Thoroughbred Aftercare refers to the care, retraining, retirement, or rehoming of Thoroughbreds following the conclusion of their racing or breeding careers. This also includes Thoroughbreds that were bred or trained for racing but did not compete.
Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that accredits, inspects, and awards grants to approved aftercare organizations to retrain, retire, and rehome Thoroughbreds using industry-wide funding.
Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance currently has 83 accredited organizations operating across 175 facilities in the United States, Canada, and Puerto Rico. Since its founding in 2012, these organizations have helped more than 18,500 Thoroughbreds successfully transition to the next phase of their lives. Accredited programs offer services including rehabilitation, adoption, sanctuary, and equine-assisted learning. Retired racehorses, often referred to as off-track Thoroughbreds (OTTBs), can go on to thrive in second careers or as companions.
Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance-accredited organizations support a wide range of outcomes for Thoroughbreds retiring from racing or breeding. While many focus on retraining and adoption, others specialize in rehabilitation, long-term sanctuary, or equine-assisted learning. Of the 83 currently accredited organizations across North America, 69 offer adoption services, 71 provide rehabilitation, 58 operate as sanctuaries, and 18 deliver equine-assisted programs.
Many of these organizations offer specialized care that addresses the full spectrum of a Thoroughbred’s needs after racing. Rehabilitation programs help horses recover from injuries and regain strength before beginning a new chapter. For those not suited to a second career, sanctuary facilities provide lifelong care in safe, well-managed environments. Thoroughbreds are also participating in equine-assisted learning programs that serve veterans, inmates, individuals with disabilities, and others, reflecting the breed’s sensitivity and capacity for connection.
In addition to hands-on horse care, many accredited organizations also provide educational opportunities. These include public tours, clinics, volunteer training, internship programs, and adopter education that promote responsible horse ownership and equine welfare. Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance and its accredited organizations play a critical role in promoting the breed, educating about the racing industry, and showcasing the value and importance of aftercare.
Due to their natural athleticism, intelligence, and adaptability, Thoroughbreds excel in competitive second careers across a variety of disciplines, such as Eventing, Hunters, Jumpers, Dressage, Western, Competitive Trail, Barrel Racing, and Driving. National industry programs such as the Retired Racehorse Project’s Thoroughbred Makeover and The Jockey Club’s Thoroughbred Incentive Program, along with a growing number of Thoroughbred-focused competitions or recognized classes, continue to elevate visibility and opportunity for these athletes.
Many regional aftercare nonprofits work with Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance-accredited organizations to facilitate a safe transition for horses leaving the racetrack. Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance partners with these organizations, such as New York’s TAKE THE LEAD, Maryland’s Beyond the Wire, the California Retirement Management Account, and New Jersey’s Second Call. Many of these organizations help place horses with accredited aftercare organizations. See the full list of Aftercare Partners on our Industry Stakeholders page.
