TAA Statements on COVID-19
April 23, 2020 statement from TAA President John Phillips:
“Despite the world seemingly on hold, the TAA is moving forward, albeit with some improvisation given the circumstances, but forward nonetheless.
“Specifically, the accreditation process for 2020 is well underway and functioning as normal as the team is currently reviewing the submitted applications.
“Now more than ever, our 74 accredited organizations with their 160 facilities need support. We are striving to maintain regular contact with these aftercare soldiers on the ground and provide them with as much information and assistance as possible. Although informal surveys do not suggest a wave of heightened demand for aftercare at this point, we are working on strengthening triage systems and monitoring capacity at various facilities. The circumstances have enhanced the communication with the TAA and the networking between our aftercare partners.
“You may already know that when the magnitude of the pandemic became clear, our midyear grants were expedited so that our accredited organizations could receive those grants in early April, nearly four weeks ahead of the typical disbursement.
“In times of trial you learn who your real friends are. I am so pleased to tell you that so many of our relationships have stepped up, especially financially. One such impressive example of support is from NYRA and NYTHA. Despite racing’s suspension in New York, NYRA and NYTHA calculated their estimated contribution based on the $10 per starter fee and made a corresponding contribution. This gesture is more than just money, it is a commitment to and understanding of our financial ecosystem and unique equine culture. The TAA cannot thank them enough for their support and leadership, and we hope you join us by expressing your appreciation to them as well.
“While many of our events have been rescheduled and the staff is working mostly from home, the TAA remains focused on its mission of accreditation and awarding grants. Watch for our updates on our website and postings on social media. We will keep you informed and we will join you in keeping the faith. We will get through this together.”
April 2, 2020 statement from TAA President John Phillips:
“Amid a global crisis, even one that closes the doors to many businesses, horses still need care.
“Thanks to our supporters, industry partners, sustainable funding programs, and rigorous financial discipline throughout our history, the TAA is able to continue its mission of accrediting and funding aftercare organizations, even during this difficult time.
“More than ever, work of aftercare is essential for the survival of our industry. While our doors may be currently closed to the public, the work of the TAA has not stopped. And even more significantly, the work of our accredited organizations has not stopped.
“During this period of economic uncertainty, we have made the decision to issue our second round of grants early. This round totals approximately $1.7 million, which is awarded to accredited organizations for the care of Thoroughbreds. Organizations should receive these funds in the next few days.
“However, for us to continue our mission and for organizations to continue their high standards of equine care, the TAA and our organizations need your support. We gratefully note that the recently enacted CARES Act allows all taxpayers an above-the-line deduction for personal charitable contributions of up to $300. The Act also increases the annual contribution cap for individual itemizers from 60 percent of adjusted gross income to 100 percent in 2020 for cash donations made directly to public charities like the TAA and our accredited organizations. And for corporations, the cap on these same contributions is increased from 10 to 25 percent.
“The TAA plans to be here for the industry. If you would like to help us continue our mission, please visit: thoroughbredaftercare.org/donate.”
March 20, 2020 statement from TAA President John Phillips:
“Thoroughbred racing has always been dynamic. Race meets open and close, horses move back and forth to farms, racing gets canceled and rescheduled, race conditions and even surfaces change. COVID-19 may be new, but horsemen and women adapting to situations is not.
“At this point, TAA’s primary concern is the health of the horsemen and women who care for and train horses at our 74 accredited organizations and their 150 facilities. Their health assures the proper care of horses that are currently within the system and the horses that will be arriving. We believe that caretakers of livestock are essential personnel and hope to see them continue in their ability to care for our horses.
“We have been in communication with our organizations and partners, and those conversations have not suggested a significant influx of horses being retired from racing at this time. However, we have inventoried our facilities’ capacity, and our organizations are making adjustments as necessary. In this time of economic uncertainty that we ourselves are not immune to, we will continue to uphold our mission of accrediting aftercare organizations and providing grants to those organizations with the resources we have available.
“There is an old saying in our sport, ‘horsemen never quit with a promising horse in the barn.’ Although the TAA and our organizations are preparing for the worst, we are hopeful that the sport’s adaptability and inherent optimism will provide security for the vast majority of racehorses through the next few weeks and months.”
COVID-19 Industry Resources
COVID-19 Racetrack Updates
BloodHorse’s list of racetrack updates and contact numbers.
view the list >>
COVID-19 Industry Updates from BloodHorse >>
Racing Industry Resources & Info From NTRA
Updates, statements, and information gathered by the NTRA.
read more >>
Caring for your horse during a pandemic
Ontario Animal Health Network has shared its recommendations for caring for your horse during this time of uncertainty.
read more >>
Preventing the spread of COVID-19 in equestrian facilities
AAEP’s guidelines to minimizing risk of spreading disease in equestrian facilities.
read more >>
AAEP Resources for Veterinarians
American Association of Equine Practitioners has created a list of resources and information for veterinarians and equine professionals.
read more >>
USEA: Equine Biosecurity with Dr. Joe Lyman
Dr. Lyman emphasizes the importance of practicing biosecurity at all times, not just in response to a newly perceived threat.
read more >>
Equine Disease Communication Center Resources
The Equine Disease Communication Center has a list of resources and information for horse owners.
read more >>
Tips for Equine Businesses During COVID-19
Stable Management’s guide on how to protect yourself, your staff, and your clients at your barn, stable, or organization during this time.
read more >>
Equine Coronavirus vs. COVID-19: Two Different Diseases
Equine Enteric Coronavirus and COVID-19 are both coronaviruses, however, they are distinctly different viruses.
read more >>
COVID-19 Equestrian Event Cancellations
Check out this list from The Horse on upcoming equestrian and racing events to see their current status.
read more >>
Kentucky Horse Council COVID19 Guidelines
Information from the Kentucky Department of Agriculture.
read more >>
Classy Nonprofit Blog
Contains resources and ideas on nonprofit fundraising, including many COVID-19 topics.
read more >>
How to Properly Plan for Feed during COVID
Recommendations from Dr. Bob Coleman at the University of Kentucky.
read more >>
COVID-19 Emergency Funding, Grants, & Loans
NTRA CARES Act Webinar
Dean Dorton Director of Tax Services and TAA Treasurer Jen Shah provides information on the CARES Act in an April 1 webinar.
view slides >>
view video recording >>
CARES Act: Paycheck Protection Program Loans
A quick summary for potential applicants.
read more >>
application >>
Paycheck Protection Program Loan Forgiveness
watch DeanDorton’s webinar >>
application >>
CARES Act: Economic Injury Disaster Loan
A quick summary for potential applicants.
read more >>
application >>
ASPCA COVID-19 Relief & Recovery Initiative
ASPCA is offering $2 million in emergency grants for 501c3 animal welfare organizations and includes incentives for pet owners.
learn more >>
release >>
Maryland Small Business Emergency Relief Grant
Available for small businesses and nonprofits with fewer than 50 employees and annual revenue of less than $5 million.
how to apply >>
Kentucky Horse Council Equine Safety Net
Application for the Kentucky Horse Council’s Equine Safety Net for horse owners in Kentucky.
view application >>
Equestrian Aid Foundation
Grants for equestrians facing hardship.
how to apply >>
