GFAS Accredits Seven Additional TRF Farms

The Global Federation of Animal Sanctuaries (GFAS), the only globally recognized organization providing standards for identifying legitimate animal sanctuaries and rescue organizations, has awarded Accredited status to seven additional farms of the Thoroughbred Retirement Foundation. These new accreditations come less than 8 months after the TRF received the recognition for two of its farms in Florida and Virginia. The newly accredited farms include Blackburn Second Chances, Chestnut Hall and Nash Sanctuary Farms in Kentucky, Vandalia Second Chances in Illinois, and Wateree Second Chances, as well as Wheeler and Lowder Sanctuary farms in South Carolina.  

The TRF will seek accreditation for all of the remaining farms over the next year.

Accreditation signifies that Thoroughbred Retirement Foundation's additional seven facilities meet GFAS's rigorous and peer-reviewed equine care standards which are confirmed by comprehensive site visits. Accreditation also signifies adherence to standards addressing the sustainability of the organization, ethical principles, finances, staffing, education outreach, security and safety and other operational aspects. The Accreditation status also provides a clear and trusted means for the public, donors, and grantors to recognize that these facilities of TRF are exceptional organizations.

"We continue to be proud to announce the Accreditation of these additional seven facilities of the Thoroughbred Retirement Foundation's Second Chances Programs and Sanctuary Farms," said Daryl Tropea, Ph.D., GFAS Program Director-Equine. "The mission of TRF is to help Thoroughbred horses that are no longer able to compete at racetracks. The TRF herd of nearly 500 horses resides in two types of facilities/programs. The Second Chances Programs are located at correctional facilities where inmates participate in vocational training in equine care and stable management. For those horses not suited for the Second Chances programs or adoption because of health care requirements, they are provided quality lifetime sanctuary at one of the Sanctuary Farms. In addition to providing excellent care to the horses, TRF is committed to management best practices and thoughtful strategic planning ensuring sustainability for future years."

"We are so grateful to GFAS for working side by side with the TRF to achieve our goal of having all TRF farms accredited and ensuring that we are meeting the highest standards of care and best practices" said Pat Stickney, Executive Director. "We are committed to providing a happy, safe and healthy environment for the nearly 500 Thoroughbreds under our care".

The GFAS Standards of Excellence were initially developed and reviewed with the input of animal services officers, non-profit professionals, sanctuary managers, animal protection advocates, and veterinarians utilizing existing standards from outstanding sanctuaries as a starting framework and refined/expanded upon based on knowledge and expertise of contributors.

The GFAS Equine Accreditation Program is made possible by a generous grant from The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals(r) and the Kenneth Scott Charitable Trust.