MISSION & PROGRAMS

Mission:
The mission of Thoroughbred Athletes, Inc. is to rehabilitate, retrain, and re-home off track Thoroughbred horses and afford community youth the opportunity to experience the process.
      
     Our work promotes growth and learning in both horses and youth.  Horses receive a solid training foundation for a second career prior to adoption into their new homes while our young volunteers learn valuable skills. Our youth program teaches a solid work ethic with an emphasis on teamwork, responsibility, confidence, and service to others.
      
     By teaching our horses a new skill set, we are able to provide them with a future after their work on the track is complete. Whether you are looking for a show horse,  a pleasure riding horse or a companion; we are certain that you can find what you are looking for here at Thoroughbred Athletes, Inc.

Our organization provides programs involved with equine rescue, adoption & retirement
Our organization provides outreach and/or public education programs involving horses.
100% of our total programs and services are equine-related.
Our organization is directly responsible for the care and shelter of equines involved in our programs.
Our organization does not CURRENTLY use satellite, overflow, foster, and/or outreach facilities.

Summary of organization's recent accomplishments, goals, strategies to achieve the goals, and capabilities to meet the goals, including its long-term plans to sustain its programs:
The goals for Thoroughbred Athletes, Inc. going forward are to continue serving our community by providing a safe and educational facility for thoroughbreds and at risk youth. Our founder has recently become a certified Social Intelligence coach, utilizing our unadoptable horses to teach Social Intelligence by observing and interacting with horses, using techniques that horses themselves use for communication. The importance of body language, attitude, connection and focus are all things people can learn how to control while working with our horses. The horses' natural curiosity adds to this as well.
     Our plan is to continue reaching out to youth groups, 4-H programs and even the court system in our community to help young people navigate through today's issues while allowing our horses to interact and benefit from the attention and care they receive.
     Although 15 years ago, we started out as a transition facility for thoroughbreds retiring from racing, and adopting out 50 plus horses a year, we have learned that sometimes it's just better for some horses not to have a new performance career. Some are just not capable of that, especially thoroughbreds that have sustained injuries while racing. We have offered this type of horse an opportunity to thrive in a more relaxed environment but still be able to interact and become an important member of our service team. So, our long term goal is to eventually not focus on rehoming as much as we did before, and serve the most at risk equines that may have issues that deem them unadoptable, and allow them the dignity they deserve by placing their value in a totally different arena, and allowing them to become a part of our service team.
     By continuing with our program, we are offering a safe environment for our unadoptable horses to live out their lives as well as a safe environment for young people to work out the issues in their life in a positive manner. Everyone learns here.


Please describe what steps your organization takes to ensure that:
1) all interactions between your equines and people are mutually beneficial and conducted in accordance with the Guidelines for Human-Equine Interactions stated below;
2) all equines in the care of our organization and/or equines that participate in the organization's program have access to clean drinking water at all times; nutritious food in sufficient quantity, including natural forage such as pasture grass and/or hay; appropriate veterinary, farrier, and dental care; shelter and protection from the weather; sufficient safe space to move around comfortably on a daily basis; and daily opportunity to freely interact and have contact with other equines:

The following is intended to establish guidelines and a minimum code of conduct for all parties associated with the Thoroughbred Athletes organization.
     
     
     GENERAL EQUINE OPERATIONS
     Our intake protocol requires photographs and identification of each horse as we are a breed specific rescue. Most horses come in to our program from at risk situations (auction, kill pens or individual neglect) and do not come in with a history or health record. These horses will be put in quarantine and separated from our herd until health has been evaluated and vaccinations given. Our quarantine duration is 30 days.
     Horses coming right from the track can be put in the main barn as they have had to be vaccinated for core vaccines as regulated by the racetrack.
     Intake paperwork includes a Henneke body score and rescue paperwork (for at risk intakes) and “relinquish” paperwork (for donated intakes).
     Individual horse files will include name, intake date, intake paperwork, horse description, age, color and health record and coggins.
     
     QUARANTINE PROTOCOL
     All authorized volunteers will be trained in quarantine protocol and procedures.
     Do not enter quarantine barn unless you are trained in these protocols.
     Quarantine duration is 30 days unless a horse becomes ill while quarantined.
     All equipment,(wheelbarrows, pitchforks, buckets etc), feed, hay in quarantine barn, remains in quarantine barn and is not used in any other place on the farm.
     A footbath (tek-trol solution) is set up at the entrance of the quarantine barn and it’s use is required before exiting the barn, as well as a disinfectant spray and sanitizer.
     Do not enter any other barn, pasture or pen after exiting quarantine barn.
     Manure from quarantine barn is disposed of in a designated area, not inhabited by or near any other horses.
     After the horse is released from quarantine, the stall, pen and general area of the barn will be disinfected and all bedding removed.
     Our quarantine procedures are in place to protect our entire herd. Following these protocols and using common sense is imperative to the health all of our horses.
     
     GENERAL EQUINE CARE
     All horses are under the direct care of Thoroughbred Athletes, Inc. Other staff and volunteers are able to contribute to their care under instruction and policies of TAI management.
     Both management and staff are responsible for checking on each individual horse twice daily, preferably at feed time.
     New horses will be assessed for their training needs and adoptability.
     All horses will have an identifying file generated by management listing intake stats, vet visits, health record and updates.
     There is a diagram board inside the main barn listing ID and location of each horse, including feed instructions or barn updates.
     Safety rules, emergency contacts, fire extinguishers and general rules are found posted in each barn with reminders posted in various areas around the farm.
     All visitors are welcomed by appointment and may only interact with horses under direct supervision.
     Volunteers are trained on an individual basis and given an information sheet that includes rules and code of conduct.
     
     FEEDING PROTOCOL
     All horses are fed and given fresh water twice daily. Barn horses are given hay, pasture horses have large round bales and pasture.
     Feed instructions are posted in main barn chalk board. Our feed is a basic all forage diet with few supplements added. In the event medications are needed, these will be administered by management.
     Feed buckets and tubs are scrubbed and disinfected daily.
     Water buckets are scrubbed daily in the barn, water tanks in pastures are only filled half way and are emptied and scrubbed every other day or as needed. At no time should water tanks have green algae in them.
     
     TRAINING
     Each horse’s training schedule is dependent on availability of trainer and horse’s soundness. Many horses come to us with injuries that may require surgery and rehab, and they may have some behavior issues due to residual pain or trauma. To avoid injury to volunteers a full assessment must be done by management before horses are able to be handled by volunteers.
     TAI adheres to a natural horsemanship method of training and utilizes humane methods. We do not tolerate abuse of any kind in the training of our horses.
     All trainers and riders are required to wear protective gear when working with and riding. Trainers are to work under oversite of facility management only.
     Trainers are required to clean and replace the tack they use in the training process. Volunteers may be used to help in this process.
     The goal of training is to ensure that our horses get the best chance for a new career and a good home. This is an important part of what we do.
     
     
     WELLNESS EXAMS:
     All of our horses are thoroughly checked over every day by staff. Regular vet exams for current healthy horses will be performed on 6 month intervals or as needed if an issue is apparent. An intake vet exam is done within 2 weeks of arrival. Exit exams for adopted horses are done within 2 weeks of their expected departure date.
     
     DEWORMING
     Because most of our horses come in from at risk situations, fecal egg counts are done upon arrival and every year afterward. We use Strongid or Ivermectin alternately according to the their individual count. (twice per year for low shedders, 3 times per year for medium shedders and 4 times per year for for high shedders). A re-evaluation is done after 6 months of initial FEC.
     
     DENTAL
     New arrivals are examined within 2 weeks and floated as prescribed. Annual exams are done thereafter or as specified by veterinarian on an individual basis. All findings and treatments are found in each horse’s individual health record.
     
     VACCINATIONS
     Completed in April every year for all horses with Vetera Gold, (covering E/W, WN, Tetanus, Equine Influenza and EVH1 and EVH4) and rabies. All vaccines are kept in their own refrigerator.
     New horses do not usually come in with a vaccination record and are normally emaciated and neglected so they are caught up when they are healthy enough or out of quarantine.
     
     FARRIER
     All of our horses are barefoot or booted to encourage healthy growth. Thoroughbreds normally have thin soles so they are supplemented accordingly and treated topically until their sole is strong enough to go without boots. We schedule trims 6-8 weeks unless recommended otherwise by our farrier. If our vet recommends an horse be shod, we will then re-shoe every 5-6 weeks until no longer necessary, as our goal is to have them barefoot.
     
     ADOPTION
     As a rehoming facility, our goal is to put our horses in to the best home possible. Our horses are all considered adoptable with the exception of those that may be aged or with medical conditions.
     All potential adopters must refer to our adoption requirements posted on our website, and fill out an application and liability release, (and be approved) before coming to the facility to ride or interact with the horse.
     We encourage vet checks and consulting with a trainer to ensure the horse is a suitable partner.
     The final decision on all adoptions will be made by management to ensure a good pairing.
     Adopter must agree to follow up procedures (photos and updates are required) as well as keeping TAI informed of a change of location or ownership.
     TAI will provide the adopter with full health records and feed protocol.
     TAI will always take back a horse if the adoption does not work out.

Equine Transition Services:
Overview of our programs involved with rescue, rehabilitation, retraining, re-homing and/or retirement:
     Horse Racing is big business in Oklahoma, as it is in many other states. What does an owner or trainer do with a racehorse that has proven not to be successful on the track, or is past his prime? Often they do the easiest and cheapest thing to do – they sell them off to a “kill lot”, where these beautiful horses will find their way onto a packed truck heading to Mexico, where they may end up as dog food, a glue factory, or worse, a family meal!
     
     At Thoroughbred Athletes, Inc. we take these horses into our program and, after ensuring their health and retraining, we, find them a second career and a long-term "forever" home. TAI has been serving the Off the Track Thoroughbred (OTTB) community since 2012.
     
     Consistent with TAI's mission, our purpose is to rehabilitate, retrain, and re-home OTTB horses through our process and our TAI volunteers. To do this, we provide veterinary services throughout the horses stay at TAI, gently retrain the horses for second careers and develop responsibility and accountability in our community volunteers, through their work with the horses. This promotes growth and learning in both horses and youth.
Overview of our programs involved with providing outreach and/or public education programs involving horses:
     At TAI, we look for opportunities to get our message of "Responsible Retirement" out to the community (both local and regionally).
     
     We advocate the concept of "Responsible Retirement" at our various functions.
     
     For example, the Sport of Kings Challenge brings community interest in the versatility of retired racehorses. We bring in clinicians to help show the public various methods of retraining these horses.
     
     We also have a program which involves providing "At Risk" youth the opportunity to participate in the horse-related chores and in the retraining process.
     
     We work weekly with the Guthrie Job Corps Center in allowing their students to experience horse care and management as well as communication.

Research/Medical Use of Equines:
Our organization has made equines available for research studies or medical training.
Please explain where and for what purpose equines are/were provided to use in research or medical training. 
     The organization transferred one horse (during 2017) to Oklahoma State University for an EPM study. Out of hundreds of horses that have come through Thoroughbred Athletes, this is the only case we can recall of a "medical or research transfer".

Religious Affiliation:
Our organization does not promote religious education, religious purposes, or a specific religious faith or use donations for religious education or religious purposes; require participants to be of a certain faith; require participation in religious, instruction, activities or services; or require participation in prayer, worship, religious instruction or other religious activities as a condition of receiving social or secular services offered. 

Auction Donation:
Our organization has never allowed, or would not consider allowing, an equine to be sold, transferred, released, or otherwise placed into possession of any person or organization that would cause or allow the equine to be sold at auction for slaughter. 

POLICIES: INTAKE, ASSESSMENT & TRAINING

Prior to a horse being accepted and/or arriving at the facility, the organization has the following policies in place:
    The owner of a potential equine is interviewed over the phone or in person prior to seeing the equine
    The owner completes an application/contract which constitutes the agreement between the owner and our organization when the equine is acquired from the equine's owner other than by seizure or by abandonment
    The owner is financially responsible for the shipping of the equine to and from the organization
    If health records are not available or are out-of-date, our veterinarian will administer appropriate vaccinations

Trial Period: Check all that apply:
    Equines are not taken on trial
    Equines are on trial for up to 30 days
    During the trial period, the owner/donor is financially responsible for the care of the equine, including board, feed, shoeing and any necessary veterinary care

Upon intake, the organization has the following quarantine policy in place:
    The equine is confined to a designated and separate area for isolation and quarantine at the facility for a prescribed period of time

The typical length of quarantine is:   20 to 30 days

Following arrival of the equine at the facility, the following is performed:
    Physical examination to include temperature, pulse and respiration by a trained staff member upon arrival
    A Henneke Body Conditioning Score or other body conditioning score is assigned by a veterinarian upon arrival
    Photographs are taken of each equine upon arrival at the facility and kept with the equine's health records
    Physical examination by a farrier
    Physical examination by a dentist
    The equine is microchipped if the equine has not been microchipped

Horses are assessed for following skills and behaviors:
    Retrieval from a pasture/paddock
    Leading with a halter and lead rope
    Temperament, disposition and attitude, such as rated from very calm to very high spirited
    Saddling
    Bridling
    Lunging
    Loading onto and unloading off a trailer
    Mounting and dismounting
    Riding at the walk
    Riding at the trot
    Riding at the canter
    Riding by a beginner and/or unbalanced rider
    Jumping
    Tolerance to unusual objects and loud noises
    Known vices, i.e., cribbing, biting, kicking, weaving, stall walking, etc
    Grooming
    Bathing
    Clipping
    Tolerance to multiple handlers at the same time

Our organization has the following policies and procedures in place pertaining to the ongoing assessment of horses in its care:
    Physical examination by a veterinarian at least annually
    The Henneke Body Condition score or other body conditioning score is updated at least annually by the veterinarian
    Vaccinations are administered at least annually
    Photographs are taken of each equine annually and kept with the equine's health records
    Equines at our facility may be treated by an equine chiropractor
    Equines at our facility may be treated by an equine acupuncturist
    Equines at our facility may be treated by an equine massage therapist
    Equines at our facility may be treated by an equine nutritionist

Our organization has the following policies and procedures in place pertaining to the weight-carrying or workload capabilities of horses/equines that are ridden in our care:
    Our organization evaluates the weight-carrying and workload limitations for each equine that is ridden at least annually
    Our organization maintains a written record of the weight-carrying and workload limitations for each equine that is ridden

The following variables are considered in determining the weight-carrying and workload limitations for each equine that is ridden:
    Equine age, weight, breed, body condition, fitness, balance, health and soundness
    Equine conformation to include the top line, length of back, strength and width of loin, bone density (measured by the circumference of the cannon bone just below the knee)
    Size, shape, condition and angle of the hooves
    Participant weight, height, body proportions, balance, fitness and riding skills as well as behavioral issues and safety concerns
    Weight and proper fit of the saddle and other equipment
    Terrain and footing in the working environment
    Duration and frequency of working sessions, as the frequency with which an equine is subjected to maximum weight carrying and/or workload
    Nature and pace of work, repetitive or varied, radius of turns, degree of incline and regularity of footing when equine is subject to maximum weight-carrying capacity
    Temperature and/or weather conditions
    Seasonal impact on the equines' workload and weight-carrying capabilities and limitations


Horses provided formal training (groundwork or riding):   2-3 times per week

POLICIES: BREEDING

The organization has the following policies related to breeding and stallions:
    Our organization does not conduct breeding of equines owned or under the care of our organization.
    Our main facility where our organization conducts its programs does NOT breed equines.

Additional information about our breeding policies and practices:
At TAI, we have a Castration Protocol. Stallions brought into the program go through castration and are re-homed as Geldings.

POLICIES: EUTHANASIA

The organization has the following policies related to euthanasia:
    Our organization will never have an equine euthanized for space
    Our organization will have an equine euthanized upon the recommendation of the veterinarian if the equine is a threat to itself, other equines, or people
    Our organization will have an equine euthanized upon the recommendation of the veterinarian after all reasonable treatment options have been explored
    Euthanasia is done on site when possible to decrease trauma from transport
    Euthanasia is done at the veterinarian's facility
    Disposal of the carcass is handled within 24 hours

The following are authorized to administer the procedure for your organization in accordance with state laws:
    Veterinarian
    A certified euthanasia technician
    Senior staff with appropriate training
    Veterinary student under the supervision of a licensed veterinarian

Additional information about our euthanasia policies and practices:
At TAI, we only euthanize a horse when we feel that there are no longer any treatment options, for whatever condition afflicts the horse. We prefer to euthanized on location, we remove it immediately, to prevent any contamination.
     There are certain cases however when we feel it necessary to euthanize at the veterinary clinic.

POLICIES: RE-HOMING

View Re-homing Agreement
Our organization has the following re-homing (adoption/purchase) policies and procedures in place:
    All potential adopters/purchasers complete a written contract which constitutes the agreement between our organization and the new owner
    Our organization will only re-home an equine to a location where another equine resides
    The distance of a potential adopter/purchaser's home from our facility is a consideration for when re-homing an equine

Our organization has the following policies and procedures related to horses that need to be retired, are no longer able to contribute to the mission of the organization, and/or are no longer manageable:
    Equines may remain at our organization for their lifetimes
    Equines may be found suitable homes by our organization
    Equines may be returned to their owners
    In the case an equine is unmanageable and demonstrates repeated dangerous behaviors, the equine may be euthanized upon the recommendation of the veterinarian
    In the case an equine is unsound and/or unhealthy and cannot be treated to relieve suffering, the equine may be euthanized upon the recommendation of the veterinarian
    The organization will accept financial responsibility for equines in the current care of the organization that need to be retired or are no longer able to contribute to the mission of the organization if all alternatives have been explored to find the equine an appropriate placement and space is not available for the equine to remain at the organization.

The uploaded Re-homing agreement includes the following re-homing (adoption/purchase) statements:
    The agreement reflects that any individual or organization in possession of the equine as of the date of the agreement and any time thereafter is bound to not sell the equine at auction for slaughter or allow the equine to be sold, transferred, released, or otherwise placed into possession of any person or organization that will cause or allow the equine to be sold at auction for slaughter.
    The agreement states that should the adopter decide to re-home the equine, our organization must be notified of the name, address, and telephone number of any individual or organization intending to take possession of the equine for any reason prior to the equine being placed into the possession of such individual or organization.
    The agreement states that should the adopter decide to re-home the equine, our organization must grant approval of any individual or organization intending to take possession of the equine for any reason prior to the equine being placed into the possession of such individual or organization, including being provided written notification of the name, address, and telephone number of any individual or organization intending to take possession of the equine for any reason.
    The agreement states that the terms of our organization's agreement will be binding on any future individual or organization taking and/or in possession of the equine for any reason.
    The agreement states that re-homed equines cannot be bred
    The agreement states that if there is any breach of contract the equine must be returned to our organization
    The agreement states that our organization reserves the right to make scheduled visits
    The agreement states that adopters/purchasers can return an equine to our organization free of charge
    The agreement states that adopters/purchasers are required to provide updates (photos, vet records) for one year
    Our organization microchips all equines that are not already microchipped before the adoption and/or transfer of the equine if the organization has the authority to microchip the equine.
    The agreement includes the microchip number of the equine.

Our organization requires references from the following:
    Veterinarian
    Farrier
    Personal/Other

Transfer of ownership occurs:   Immediately (at the time of adoption/purchase) or less than one year

The average equine re-homing (adoption/purchase) fee received by your organization:
$1,001 to $1,500

Additional information about our rehoming policies and practices:
Horses will not be bred unless previously agreed upon with TAI.

EQUINE CARE & SHELTER/FACILITY INFORMATION

Our organization does not CURRENTLY use satellite, overflow, foster, and/or outreach facilities.

Total facilities at which our organization cares for and shelters horses used in our programs: 1

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Thoroughbred Athletes, Inc.
2851 S. Midwest Blvd Guthrie OK 73044
Currently operational
Total number of horses/equines currently involved with your programs, under your care, and/or owned by your organization at this facility: 13
Total number of horses at this facility NOT INCLUDING those counted above: 4
Maximum capacity of horses at this facility: 25

Does your organization own, lease or use a part of this facility? Lease

Provide the contact information for the individual or organization responsible for investigating abuse in the county where the facility is located, including mailing address, email address, and phone information.
     You can verify TAI's accreditation on the Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance website: http://www.thoroughbredaftercare.org/taa-accredited-organizations/

Does your organization conduct Equine Assisted Services (EAS) at this facility in accordance with the EQUUS Foundation Guidelines on Qualifications of Organizations Conducting Equine Assisted Services (EAS)? No

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Grounds: Thoroughbred Athletes, Inc. (*Main) Currently operational This section is required.
Total acreage dedicated specifically to the horses: 26
Our organization has use of the following at this facility:
Structures/Barns: 3  Run-in sheds: 6
Pastures: 6  Paddocks/Pens/Turnout Areas: 8
Uncovered Outdoor Rings: 2  Covered Outdoor Rings: 0  Indoor Rings: 0












Are the organization's rules, restrictions and warnings (signage) conspicuously posted in easily accessible locations?    Yes    
Are the organization's emergency contacts, including veterinarian contact information, conspicuously posted in easily accessible locations?    Yes    
Are human and equine first aid kits easily accessible?     Yes    

Regarding all shelters where horses are housed including run-in sheds:
Do horses have assigned stalls in the barn/structure(s) or exclusively assigned shelter locations where they are separated from other horses with a barrier?    Yes    
How many hours per day, on average, are horses stalled or restricted to these sheltered exclusive shelter locations? 13-16
How often are the stalls/shelters cleaned, i.e., kept in good repair and free of standing water, accumulated waste, sharp objects and debris? 6-7 Days a Week
Do all stalls/shelters allow horses to lie down, stand up and turn around and provide protection from inclement weather (wind, sleet, rain, snow and extreme temperatures)?    Yes    
Are stalls/shelters kept in good repair, with adequate ceiling height, and free of standing water, accumulated waste, sharp objects and debris?    Yes    
Are floors constructed and maintained for both good drainage and traction?    Yes    
Is there a ventilation and circulation system in place to allow free flow of air to control temperature, and humidity, and to prevent air stagnation?    Yes    
Is wiring inaccessible to horses and maintained for safety in all areas of facility?    Yes    
Are fire prevention/protection measures (fire alarms, extinguishers and sprinkler systems) maintained and in good working order?     Yes    
Is there adequate lighting to ensure safety in all areas of facility?     Yes    
How many hours per day, on average, are horses turned out:
    Equines are out 9 to 15 hours per day

The following describes the pastures at this facility:
    This facility has a written plan in place for pasture management, which includes guidelines for seeding, fertilizing, irrigation, mowing, dragging, harrowing, manure removal, removal of debris, the control of poisonous plants, and a schedule for cleaning
    A dedicated staff person(s) is responsible for pasture management
    All pastures are fenced to prevent escape or injury
    Fencing checks, such as broken or missing planks, loose fence posts, exposed or loose nails, detached wires, etc., are done regularly
    Pastures are rotated
    Pastures have natural protection for equines (i.e., trees)
    Pastures have man-made protection for equines (i.e., shelters)

The following describes the turnout areas other than pastures at this facility:
    This facility has a written plan in place for the maintenance of turnout areas, which includes a schedule for cleaning, manure removal, and dragging
    A dedicated staff person(s) is responsible for the maintenance of turnout areas
    All turnout areas are fenced to prevent escape or injury
    Turnout areas have man-made protection for equines (i.e., shelters)
    Fencing checks, such as broken or missing planks, loose fence posts, exposed or loose nails, detached wires, etc., are done regularly

The following policies and procedures are in place at the facility to restrict public access and to keep horses safe:
    The property owner, staff member or caretaker lives on the premises and ensures that public access is restricted and is responsible for the security of the facility and equines
    There is a practice in place to monitor equines overnight
    Hold Harmless signs are posted
    Authorized Personnel Only signs are posted
    Visitors are only permitted at specific times
    Visitors are only permitted in specific areas
    The perimeter of the property is fully fenced

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Equine Care/Emergency Preparedness: Thoroughbred Athletes, Inc. (*Main) 2025 and 2024 This section is required.

Horse Health Care/Barn Management Records: What system is used to collect and store health/horse care records?
    Notebook or equivalent (technology not utilized)
    Onsite computer with onsite backup storage system
    Onsite computer with cloud-based backup storage system
    Our organization utilizes a software application to maintain records
    Our organization would use free cloud-based barn management software if available

The following items are consistent with our feed management plan and practices:
    Equines are provided with individualized feeding plans, including supplements, according to the equine's age, breed/type, condition, size, work level and any health issues, consisting of nutritious food provided in sufficient quantity and access to adequate natural forage, or be fed daily, or as recommended by the organization's veterinarian
    Feed plans are determined in consultation with a veterinarian
    Supplement plans are determined in consultation with a veterinarian
    Equines are fed grain in individual stalls
    Staff and/or volunteers are trained in proper feed measurements and protocols and observed periodically to ensure they are feeding correctly
    The feed chart is centrally located and updated as needed
    The area(s) where hay, feed, grain, and supplements are stored are kept clean, free of debris and chemicals, and protected from weather and other animals in rodent-proof and mold-proof containers and grain bins
    Feed, supplements and hay types are clearly labeled
    Water sources, i.e., buckets, troughs, automatic waterers, etc. are kept clean, free of contaminants, debris and chemicals, protected from weather and other animals, and be positioned or affixed to minimize spillage.
    Medications are kept in a secure area

Is clean, potable water available at all times for all equines, or if not at all times, at least twice daily?     Yes    

Hoof Care: How often is hoof care provided for each equine? Every 4-8 weeks and when an issue arises

Dental Care: How often is dental care provided for each equine? Annually and when an issue arises

Horse checks: How often are equines visually and physically checked by personnel at the facility? Every day or 6 days a week

Our organization has the following parasite and fly/insect control protocols in place, including remedies used to control flies and insects:
    Our organization follows the parasite control guidelines of our veterinarian, including fecal testing and de-worming
    Fly/Insect Control Remedies:
    Feed Through Products
    Fly Traps and Tapes
    Premise Sprays/Insecticides
    Fly Spray Repellent
    Fly Masks
    Fly Sheets
    Fans

The following represent the biosecurity practices in place at facility:
    Our organization follows the biosecurity guidelines of our veterinarian
    Sick, affected and/or quarantined equines do not have contact with other equines or other animals
    The organization has a written biosecurity plan
    Staff are trained in best practices related to biosecurity
    Volunteers are trained in best practices related to biosecurity
    A specific individual is trained and assigned to care for sick, affected and/or quarantined equines
    Sick, affected and/or quarantined equines are cared for last if the caretaker must also care for healthy equines
    Restricted access signs are posted at primary points of access to sick, affected and/or quarantined equines
    Hand sanitizers are available at all primary points of access to sick, affected and/or quarantined equines
    Footbaths are available at all primary points of access to sick, affected and/or quarantined equines
    Manure and bedding from sick, affected and/or quarantined equines is removed from the facility - not put in open air piles, and not spread on pastures
    Quarantine areas, such as stalls, aisle ways, paddocks, and common areas, are cleaned (and needed, disinfected) after conclusion of the quarantine.
    Trailers/vans used by sick, affected and/or quarantined equines are cleaned and disinfected after each use and cleaning takes place away from where equines are sheltered
    Equipment used by sick, affected and/or quarantined equines is not shared
    Equipment used by sick, affected and/or quarantined equines is cleaned of organic debris and disinfected after each use
    Latex gloves, or equivalent gloves, are worn when working with sick, affected and/or quarantined equines

The following represent the manure removal practices in place at facility:
    Manure is piled in an area where equines are not located
    Manure is hauled, sold or given away
    Manure piles are composted or spread on pastures
    Our organization adheres to the manure management guidelines set by the state, local authorities, and/or our organization's veterinarian

The following steps are taken to help staff and volunteers readily identify each horse on the property:
    Name plates are located on the stall/shelter location
    Equines wear halters with nametags
    A notebook or binder with photos and information on each equine is easily accessible
    A map/diagram is posted showing the location of each equine with equine names and photos
    Equine photos and profiles are available on the website
    Staff/volunteers are provided training on conformation, markings, colors, and breeds
    Team leaders work with new staff/volunteers until they are able to identify the equines

Our organization has the following policies and procedures in place pertaining to tack, apparel and equipment:
    Saddles are shared
    Saddle pads are shared
    Bridles are shared
    Bits are shared
    Blankets are shared
    Sheets are shared
    Turnout apparel is shared
    Blankets, sheets and turn out apparel are fitted and utilized for each equine appropriate to the equine's needs and the weather conditions
    Blankets, sheets and turn out apparel are cleaned regularly as needed
     Halters are shared
    Tack is cleaned after each use
    Tack is inspected for overall working condition before each use by trained personnel
    Tack is assessed for fit before each use by trained personnel
    Tack is assessed for fit by trained personnel when an equine's body condition changes
    Tack is assessed for fit by trained personnel when an equine's disposition changes
    Assigned tack is clearly labeled
    Tack is stored in a climate-controlled location
    Helmets are shared
    Helmets are cleaned/disinfected after each use
    Helmets are replaced after a fall
    Helmets are replaced at least every five years.

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Emergency Preparedness: Thoroughbred Athletes, Inc.: *Main This section is required.
The following plans, policies, and procedures are in place at the facility to handle emergencies and address weather related issues, fire safety procedures, and/or any additional hazardous scenarios the facility could potentially experience:
    Emergency procedures are posted prominently
    Emergency phone numbers are posted prominently
    The facility owns or has access to a generator
    The facility maintains at least two weeks of hay, feed, shavings and medications
    The facility maintains appropriate liability and/or workers' compensation insurance
    The organization has a written emergency preparedness/safety plan (EPP)
The written EPP addresses the following areas:
    Local fire department and/or the state's emergency planning department procedures
    Medical emergencies for clients, staff, and volunteers
    Medical emergencies for equines
    Evacuation plans
    Power outages
    Fire
    Natural Disasters - thunderstorm, hurricanes, earthquakes, tornados, etc
    Protocols to notify emergency personnel
    Building/facility exit plans


The facility follows the specific procedures to help PREVENT emergency situations:
    Smoking is strictly prohibited
    NO SMOKING signs are posted prominently
    Hay is stored away from permanent or temporary structures where equines are stalled
    Permanent or temporary structures where equines are stalled are kept free of dust, cobwebs, trash, cleaning rags, and other flammable items
    Aisles and doorways are kept clear
    Heaters with automatic shutoff settings are used

How often are the following checked or performed?
Fire Extinguishers are checked: Quarterly
Smoke detectors are checked: Semi-annually
Fence lines are checked: Weekly
Turnout Areas are checked: Daily
Sprinkler systems are checked: Not at all/NA
Fire drills are conducted: Annually
Review of safety protocols with staff are conducted: Annually
Review of safety protocols with volunteers are conducted: Semi-annually
The Emergency Preparedness Plan is reviewed and updated: Semi-annually

Equine Transportation: 8.5= Onsite: 2.5 (0.5 + 2) + Offsite: 6
2-horse van/trailer with truck:
    0 Owned onsite  1 Access onsite but not owned  3 Access offsite;
3-horse van/trailer with truck:
    0 Owned onsite  0 Access onsite but not owned  0 Access offsite;
4-horse van/trailer with truck:
    0.5 Owned onsite  1 Access onsite but not owned  2 Access offsite;
6-horse van/trailer with truck:
    0 Owned onsite  0 Access onsite but not owned  0 Access offsite;
8-horse van/trailer with truck:
    0 Owned onsite  0 Access onsite but not owned  0 Access offsite;
10-horse van/trailer with truck:
    0 Owned onsite  0 Access onsite but not owned  1 Access offsite;

GOVERNANCE, MANAGEMENT & FINANCIAL REPORTING

Financial Reporting
Budget:  $100K to $500K
Equine Budget:   $100K to $150K
Month Fiscal Year Ends: 12
Type of Financial Reporting (Audit, Review, Compilation): Review
Type of IRS Filing (990, 990-EZ, 990-N): 990-EZ
View the IRS Form 990/Pro Forma 990

Governing Body:
Board meetings per year:  4
Number of Board Members:  6  Number of Voting Board Members:  6

Board Compensation:
Is the Board Chair compensated?  No  Is the Treasurer compensated?  No

Are there any other Voting Board Members that are compensated?  No
Board/Staff Relationships:
Are any members of the Board, Staff or Program Participants related to each other through family or business relationships? No

Board/Staff Affiliations:
Are any Board members providing services to your organization or compensated by your organization, or are any Board members or staff members associated with and/or compensated by another organization with a relationship or business affiliation to your organization? Yes
If yes, provide the name, title, responsibility and family/business relationship of each Board and/or Staff member, and the name of the related organization.
CEO owns the facility where programs are conducted.

Conflict of Interest:
Does your organization have a written conflict of interest policy that ensures that any compensated board member is a NON-VOTING (Independent) board member or that any compensated board member or any board member related to a compensated staff member, independent contractor, or any related board members, or any individual or organization that might benefit from a board decision, abstains from voting on issues impacting such compensation and requires officers, directors or trustees, and key employees to disclose at least annually in writing interests that could give rise to conflicts?  Yes

Compliance:
Below is a list all local, state and federal licenses held by the organization, and/or accreditations or compliances with the published standards of an accrediting organization, if applicable:  We are accredited with the Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance, out of Lexington Kentucky. We are also accredited by the Global Foundation of Animal Sanctuaries (GFAS)

Organization documents available on our website:
    Equine Intake Guidelines
    Adoption/Foster Agreement

Organization documents available on request:
    Most recent Financials
    Most recent IRS Form 990
    Most recent Annual Report
    Equine Intake Guidelines
    Adoption/Foster Agreement
    Volunteer Handbook
    Bylaws

Staff & Volunteers:
Chief Staff Officer (CSO):  Lynn Sullivan Founder/Director
Employees/Independent Contractors:   Full-Time:  0  Part-Time:  0  Volunteers:  18
Staff Recruitment, Screening and Training processes including employees and independent contractors:
    Not applicable; We do not have paid staff or utilize contractors to perform staff functions.

Volunteer Recruitment, Screening and Training processes:
    Prospective volunteers complete a written application/agreement
    Our organization has a practice in place to ensure that the organization has sufficient knowledge of the background of prospective volunteers that may impact the safety of your clients and your horses, such as whether prospective volunteers have been convicted of a sexual offense or convicted for animal cruelty or neglect. Such practices must comply with local, state, and federal mandates.
    Volunteers required to complete a Liability Release/Hold Harmless Agreement
    Volunteers are required to provide Emergency Medical Information
    Volunteers are required to sign a Photo Release
    Volunteers provide parent/guardian information if applicable
    Volunteers carry current health insurance
    Volunteers are evaluated on an annual and as needed basis or with any change in their job description
    Volunteers are updated on all the organization's policies and procedures on an annual and as needed basis or with any change in policy or procedure
    Volunteers receive training that includes safety guidelines, confidentiality, equine handling, equine identification, and emergency procedures; additional training is job specific
    Volunteers are assigned a supervisor (staff member and/or senior volunteer) and is responsible for keeping their supervisor up to date on work related activities
    The supervisor assesses the volunteer's abilities and assigns specific duties to the volunteer based on their skills
    The organization records and maintains written attendance information and hours on every volunteer
    The organization provides a Volunteer Handbook to every volunteer
    The Volunteer Handbook (available either online or in print) includes volunteer-related information, such as hours of work, dress code, cell phone usage, and the protocol for dismissal
    The Volunteer Handbook is reviewed annually and updated
    The organization holds regular orientation sessions for volunteers and prospective volunteers that includes an overview of the organization, its mission, activities, volunteer responsibilities and expectations, safety guidelines, and a tour of the facility

Additional explanation regarding governance, staffing and volunteer practices or further explanation of the answers above.
TAI has many volunteers. Most work under the leadership of our Executive Director, and Senior Volunteers, who provide training, coaching, and do periodic capability assessments.