They say silence is golden, that’s not always true, sometimes it’s yellow
By Cindy Morgan D-Atrio
You don’t know me. I don’t have any racehorses, but I do have ex-racehorses. I rescued my first Thoroughbred when I was 16, and I have rescued many more since then. My thoroughbred nonprofit has been a labor of love since 2009. After realizing the Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance (TAA) existed, it was an immediate ambition to become accredited. Visions of doors opening, opportunities presenting themselves and access to grants were enticing. We were accredited in 2018. We jumped through the hoops successfully.
Grants: Under TAAyou are instructed not to share the amount of your grant with anyone, especially other organizations. The formula and logic used to calculate grant awards are unclear and unavailable. Over the years we were accredited, we received less than $150 per horse per month (about 5 bags of feed). TAA and the industry expect that organizations will make up the differences, up to 80% or more, to cover remaining healthcare costs. Let that sink in. Despite our efforts, we would not have made ends meet if I had not also worked full time (as a psychologist). Anyway, we were accredited.
Censorship: TAA insists that you must represent and portray the industry in a “positive light.” Even though we adhered to TAA standards, there were no programs, no assistance to help us grow; not even a call from support. Nothing, until I dared to post a statement on social media about my frustration with the lack of aftercare for thoroughbreds in Louisiana. I received a call from the TAA Operations Consultant that started with, “…Take it away.” There was no “Hello”, “How are you?” The call, rude and unprofessional, was one of two calls I have had with this person. My post was truthful and I felt I had the right to express my opinion. The post remained standing. After responding to another message, I was contacted again by the TAA Operations Consultant and threatened that we would not receive our grant check if the message was not removed. I didn’t delete the message, but I did make a change. We have received our grant. Another time I got a call from an employee who told me, “They’re watching you.” Yes. They’re always watching you. Last year our organization was due for reaccreditation. We have not submitted another application.
Fellow non-profit organization, RACE Fund, Inc. who began speaking out about the plight of thoroughbreds in the slaughter pipeline and the lack of industry funding for these horses were not accredited by TAA as of late 2024. TAA’s reasoning: Non-compliance because they do not have a positive view of Thoroughbred aftercare and the racing industry in all media. Not accredited for telling the truth. Instead of being hailed as heroes, thanked for their service and assistance to the industry, their accreditation and funding was revoked. Our organizations are not alone in the way we have been treated by TAA.
Scope of Care: TAA does not assist horses in the slaughter pipeline. I once had as many as 10 thoroughbreds from killpens in my barn. Where is the emergency funding for these horses? Why is there no help? Aftercare is aftercare, wherever it may be. They are ALL worthy. I have a multi-stakes winner in my shed, rescued from a killpen. He was rescued by the RACE Fund, Inc. after holding a public, non-industry fundraiser.
After donating the use of my facilities, my time, my knowledge and experience to helping Thoroughbreds, why would I want to be part of TAA? Why would I sign up to be censored, treated unprofessionally, and jump through countless hoops to receive money that won’t cover the costs of the horses we help? Why would I want to be part of an organization that turns its back on horses in greatest need of help and AFTERCARE? Most smaller organizations are having just as difficult a time as we are. Is this by design? Five bags of feed per month per horse is NOT cutting back.
TAA has touted that they are the “Gold Standard” in accreditation. Well, I’m looking for the ‘Platinum Standard’. A standard that comes with adequate funding, freedom of expression and support for ALL Thoroughbreds. A standard that shows respect for people and horses.
Perhaps TAA has taken over from The Jockey Club (TJC). Recently, TJC announced an increase in aftercare funding to $2.5 million, which isn’t even enough. Thoroughbred owner and businessman Mike Repole presented TJC with a solid proposal that would potentially generate more than $20 million per year for aftercare, which is actually in the proverbial ballpark. TJC thought so much about the proposal; it wasn’t even shared with the Stewards. Is this how much they think about the aftercare and the horses? It is clear that TJC and TAA are selective in the horses and organizations they choose to help. There is no equality, nor will it remain so as long as the status quo continues. Aftercare should not be an afterthought.
Cindy Morgan-D’Atrio, Ph.D. Founder / Director Thoroughbred Retirement Network of Louisiana
Member: Thoroughbred Rescue Alliance
#accredited #TAA