What Is Aftercare?

“Aftercare” refers to the care, retraining, and rehoming of a racehorse once the horse leaves the racetrack.

The Thoroughbred industry created and supports the Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance to help horses make a safe transition off the racetrack.

The Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance has 81 accredited organizations under its umbrella in the United States, Canada, and Puerto Rico. These Throughbred Aftercare Alliance-accredited organizations have assisted more than 15,500 Thoroughbreds have a safe exit from racing.

Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance-accredited organizations showcase the variety of careers available for Thoroughbreds after their racing or breeding days are over. Thoroughbreds no longer competing on the racetrack are commonly referred to as off-track Thoroughbreds or OTTBs.

$3.5 million-earner Little Mike is a resident at Old Friends, a Thoroughbred aftercare organization.

$3.5 million-earner Little Mike is a resident at Old Friends, a Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance-accredited Thoroughbred aftercare organization.

 

Thoroughbred Aftercare Organizations

The majority of Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance-accredited organizations retrain and adopt out former racehorses. Pairing their natural athletic abilities with their strong work ethic, Thoroughbreds excel in a variety of equestrian disciplines—everything from eventing, hunter-jumpers, and dressage to barrel racing, competitive trail, and driving.

And thanks to initiatives such as the Retired Racehorse Project’s Thoroughbred Makeover, The Jockey Club Thoroughbred Incentive Program, and numerous Thoroughbred-specific events across the country, these OTTBs have been given many avenues to launch successful competitive careers off the track.

Many regional aftercare nonprofits work with Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance-accredited organizations to facilitate a safe transition for horses leaving the racetrack. The 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. Click here to read more about some of these initiatives.

Many TAA-accredited Thoroughbred aftercare organizations focus on retraining and adoption.

Many Thoroughbred Aftercare Aliance-accredited Thoroughbred aftercare organizations focus on retraining and adoption.

 

Types of Aftercare Organizations

Occasionally lost in the shuffle of adoption is the rehabilitation that some Thoroughbreds need before embarking on a new career. Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance-accredited organizations are leading the way in helping horses recover, recuperate, and start a new chapter. This often expensive and taxing endeavor is a testament to the dedication these organizations have to the well-being of their horses.

But what about the ones who can’t be adopted to a riding home? Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance-accredited sanctuary facilities are taking their missions to a new level and are reaffirming that these horses have value.

 

 

In addition to providing top-quality care to their herds, many aftercare organizations are giving back to their communities through equine-assisted services.

Also, equine-assisted services are using Thoroughbreds more due to the breed’s incredible sensitivity. Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance-accredited organizations are leaders in providing these programs, including those that work with veterans, inmates, and individuals with special needs, among others.

Some Thoroughbred aftercare organizations use OTTBs for equine-assisted programs. (Down the Stretch Ranch)

Some Thoroughbred aftercare organizations use OTTBs for equine-assisted services.

 

Additional Services Provided by Accredited Organizations

Moreover, in addition to horse care, many Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance-accredited organizations focus on education. This includes educating the public on the various facets of equine care and responsible horse ownership. Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance-accredited organizations hosts clinics and tours, educate adopters, use volunteers, and teach interns.

Regardless of whether an official education program exists, the Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance and its accredited organizations are doing their part to carry the banner for the breed, the industry, and the individual horses they serve by showcasing the talent and versatility of off-track Thoroughbreds.