This interview is part of a series in honor of the Retired Racehorse Project TB Makeover event in Oct 2019. Erin Crady and I have a fascinating discussion about the evolution of Thoroughbred aftercare and TCA’s role in the industry. TCA’s history literally began in a living room (a very nice living room at CandyLand Farm) over thirty years ago. Since then, TCA has has provided over $23M grants to over 200 Thoroughbred related organizations.
In addition to aftercare groups,ŤCA also supports Thoroughbred incentive programs, backstretch and farm employee programs, equine-assisted therapy programs that utilize Thoroughbreds and equine research. Their Horses First Fund is a ground breaking initiative to assist Thoroughbreds in crisis situations (such as Hurricane Maria in Puerto Rico). TCA is the Presenting Sponsor of the prestigious Retired Racehorse Project TB Makeover. They have supported the Makeover since 2012 (at its inception) and its mission of creating markets and public demand for OTTBs in the show ring.
Held each January, TCA’s largest fundraiser is a Stallion Season Auction. The event consists of an online and a live auction of select seasons and other items. Most seasons sell during the online auction however approximately 10 select seasons, as well as other items such as trips and tickets to sporting events, are sold during a live auction. Their next Stallion Season Auction will be on January 8-10, 2020.
Thoroughbred Charities of America:
https://www.tca.org/horses-first-fund/
https://www.facebook.com/ThoroughbredCharitiesofAmerica/
Retired Racehorse Project TB Makeover:
Caribbean Thoroughbred Aftercare (OTTB group in Puerto Rico that saved many racehorses after Hurricane Maria):
https://www.facebook.com/horserescue/
CandyLand Farm:
Horse Wise Education Services: