all in Aftercare

The average Thoroughbred has the potential lifespan of 25-35 years. If the horse races from age 2 to 4, he or she then has another 20-30 years beyond that, a whole other lifetime which for some could be spent as a stallion/broodmare or as a paddock pet for a loving owner. Beyond the racetrack or a backyard paddock is the show ring, another venue for the Thoroughbred to show off their athleticism and work ethic in partnership with riders of all ages and levels.

For Michele Enck, finding another heart horse was something she never expected to happen again. Enck is Maryland-based and currently works for The Maryland Jockey Club as the stakes coordinator, recently promoted from her role as horse identifier.

A few years ago, while working in her office at Pimlico, Jessica Hammond stopped by Enck’s window. Hammond serves as executive director for Beyond the Wire, a program designed to facilitate safe and enriching placements for retired Maryland-based racehorses.

Walter S. Robertson, Jr., president of Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance, announced today the inauguration of a new strategic plan for the organization, broadening the scope of its activities, enhancing its sustainability, and developing new partnerships toward encouraging use of Thoroughbreds beyond their racing and breeding years.

The Jockey Club Thoroughbred Incentive Program (T.I.P.) announced Jan. 27 that it has approved more than 8,000 awards and classes at more than 1,600 shows in 42 states and five Canadian provinces for 2026.

Awards are available for multiple disciplines, including eventing, dressage, Western and English pleasure, ranch horse, hunter/jumper, competitive trail, barrel racing, polo, and polocrosse. A full calendar of shows offering awards is available at: tjctip.com/CalendarOfEvents and will be updated as show dates are confirmed.

Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance announced the dates of their annual Off to the Races online benefit auction featuring VIP racing experience packages with all proceeds going to support accredited aftercare. This online auction provides a chance for the public to bid on 20 VIP racing experience packages, granting access to major race days at renowned racetracks across North America in 2026.

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