72 SIDELINES NOVEMBER 2014
FOR HORSE PEOPLE • ABOUT HORSE PEOPLE
T
he Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance Foundation has set itself a
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ago, TAA’s goal is to provide for Thoroughbreds after their
racing careers have ended. The young foundation does this by
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TAA has already galloped full speed into the winner’s circle,
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January 2014, the TAA Foundation earned a very special Eclipse
Award, given to an organization or individuals for special services,
achievements or contribution to the sport of Thoroughbred racing.
The Eclipse Award is an American Thoroughbred racing award
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“The TAA Foundation is only two years old and, with support
growing the way it is, the amount of grants we can offer will also
increase, and we can make sure that Thoroughbreds whose
racing careers are over will be supported, whether they go on
to new homes and careers or retire,” said James Hastie, TAA
Foundation’s executive director. “While this is a big story in the
racing world, it could also be relevant to people involved with
hunters, jumpers, dressage, polo and eventing, because to be
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aftercare, or 50 percent of the horses they are retiring, retraining,
laying up or adopting out to be registered Thoroughbreds. We want
people with aftercare facilities to apply for accreditation. We want to
help fund their aftercare programs. All we’re asking is that they meet
TAA’s standards and continue to do their best to serve the needs of
these horses.”
The TAA Foundation’s mission, fueled by the passion of the
people involved, has evolved from dream to reality. As TAA
board president and Thoroughbred owner Jack Wolf said, “It is
our responsibility as owners, tracks, breeders, trainers, jockeys,
bloodstock agents and anyone who has a stake in the game to take
responsibility for the aftercare of these great animals who are the
keystone of our sport.”
Last year, thanks to the dedication of participating breeders,
owners, jockeys, trainers and racing enthusiasts, TAA awarded
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retirement facilities across the USA and Canada. In May
2014, there was even greater reason to rejoice: TAA
awarded the second half of the $1 million dollars it had
raised, thereby enabling the 23 accredited aftercares to
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Since hitting the ground running like a Thoroughbred
foal in February 2012, TAA has proven itself as the
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raise the standard of care for Thoroughbreds
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racehorses. Seed money came initially from the
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Association. Before long, individuals,
racetracks and organizations involved
in the various facets of Thoroughbred
racing embraced TAA’s mission with
enthusiasm. Participation
Providing Better Tomorrows
for Yesterday’s Racehorses
FEATURE
SIDELINES SHOUT OUT
By Lauren R. Giannin
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“speaks” for the success of Thoroughbred Aftercare
Alliance’s mission to accredit and fund rescues and
retirement farms.
Photos courtesy of TAA Foundation/James Hastie
