2013 and 2014. The complete TAA Code of Standards for aftercare facilities and the accreditation application are available at http://www.thoroughbredaftercare.org/.

Funded initially by seed money from 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. The Lexington, Ky.-based nonprofit serves as both the 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.