LEXINGTON, Ky. – Thoroughbred Charities of America has announced the Award of Merit recipients honored at state breeders associations’ awards ceremonies in May.
Award of Merit recipients consist of individuals or organizations working to provide a better life for Thoroughbreds or the people working with them, either on the backstretch or on the farm. Both achievements are reflective of TCA’s all encompassing mission to help Thoroughbreds and the people who care for them. Subsequent award of merit winners will be announced monthly.
Rockin’ G Equine Sanctuary was honored at the Thoroughbred Racing Association of Oklahoma’s Awards Banquet on May 20 and J. Willard Thompson was named the recipient by the Thoroughbred Breeders Association of New Jersey on May 21.
Rockin’ G Equine Sanctuary in El Reno, Oklahoma works to rehabilitate and re-home horses in need. They also work to educate the community about the proper care of horses and have worked closely with the Thoroughbred Racing Association of Oklahoma for the past few years.
Thompson is the owner of Quiet Winter Farm in Colts Neck, New Jersey. He has participated in various aspects of the industry as a breeder, steeplechase jockey and trainer earning leading trainer titles at Monmouth Park and Meadowlands Racetracks throughout his career. Thompson is a strong advocate of Thoroughbred aftercare and works to ensure that his horses are cared for once their days on the track have ended.
TCA’s mission is to provide a better life for Thoroughbreds, both during and after their racing careers, by supporting qualified repurposing and retirement organizations and by helping the people who care for them. TCA distributes grants to several categories of Thoroughbred-related nonprofits including rehabilitation, retraining, rehoming and retirement organizations; backstretch and farm employee programs; equine-assisted therapy programs; and research organizations. Since its inception in 1990, TCA has granted over $21 million to more than 200 charities that successfully meet the criteria set forth in its annual grant application. From 2000-2015, more than 95% of TCA’s expenditures were allocated to program services including direct grants. TCA is the charitable arm of the Thoroughbred Owners and Breeders Association (TOBA).
