Horse Rescue Reporter

Hope’s Legacy Equine Rescue Inc., a nonprofit on Castle Rock Road in Afton, announced it’s been accredited by the Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance for a two-year term, becoming one of four TAA-accredited organizations in Virginia, according to a news release.

According to its website, TAA is the only accrediting body in thoroughbred aftercare.

“We are incredibly honored to be part of the TAA network,” said Maya Proulx, executive director of Hope’s Legacy Equine Rescue, in the release. “This is a culmination of a year’s work, making sure we had all of the requirements in place. The entire process has made us a better organization overall.”

There are about 80 accredited organizations in North America.

Organizations must undergo a thorough application and inspection process prior to TAA accreditation with reviews of the organization’s operations, education, horse health care management, facility standards and services, and adoption policies and protocols, the release states. The TAA also works to award grants to assist with retraining and rehoming of retired thoroughbreds.

The release says thoroughbreds are one of the most common breeds of horses Hope’s Legacy Equine Rescue has taken in during its 12-year history. The nonprofit was founded in 2008 when it took in its first donkey. Since then it has taken in more than 335 horses, donkeys, ponies, mules and miniature horses.

“People don’t often think about what happens to a racehorse after they leave the track,” Proulx said. “Rescue operations help retrain those horses as great trail horses, eventing and hunter/jumpers, or retired companion horses. The possibilities for these majestic animals are endless.”

Hope’s Legacy rescues, rehabilitates and adopts out, when possible, to new homes. For more information visit www.hopes legacy.com.