Lexington, Kentucky, February 5, 2026
The Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance has introduced an expanded strategic plan to improve the care and retraining of retired racehorses in North America. This initiative focuses on financial stability, accreditation standards, data analytics, resource allocation, and industry advocacy to support Thoroughbreds in their post-racing careers. With backing from the Jockey Club and a commitment to sustainability, the TAA aims to ensure a compassionate future for retired racehorses.
Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance Launches Expanded Strategic Plan
New initiatives aim to enhance retirement pathways for retired racehorses across North America
Lexington, Kentucky – The Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance (TAA) has unveiled an expanded strategic plan aimed at enhancing the care and retraining of retired Thoroughbreds across North America. This initiative seeks to broaden the organization’s activities, improve sustainability, and foster new partnerships to support Thoroughbreds beyond their racing and breeding careers.
Key Components of the Strategic Plan
The TAA’s new strategy emphasizes key elements that can greatly impact the well-being of retired Thoroughbreds. Each component is designed to create a framework that ensures comprehensive support, thus fostering community engagement and responsibility in aftercare.
- Financial Stability: Establishing centralized industry-provided funding conduits to ensure consistent financial support for aftercare programs.
- Gold-Standard Accreditation and Certifications: Developing and expanding strategic alliances with placement programs at racetracks to uphold high standards in aftercare.
- Data Analytics: Implementing systems to monitor and analyze aftercare outcomes, facilitating informed decision-making and continuous improvement.
- Resource Allocation and Support: Increasing grants, alliances, and sponsorships of Thoroughbred events, along with enhancing customer service resources for aftercare organizations.
- Industry-Wide Advocacy and Education: Promoting success stories of Thoroughbreds in second careers to raise public awareness and support for aftercare initiatives.
Support from Industry Leaders
The Jockey Club, a co-founder and major financial backer of the TAA, has pledged $2.5 million to aftercare efforts in 2026. This funding, driven by registry transactions and proceeds from commercial companies, underscores the organization’s commitment to expanding and strengthening aftercare for Thoroughbreds. The Jockey Club encourages other organizations, companies, and individuals to contribute to this shared responsibility, ensuring reliable, ongoing funding year after year.
Background on the Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance
Founded in 2012, the Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to accrediting, inspecting, and awarding grants to approved aftercare organizations. These organizations are responsible for retiring, retraining, and rehoming Thoroughbreds using industry-wide funding. Since its inception, the TAA has granted more than $40.74 million to accredited aftercare organizations, supporting over 18,500 Thoroughbreds in their transition to new careers or retirement. Accredited programs offer services including rehabilitation, adoption, sanctuary, and equine-assisted learning, ensuring that retired racehorses, often referred to as off-track Thoroughbreds (OTTBs), can thrive in second careers or as companions.
Looking Ahead
The TAA’s expanded strategic plan represents a significant step forward in the organization’s mission to provide comprehensive care for retired Thoroughbreds. By strengthening financial support, enhancing accreditation standards, leveraging data analytics, increasing resource allocation, and promoting industry-wide advocacy, the TAA aims to ensure a sustainable and compassionate future for Thoroughbreds beyond their racing and breeding years.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance (TAA)?
The Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to accrediting, inspecting, and awarding grants to approved aftercare organizations. These organizations are responsible for retiring, retraining, and rehoming Thoroughbreds using industry-wide funding.
What are the key components of the TAA’s expanded strategic plan?
The key components include financial stability through centralized industry-provided funding, gold-standard accreditation and certifications, data analytics to monitor aftercare outcomes, comprehensive resource allocation and support, and industry-wide advocacy and education.
How is The Jockey Club supporting the TAA’s aftercare efforts?
The Jockey Club has pledged $2.5 million to aftercare efforts in 2026, driven by registry transactions and proceeds from commercial companies. This funding underscores their commitment to expanding and strengthening aftercare for Thoroughbreds.
How can organizations and individuals contribute to the TAA’s mission?
The TAA encourages other organizations, companies, and individuals to contribute to this shared responsibility, ensuring reliable, ongoing funding year after year to support Thoroughbred aftercare initiatives.
Key Features of the TAA’s Expanded Strategic Plan
| Component | Description |
|---|---|
| Financial Stability | Establishing centralized industry-provided funding conduits to ensure consistent financial support for aftercare programs. |
| Gold-Standard Accreditation and Certifications | Developing and expanding strategic alliances with placement programs at racetracks to uphold high standards in aftercare. |
| Data Analytics | Implementing systems to monitor and analyze aftercare outcomes, facilitating informed decision-making and continuous improvement. |
| Resource Allocation and Support | Increasing grants, alliances, and sponsorships of Thoroughbred events, along with enhancing customer service resources for aftercare organizations. |
| Industry-Wide Advocacy and Education | Promoting success stories of Thoroughbreds in second careers to raise public awareness and support for aftercare initiatives. |
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