A major focus of the Indiana Thoroughbred Alliance (ITA) is increased education and increased awareness for racehorse aftercare. The nonprofit group made public donations to the Friends of Ferdinand's new Broodmare Bunch program and the Indiana Horse Council Foundation's scholarship fund in the winner's circle at Indiana Grand Racing and Casino earlier this month, as part of a celebration kickoff to Indiana's stakes season.
Utilizing funds generated from the group's 2020 Stallion and Services Auction, the board of the ITA set plans as to whom should benefit from donations. The group, comprised of mostly Indiana Thoroughbred breeders, owners and horsemen, wanted to support programs within their home state.
When the Friends of Ferdinand, Indiana's only Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance-accredited program, looked to launch the revolutionary program called the Broodmare Bunch, they approached the ITA to be an initial benefactor of the program. The program kicked off in March and has already accepted some participants into the program.
“We felt that it was vital to be a part of this program because we are so passionate about every aspect of our industry, and that includes our beloved broodmares,” says Tony Wolfe, DVM, president of the ITA and owner of Indiana stallion, Charming Kitten. “The Broodmare Bunch program is a one-of-a-kind program dedicated to helping the transition of retired broodmares, who are often the forgotten ones of the industry.”
The ITA created scholarships in partnership with the Indiana Horse Council Foundation with their second donation of the day. The Foundation shares the same values as the ITA, hoping to encourage the support of, and funding for, worthwhile charitable, scientific and educations projects benefitting the horse industry in Indiana. The scholarships will be given to four deserving Indiana students with equine interests.
“The scholarships are a way to help retain the young talent we have in the Indiana horse industry. We wanted to offer financial assistance and support to the young men and women as they further their education in the equine industry,” says Steve West, treasurer of the ITA and breeder.
The ITA continues to work towards increased support and education for all connected to the Indiana horse racing industry.
To learn more about the Broodmare Bunch, visit the Friends of Ferdinand website. You can learn more about the Indiana Horse Council Foundation by visiting their website.
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