Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance accredits 19 organizations

The Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance has awarded accreditation to 19 equine aftercare organizations, bringing the total number of accredited organizations to 42, with more than 120 facilities throughout North America.

Accredited organizations may apply for grants annually from the TAA to go toward care of retired Thoroughbreds. The grant amounts are based on a comprehensive review and allocation process by the TAA grants committee and require approval from the TAA board of directors. An announcement regarding 2015 grants will be made in December.

“In a relatively short period of time, the TAA has built a strong program and the industry has shown great action and momentum getting behind it,” said TAA operations consultant Stacie Clark. “This year alone, the TAA will have accredited 19 new facilities, bringing the total number of accredited organizations to 42 in just two years, and these organizations will receive approximately $2.5 million in grants.”

The newly-accredited organizations include Biszantz Memorial (dba Tranquility Farm), Bright Futures Farm Inc., CANTER Michigan, Equestrian Inc., Equine Advocated Incorporated, Final Furlong Inc., Finger Lakes Thoroughbred Adoption Program Inc., Friends of Ferdinand Indiana Inc., Harmony and Hope, Heaven Can Wait Inc., Illinois Equine Humane Center, NFP, Los Angeles Pet Rescue/Farralone Farms, Oklahoma Thoroughbred Retirement Program Ltd., Our Mims Retirement Haven, R.A.C.E. Fund Inc., Racehorse Remember Me Rescue Foundation, Second Stride Inc., Square Peg Foundation, and Thoroughbred Athletes, Inc.

To hold TAA accreditation, an organization must complete a thorough application process and meet the TAA code of standards, both of which have been reviewed and approved by the American Humane Society and the American Association of Equine Practitioners. The process includes a review of their operations, education, horse healthcare management, facility standards and services, adoption policies and protocols, and an on-site inspection of facilities by TAA representatives.