Thoroughbred Retirement Foundation of New York Achieves Accreditation by the Global Federation of Animal Sanctuaries for Their First Two Equine Facilities

November 12, 2020 (Saratoga Springs, NY) – The Global Federation of Animal Sanctuaries (GFAS), the only globally recognized organization providing standards for identifying legitimate animal sanctuaries and rescue organizations, awarded Accredited status to the TRF Second Chances Program at the Lowell Correctional Institution in Florida, and the Eastham Sanctuary Farm in Virginia, both programs of the Thoroughbred Retirement Foundation (TRF).

Accreditation signifies that Thoroughbred Retirement Foundation’s two facilities meet GFAS’s rigorous and peer-reviewed equine care standards which are confirmed by a comprehensive site visit. 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 two facilities of TRF are exceptional organizations.

“We are very proud to announce the Accreditation of the first two 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 more than 500 horses resides in two types of facilities/programs. The TRF 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 TRF 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.”  The TRF continues to work with GFAS to obtain accreditation for all of its farms.

“We are honored to be accredited by this highly regarded organization,” said Pat Stickney, Executive Director of the Thoroughbred Retirement Foundation. “It has long been a goal of the TRF to obtain GFAS accreditation and we’re grateful to our Program Development Manager, Chelsea O’Reilly, and the staff at GFAS for working collaboratively to bring this accreditation to fruition. The TRF strives for the highest standards of care and best practices and the GFAS accreditation gives our donors confidence that their support is helping to provide our Thoroughbreds with the level of care they so deserve.”

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

About Global Federation of Animal Sanctuaries
Global Federation of Animal Sanctuaries (GFAS) is a 501(c) 3 nonprofit organization dedicated to the sole purpose of strengthening and supporting the work of animal sanctuaries, rescues, and rehabilitation centers worldwide. The goal of GFAS in working with and assisting these animal care facilities is to ensure they are supported, honored, recognized and rewarded for meeting important criteria in providing care to the animals in residence. GFAS was founded in 2007 by animal protection leaders from a number of different organizations in response to virtually unchecked and often hidden exploitation of animals for human entertainment and financial profit. The GFAS Board of Directors guides the organization’s work in a collaborative manner. While the board includes those in top leadership at The Humane Society of the United States, International Fund for Animal Welfare, and American Anti-Vivisection Society, all board members serve as individuals dedicated to animal sanctuaries. www.sanctuaryfederation.org.

About the Thoroughbred Retirement Foundation
Founded in 1983, the Thoroughbred Retirement Foundation is a national organization devoted to saving Thoroughbred horses no longer able to compete at the racetrack from possible neglect, abuse and slaughter. As the oldest Thoroughbred rescue in the country, the TRF provides sanctuary to retired Thoroughbreds throughout their lifetime. Best known for its pioneering TRF Second Chances program, the organization provides incarcerated individuals with vocational training through its accredited equine care and stable management program. At six correctional facilities across the country this program offers second careers to its horses and a second chance at life for inmates upon release from prison.

TRF cares for more than 500 rescued and retired Thoroughbreds at TRF Second Chances prison farms and Sanctuary Farms across the country.  The organization is funded entirely by private donations.  The TRF is accredited by Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance and has a Platinum rating with Guide Star. For more information visit: http://www.trfinc.org/

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