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Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance Celebrates Successful Presence at Saratoga

During the recent festivities at Saratoga, Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance made a resounding impact, solidifying its presence and eliciting a remarkable show of attention and support from both the enthusiastic racing community and a wider audience.

Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance was proudly showcased as the Community Partner of the day by the New York Racing Association, Inc. (NYRA) during the Grade 1 $1 million Whitney Stakes Day. Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance was able to highlight their mission and commitment to the welfare and second careers of retired Thoroughbred racehorses through accredited aftercare.

Throughout the two weeks in Saratoga, Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance made a significant impact through multiple avenues:

NYRA's Community Outreach Booth showcased Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance's efforts and accomplishments in supporting retired racehorses and promoting their transition to post-racing careers.
Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance was honored with the distinction of having two named races on August 5 and August 6, drawing attention to their vital work.
Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance's mission received a significant boost when James and Shari Ough displayed their generosity through a substantial donation of $25,000. This contribution served to reinforce the organization's efforts and impact on the industry through accredited aftercare.
Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance facilitated a memorable experience for the winners of the VIP package in the Off to the Races VIP Experience Auction, donated by NYRA and the National Racing Hall of Fame, providing an exclusive insight into the world of Thoroughbred racing and accredited aftercare at the renowned Saratoga racetrack.
As part of their commitment to maintaining the highest standards and practices, Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance visited various facilities in Saratoga to assess accreditation requirements, ensuring the well-being of retired racehorses.
Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance held their annual in-person board meeting, where the board convened to discuss strategies for advancing the organization's goals.
An additional highlight was the evening hosted by the David Cassidy Legacy Group, where attendees gathered to celebrate the accomplishments and stories within aftercare and the racing industry.
Stacie Clark, Operations Consultant for Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance, addressed the Racing and Gaming Conference at Saratoga, shedding light on the significance of accredited aftercare and Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance's mission.

Finally, Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance extends its heartfelt gratitude to all who donated, with a special thank you to those within the racing community that came together and made donations in honor of Maple Leaf Mel, underscoring the collective dedication to supporting a safe landing for future Thoroughbreds.

About Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance

Based in Lexington, KY, Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that accredits, inspects, and awards grants to approved aftercare organizations to retrain, retire, and rehome Thoroughbreds using industry-wide funding. Along with continued funding from its original partners Breeders' Cup, The Jockey Club, and Keeneland Association, Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance is supported by owners, trainers, breeders, racetracks, aftercare professionals, and other industry members. Since inception in 2012, Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance has granted more than $28.1 million to accredited aftercare organizations. Currently 81 aftercare organizations comprised of approximately 180 facilities across North America have been granted accreditation. To learn more about Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance, visit thoroughbredaftercare.org.

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Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance Named Beneficiary Of Cole’s Community Table Series In Lexington

Coles 735 Main, a renowned culinary destination in Lexington, Ky., is proud to announce an upcoming event for which Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance has been selected as beneficiary. The event, a part of the Cole's Community Table series, will take place on August 23, 2023 at the downtown Lexington restaurant, 735 East Main St. A portion of all proceeds from guests' purchases that evening will be donated by Coles directly to Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance.

Cole's Community Table series aims to support local nonprofits within the Bluegrass community, fostering a spirit of giving back and strengthening community bonds. Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance, a prominent nonprofit organization dedicated to the welfare of retired racehorses through accredited aftercare, will receive a portion of all proceeds from the evening.

“After a pandemic-induced break, our whole team at Coles is happy to bring back our Cole's Community Table dinner series to help out those local nonprofits making a positive change for our community, ” said Cole Arimes, Owner and Executive Chef at Coles 735 Main. “Starting off the series with an organization like Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance is a natural fit, as their work and mission are an integral part of what makes the Bluegrass so unique. We encourage everyone to come on down for a drink, dinner or even just dessert to help raise funds for such a worthy nonprofit.”

“We are immensely grateful to Coles 735 Main for choosing to stand with us in our mission,” said Samantha Smith, Director of Marketing and Communications, Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance. “This event provides a unique opportunity for supporters to enjoy an incredible dining experience while directly contributing to the well-being of retired racehorses.”

If you are interested in dining at Coles on August 23, where a portion of the night's proceeds will benefit Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance, reservations should be made in advance. You can secure your spot by booking online at coles735main.com or by calling (859) 266-9000.

About Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance

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Study: Pasture Grass Calories Main Driver For Equine Weight Gain

Researchers from the Equine Studies Group at the Waltham Centre for Pet Nutrition in Leicestershire and the University of Bristol suggest that pasture, not supplemental hay or grain, may be to blame for obesity in equines.

The research team created a study that followed 96 horses from February through August of one year. Every horse had access to pasture for at least six hours a day; many had 24/7 access to pasture grass.

Each horse's body condition score (BCS) was determined at the end of the winter and again at the end of the study in August. The owner of each horse was also sent a questionnaire so the scientists could better understand how the horses were managed, including exercise, amount of hay or grain fed (if any), and deworming strategies.

The data showed that the percentage of obese equines rose from 27 percent at the end of the winter to 35 percent at the end of the summer. Interestingly, the team found that horses fed hay and grain (in addition to pasture) were not necessarily more obese. This meant that the calories ingested from grass were the main driver for weight gain.

The horse's breed was the biggest predictor of obesity. Native ponies, like the Welsh pony, were most at risk of obesity, followed by cob-type horses. The scientists suggested that being aware of a breed's propensity for obesity may encourage owners to be even more diligent in monitoring a horse's weight, possibly engaging an equine nutritionist early. Preventative measures are more effective than allowing a horse to become obese in the first place, they note.

The study team also found that the fatter a horse was at the beginning of the study, the less seasonal weight fluctuations he would experience. This is likely because of the additional metabolic changes associated with obesity: a heavier horse has a reduced caloric requirement to maintain his weight.

Washington Woman Contracted Strangles From Dying Horse

A 70-year-old woman whose horse was ill with strangles contracted the disease, reports researchers from the University of Washington School of Medicine.

In horses, strangles is highly transmissible, but it is very rare that the disease is transmitted to humans. Transmission to humans may be caused when the person is exposed to secretions that contain a large amount of pathogens.

The woman presented to the emergency department with nausea, dry heaves, fever, chills, and shakes. She also had a significant cough, but no shortness of breath. She had no recent illness or immune-compromising medical conditions, and she took no prescription medications.

Cracking sounds could be heard in her lungs and a CT scan showed patchy, ground-glass opacities that might indicate partial lung collapse or an atypical infection. She was admitted to the hospital and IV antibiotics were begun. The woman had early sepsis and pneumonia.

One day after admission and beginning treatment, her blood pressure, heart rate, respiration rate, and temperature were back within normal ranges.

A PCR test on the woman's blood showed that she was positive for Streptococcus and she was advised to remain in the hospital. Six days before admittance to the hospital, the woman had found her horse looking ill and having trouble breathing. It died the next day, with blood and mucus coming from its mouth and nose. She held the horse as he died.

Researchers said this was the most likely cause of the horse-to-human transmission of the disease, though this cannot be absolutely confirmed.

Two days after admission, the woman was discharged while on amoxicillin and remained symptom free during her recovery.

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There are only five Streptococcus equi subspecies equi infection cases in humans that have been reported worldwide. This case is the only horse-to-human case in the United States in the last 40 years.

The scientists note that individuals who are immunocompromised, who have cardiovascular disease, or who have a neurologic susceptibility are at higher risk of contracting the disease. Penicillin appears to be the proper treatment for S. equi infections in horses and humans.

Medical intervention is necessary to prevent an S. equi infection from causing significant issues in humans, like meningitis, bacteremia, or death, they conclude.