Florida HBPA Joins TAA as Industry Stakeholder, Pledges Monthly Contribution

The Florida Horsemen’s Benevolent & Protective Association has joined the Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance as an industry stakeholder committed to supporting accredited aftercare. The organization has pledged a monthly contribution to the TAA to further the work of accredited aftercare nonprofits in the state.

“We take our responsibility seriously to provide care and the opportunity for a new life to our equine athletes who have concluded their racing careers. Partnering with TAA and their accredited organizations will provide us an opportunity to successfully achieve these mutually desired goals,” Treasurer of the Florida HBPA Tom Cannell said.

Currently the TAA has 10 accredited organizations with facilities in Florida that provide sanctuary, adoption, rehabilitation, and equine-assisted programs. These organizations are: Equestrian Inc., Equine Rescue and Adoption Foundation, Final Furlong, Florida TRAC, Hidden
Acres Rescue for Thoroughbreds, Peaceful Ridge Rescue, RVR Horse Rescue, South Florida SPCA, Thoroughbred Retirement Foundation, and Thoroughbred Retirement of Tampa.

This pledge will also strengthen the efforts of the newly established Gulfstream Park Transition Program, which works with South Florida horsemen to move retiring racehorses off the track and into TAA-accredited facilities.

“Sometimes there are gestures that break through the cluttered gloom of chaos and restore one’s hope and faith. The Florida HBPA provided one such gesture during this challenging time,” TAA President John Phillips said. “We are thrilled that the TAA’s relationship with the Florida HBPA was significantly reinforced with an ongoing financial pledge. Our 10 TAA-accredited organizations in Florida and along with our 64 other organizations cannot thank the Florida HBPA enough. This is a great exhibition of leadership and commitment to the welfare of our sport.”

The Florida HBPA joins a number of TAA stakeholders in the Sunshine State, including Ocala Breeders’ Sales Company, Tampa Bay Downs, Tampa Bay HBPA, Gulfstream Park, and Ocala Stud among others.

(from TAA news release)