At Thoroughbred Charities of America (TCA), our mission is to support organizations dedicated to the welfare of Thoroughbreds and the individuals who care for them. One of our 2024 grant recipients, After The Races NY, exemplifies this commitment by providing retiring racehorses with a safe transition into second careers.
The Founder’s Vision
The heart and soul behind After The Races NY is Anna Hollander, a seasoned equestrian with over 30 years of experience in the racing industry and a distinguished career as a show rider. Anna’s journey began on a horse farm in Sweden, where she developed an early bond with horses. This passion led her to establish Swedish Hill Farm, a 15-acre sanctuary near Saratoga Springs, New York, which now serves as the home for After The Races NY.
Anna’s extensive background in transitioning racehorses to show horses spans over 25 years. Her dedication ensures that each horse receives individualized care, paving the way for successful second careers. Her commitment has earned accolades from industry professionals, such as former steeplechase jockey and horse trainer Roger Horgan, who remarked, “In my next life, I want to come back as a horse at Swedish Hill Farm.”
Caring for Retired Racehorses
Founded in 2020 and located in Ballston Spa, New York, After The Races NY focuses on the rehabilitation, retraining, and rehoming of retired Thoroughbred racehorses. The organization maintains a smaller operation, typically caring for 5-7 horses at a time, allowing for personalized attention to each horse’s unique needs.
The farm also serves as a permanent home for notable residents like Extravagant Kid, a Grade 1 winner who now assists in guiding other horses through their retraining process. Anna believes that Thoroughbreds are natural competitors who thrive when given purposeful roles, stating, “They know that we take care of them, and it’s very rewarding.”
Beyond horse rehabilitation, After The Races NY is committed to community involvement. The organization hosts annual fundraisers at Swedish Hill Farm and welcomes visitors, both children and adults, to learn about horse care and the importance of Thoroughbred aftercare.
Supporting Their Mission
The work of After The Races NY aligns seamlessly with TCA’s dedication to Thoroughbred aftercare. With funding from TCA, the organization can continue to expand its impact, providing more horses with the opportunity to thrive beyond the racetrack. We are proud to support their mission and recognize the tireless efforts of their team in securing bright futures for these incredible athletes.
To learn more about our grant recipients and the work we do at TCA, visit tca.org.
