Page 12 - 2021 TAA Magazine

Thoroughbred versatility showcased

in TAA-accredited organizations

By Erin Shea This often expensive and taxing endeavor is a testament to the dedi-
cation these organizations have to the well-being of their horses.
As the aftercare movement grows, Thoroughbreds are further But what about the ones who can’t be adopted to a riding home?
proving that they aren’t just one-trick ponies. Five-star eventers, TAA-accredited sanctuary facilities are taking their missions to

champion show hunters, lightning-fast barrel runners, sensitive a new level and, in the process, are reaffirming that these horses
therapy companions. You name it, Thoroughbreds are doing it. have value. In addition to providing a gold standard of care to
With 81 accredited organizations now under its umbrella in the their herds, many organizations are giving back to their commu-
United States, Canada, and Puerto Rico, the Thoroughbred After- nities through various equine-assisted programs. A growing area,
care Alliance has assisted more than 11,000 Thoroughbreds find a equine-human therapy programs are using Thoroughbreds more

new life off the track. As you’ll see in the pages ahead, TAA-accred- and more due to the breed’s incredible sensitivity. TAA-accredited
ited organizations showcase the variety of careers available for organizations again are leaders in providing a variety of equine-
Thoroughbreds after their racing or breeding days are over. human therapy programs, including those that work with veter-
Many organizations retrain and adopt out former runners. ans, inmates, and individuals with special needs, among others.
Pairing their natural athletic abilities with their strong work Across the majority of TAA-accredited organizations, whether
ethic, Thoroughbreds excel in a variety of equestrian disciplines – they are adoption or sanctuary in nature, is the mission of not only
everything from eventing, hunter-jumpers, and dressage to barrel caring for horses but educating the public on the various facets of
racing, competitive trail, and driving. equine care and responsible horse ownership. Sometimes TAA-
And thanks to initiatives such as the Retired Racehorse Project’s accredited organizations are places where people meet a horse for
Thoroughbred Makeover, The Jockey Club Thoroughbred Incen- the first time. Sometimes they are the place where an experienced

tive Program, and many Thoroughbred horse shows across the horseman or woman sharpens their skills in clinics. Sometimes
country, these off-the-track Thoroughbreds have been given many they are home to student interns looking to jump-start an equine
avenues to launch successful competitive careers off the track. career.

Occasionally lost in the shuffle of adoption is the rehabilitation Regardless of whether an official education program exists,

that some Thoroughbreds need before embarking on a new career. TAA-accredited organizations are doing their part to carry the
Whether it was an old racing injury or recovery after receiving banner for the breed, the industry, and the individual horses they
substandard care, TAA-accredited organizations are leading the serve by showcasing the talent and versatility of off-the-track
way in helping horses recover, recuperate, and start a new chapter. Thoroughbreds.

JANUARY FEBRUARY- APRIL- OCTOBER- DECEMBER
APRIL SEPTEMBER NOVEMBER

• Accreditation application • New applicants complete • Review of all applications • Applicants reviewed a • First installment of grants
opens online for eligible and submit accreditation completed: final time after inspections sent to newly accredited
organizations application by April 1 - Cursory review for completed organizations, along with
• Reinspections of deadline completeness and • Applicants recommended previously accredited
accredited organizations • Review of applications minimum requirements for accreditation or denial organizations. Second
begin begins on a rolling basis - Three separate by Accreditation Committee installment sent in May
application reviews • Executive Board and Board
completed of Directors review and
- Separate financial give final approval for
review accreditation
• Inspections of applicants’ • Approved applicants
facilities completed notified of accreditation
• Grant applications reviewed
by Grants Committee
• Grant agreement completed
by all accredited
organizations to receive
grants

PAGE 10 DAILY RACING FORM