New York, N.Y. – March 28, 2012 - The Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance (TAA) announced today that it has established a preliminary Code of Standards for aftercare organizations that will seek TAA accreditation, and that the Code is now available for public comment through Monday, April 2.
The preliminary 2012 TAA Code of Standards covers the following areas:
Operations: Accredited organizations must demonstrate operational stability; financial transparency; sound and ethical business practices; responsible use of resources; and adherence to applicable federal, state and local laws and regulations.
Education: Accredited organizations should work cooperatively with the Thoroughbred racing community to share media resources and increase public awareness of Thoroughbred aftercare throughout the horseracing industry.
Horse Healthcare Management: All facilities used by the organization, including foster farms, shall provide the necessary care needed to ensure that each horse’s physical needs are being met. Qualified staff members or volunteers should work directly with a veterinarian to create a balanced health care management plan for the type of horses under their care.
Facility Standards and Services: Facility requirements will be assessed based on the type of horses in the organization’s care (e.g. horses on permanent retirement, horses being rehabilitated, horses receiving training for a second career). All facilities shall provide a safe environment that meets the physical and psychological needs of each horse under their care.
Adoption Policies and Protocols: Organizations whose mission involves adoption and or foster care of their horses should have set policies to ensure proper placement of each horse and to provide follow-up after a horse has been adopted out.
The complete preliminary Code of Standards 2012 can be reviewed at
thoroughbredaftercare.org, and comments on the Code may be submitted via email to
info@thoroughbredaftercare.org.
“The Code of Standards is the foundation of the accreditation process, which will ensure that facilities are suited to provide the level of care that our retired Thoroughbreds deserve,” said Mike Ziegler, interim executive director of the TAA. “We urge all interested parties to review the Code and share their thoughts with us.”
The newly created TAA is designed to serve as both the accrediting body for aftercare facilities that care for Thoroughbreds following the conclusion of their racing careers and a fundraising body to support these approved facilities. Funded initially by seed money from Breeders’ Cup, Ltd., The Jockey Club, and Keeneland Association, the TAA is comprised of owners, trainers, breeders, racetracks, jockeys, aftercare professionals and other industry groups.
