TAA Website FAQs
What is the TAA?
The Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance (TAA) is an organization designed to serve as both the accrediting body for aftercare facilities that care for Thoroughbreds upon retirement from racing and a fundraising and grant allocation body to support these approved facilities.
How are funds raised?
The goal of the TAA is to collect a small percentage from every participating entity within the racing industry
(stud fees, public auction consignment and purchase, Jockey Club registration, race winnings, racetracks, veterinarians, jockeys)
Click here for a list of current participating entities.
In 2014, a total of $2.4 million was granted to 42 approved aftercare organizations.
Click here for current list of approved aftercare organizations.
How can you help?
Keeneland, Fasig Tipton, OBS, and Barretts enable buyers and consignors to automatically contribute .05%, or $50 per $100,000 transaction to TAA. All four sales companies contribute an additional .05% match.
Stallion farms & owners are able commit the equivalent of 25% of advertised stallion fee(s). The Breeders’ Cup Ltd. Invoices on a quarterly basis.
Individuals, corporations and foundations are invited to send their contribution to TAA, c/o The Jockey Club, 821 Corporate Dr., Lexington, KY 40503. A secure online donation form is also available at www.thoroughbredaftercare.org or call 859-224-2756.
What organizations are currently accredited by the TAA?
Click here for a list of the organizations that currently hold TAA accreditation.
How does an organization receive accreditation?
The TAA accreditation process is thorough and rigorous. It requires each aftercare organization to meet and maintain a set Code of Standards. (The TAA’s Code of Standards and accreditation process have been reviewed and approved by the American Humane Association and the American Association of Equine Practitioners.) Organizations are required to complete an in depth application and receive onsite visits to all facilities caring for their horses. Only organizations that are TAA accredited are eligible to receive funding.
What is the TAA funding specifically used for?
Grant Awards may be used only for activities, materials, supplies and services directly related to the care of the organization’s horses.
What is the range of grants given?
The grants given out are ranged from a minimum amount to maximum amount based on how much funding is available in a particular year, how many organizations are to be granted and what they will be granted based on individual evaluations.
How are grant amounts determined?
The Grant is determined on a number of variables such as; inspections, adoptions, herd size, industry participation and so forth.
How long is the TAA accreditation valid for?
Any organization that meets the TAA minimum requirements (link to page) can apply for accreditation. Accreditation is valid for two years in which at that time will need to re-apply.
If an organization is denied accreditation can they re-apply?
An organization that was denied accreditation may re-apply the following year.
What if a horse from a TAA-accredited aftercare organization is found in an at-risk situation?
It is the adopting aftercare organization’s responsibility to get the horse out of harm’s way and the TAA will support their efforts/assist if needed. The TAA will review the situation to determine whether the adopter violated their adoption contract or whether the adopting aftercare organization was at fault. Based on the review’s findings further actions will take place if deemed necessary.
Why should you continue to support your local aftercare organization?
The TAA grants provide a limited amount to each organization’s operating budget. Aftercare organizations still need to raise additional funds to cover their remaining operating budget and expenses.
