With a room full of smiles and good will, the CARMA (California Retirement Management Account) Board unanimously voted to award a total of $350,000 to 20 approved Thoroughbred aftercare organizations through its grant process.
Since being created in 2008, the organization has awarded more than $4.2 million to equine nonprofits that provide either rehabilitation and retraining to former racehorses or offer them lifelong sanctuary. CARMA’s grant program is funded by a small, voluntary purse contribution from racing owners, trainers and jockeys.
“The financial support we provide aftercare organizations is instrumental for the care of retired racehorses,” said CARMA President Candace Coder-Chew. “We need aftercare organizations to help the horses start their new lives off the track, just as much as they need us for funding. It’s a mutually beneficial relationship to ensure Thoroughbreds get the support they need.”
Organizations receiving funding include returning grant recipients: After The Homestretch, CANTER-California, Down The Stretch Ranch, Equine Encore Foundation, Los Angeles Pet Rescue (Farralone Farms), Glen Ellen Vocational Academy, Harmony and Hope Horse Haven, Inc., Healing Arenas, Hope for Horses, Inc., Old Friends, Inc., Redwings Horse Sanctuary, Sandia Creek Ranch Auxiliary Foundation, Southern California Thoroughbred Rescue, Square Peg Foundation, Tranquility Farm, United Pegasus Foundation, Whispering Meadows Ranch Equine Rescue, Inc. and Win Place Home, Inc. Two new charities, Fresh Start Sport Horses and Hoofs and Woofs Animal Rescue, were added to CARMA’s roster of aftercare allies for the 2020.
The grant process consists of the submission of detailed applications and several site visits where CARMA board members and staff inspect the facilities and horses tended to by the aftercare charities. CARMA’s 2020 grant cycle will open to applicants this summer.