LEXINGTON, KY — Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance announced today that 46 Thoroughbred aftercare organizations have been awarded accreditation for 2023.

The 46 organizations include 37 organizations who are continuing their accreditation and 9 that earned accreditation this year. Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance, the gold standard and only accrediting body in Thoroughbred aftercare, now has a network of 86 organizations with approximately 180 facilities in North America.

The 9 organizations earning accreditation this year are: After The Races NY Inc., Bowman Second Chance Thoroughbred Adoption, Central Virginia Horse Rescue, Dale and Patti Shirley Equine Encore Foundation, Desert Oasis Rescue LLC, Hidden Pond Farm Equine Rescue, Rising Starr Horse Rescue Corporation, and Run for the Ribbons Inc., and Thoroughbred Retirement Network of Louisiana.

The 37 organizations that are continuing their accreditation this year are: ACTT Naturally, Inc., After the Homestretch – Arizona, Akindale Thoroughbred Rescue, Beyond The Roses Equine Rescue & Retirement, Blue Bloods Thoroughbred Adoption and Placement, Inc., Brook Hill Retirement Center for Horses, CANTER California, Circle A Home for Horses Inc., Equine Rescue of Aiken, Florida TRAC, Glen Ellen Vocational Academy, Inc., Hope After Racing Thoroughbreds, Hope for Horses, Inc., Horse and Hound Rescue Foundation, James River Horse Foundation, Kentucky Equine Adoption Center, LoneStar Outreach to Place Ex-Racers, LongRun Thoroughbred Retirement Society, Lucky Orphans Horse Rescue, MidAtlantic Horse Rescue Inc., New Beginnings Thoroughbreds, Inc., New Stride Thoroughbred Adoption Society, New Vocations Racehorse Adoption Program, Old Friends Equine Retirement, Racing For Home, Inc., Redwings Horse Sanctuary, ReRun, Inc., Second Wind Thoroughbred Project, Inc., Secretariat Center, South Florida SPCA, The Exceller Fund, Inc., Therapeutic Horses of Saratoga, Thoroughbred Placement Resources, Inc., Thoroughbred Retirement Foundation, United Pegasus Foundation, Virginia Thoroughbred Project, and Win Place Home, Inc.

Accreditation from Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance is an important recognition for organizations that provide care and support for retired racehorses. It signifies that these organizations meet certain standards and criteria in terms of horse welfare, facilities, and management.

Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance accredited organizations undergo a thorough application and inspection process prior to accreditation being awarded to ensure they meet the Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance Code of Standards, which covers five key areas: operations, education, horse health care management, facility standards and services, and adoption policies and protocols. Facility inspections are conducted at all facilities housing Thoroughbreds for each organization. Ongoing updates and re-inspections are required of all organizations as a condition of accreditation.

All organizations that hold Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance accreditation are eligible to receive financial grants to support the care of their Thoroughbreds. Grant applications are currently being reviewed and the total grant amount awarded by Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance will be announced this month. Since 2012, Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance has awarded $28.1 million to accredited organizations.

“We are extremely grateful to have a record number of 86 accredited organizations this year. We take great pride in having them as part of our network because they demonstrate a commitment to both themselves and the racing industry in ensuring the proper retraining, retirement, and rehoming of Thoroughbreds once their racing careers have concluded,” said Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance, Accreditation and Grants Manager, Janice Towles.

“We are deeply honored to be recognized and accredited by Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance. This acknowledgment reaffirms our commitment to the welfare and well-being of retired Thoroughbred racehorses,” said Brandi Goode from Desert Oasis Rescue LLC. “Being a part of this incredible network not only strengthens our mission but also provides us with valuable resources, support, and the opportunity to collaborate with like-minded organizations. We look forward to making a positive impact and contributing to Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance’s admirable efforts in caring for our horses.”

The full list of 86 organizations, information about the accreditation process, and the Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance’s Code of Standards can be found on thoroughbredaftercare.org.