Thoroughbred Placement Resources receives ASPCA grant

Thoroughbred Placement Resources, Inc. (TPR) has received a Rescuing Racers Initiative Grant from the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA).

TPR, based out of Maryland, is a 501(c)(3) charity that transitions and retrains racehorses for other disciplines and strives to improve the reputation of the Thoroughbred by providing education and support.

“Currently, Maryland’s horse racing industry does not have a program for their retiring racehorses, and they do not fund any,” TPR founder Kimberly Clark said. “It is up to private organizations and charities to fund these efforts.”

TPR takes in an average of 35 horses annually. Each horse receives basic care, including vaccinations, Coggins tests, blacksmith and dental care, in addition to boarding. The horses are retrained over a 90-day period. Although all of the training and riding time is donated by Leighton Farm of Upper Marlboro, Md., the home of TPR, the cost of the 90-day retraining program is approximately $2,120 per horse. Upon completion of the program, horses are adopted by qualified owners and the adoption fees are placed back into the program.

The ASPCA Million Dollar Rescuing Racers Initiative began in 2010, through the generosity of an anonymous donor. Grants have been distributed since 2010 to a variety of 501(c)(3) equine rescues and sanctuaries in order to help each of the groups increase capacity, rescue more horses and further advance their mission. Awardees must demonstrate participation in the rehabilitation and adoption of retired racehorses, be in good standing with the ASPCA and be located in the United States.

“One of the goals of the program is the implementation of training programs for thoroughbreds to [prepare] them for second careers, which we have already done,” Clark said. “This grant will help us to continue that work.”

For more information about TPR’s programs, click here.