$515,000 in Grants Support Retired Racehorses

A local racehorse-aftercare program that administers support for California-raced Thoroughbreds has awarded $515,000 to 22 aftercare charity partners across the country through the Howard “Howie” Zucker Grant Program, the California Retirement Management Account (CARMA) announced in a press release. The program is named for CARMA’s late past president and devoted board member, Howard Zucker.

CARMA, headquartered on West Huntington Drive directly across from Santa Anita Park, said the December awards reaffirm its commitment to ensuring “every California-raced Thoroughbred has a safe, dignified transition to their next chapter.”

Each organization receiving a grant completed what CARMA described as a comprehensive application process designed to uphold high standards of care, transparency and accountability. CARMA representatives conduct site visits to verify that facilities meet the group’s requirements and that each registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit remains in good standing.

The organization also introduced the CARMA Aftercare Partner Badge, a new annual distinction awarded to approved aftercare charities. According to the release, the badge signals to owners, adopters, donors and the broader racing community that a program has met CARMA’s standards for care, transparency and operational excellence. Partners may display the badge on their websites, social channels and printed materials for the year it is awarded, helping the public easily identify trusted programs committed to the highest level of aftercare.

“We’re seeing a real shift among new owners,” CARMA President Billy Koch said in the statement. “Responsible aftercare is now one of the first things they ask about, and that simply wasn’t the case in years past. It’s a clear sign that our advocacy is making an impact and that responsible aftercare is becoming part of the conversation from day one.”

2026 Grant Recipients

• After the Homestretch Arizona
• CANTER California
• Canter Haven Farm
• Center for Racehorse Retraining
• Champions Retreat
• Desert Oasis Rescue
• Down The Stretch Ranch
• Eclipse TB Aftercare
• Glen Ellen Vocational Academy, Inc. (GEVA Inc.)
• Harmony and Hope Horse Haven, Inc.
• Healing Arenas, Inc.
• Hope For Horses, Inc.
• Horse Power Sanctuaries Inc. dba Redwings Horse Sanctuary
• Old Friends, Inc.
• Racehorse Remember Me Foundation (DBA Remember Me Rescue)
• Ride Above Disability Therapeutic Riding Center
• Sandia Creek Ranch Auxiliary Foundation
• Square Peg Foundation
• United Pegasus Foundation
• Whispering Meadows Ranch Equine Rescue
• Win Place Home, Inc.
• Zen Heart Horsemanship Inc. & Let’s Ride Therapeutic Equestrian Program

CARMA described these organizations as “the backbone of Thoroughbred aftercare in California,” noting their work in rehabilitation, retraining and placement into second careers. The release also highlighted their community contributions through therapeutic riding programs, educational opportunities and hands-on volunteerism. “We’re proud to stand alongside them in this work,” the statement said.

The organization operates out of its Arcadia office adjacent to Santa Anita Park, one of California’s primary Thoroughbred racing venues and a major source of the horses served by CARMA’s aftercare programs.

Donations to CARMA are tax-deductible and may be sent to CARMA, 285 West Huntington Drive, Arcadia, CA 91007 (Tax ID #80-0146395), or made online. More information about CARMA and its grant programs is available at carma4horses.org.

The press release also included background information about The Stronach Group and its 1/ST businesses. The company’s 1/ST RACING & GAMING division — which operates Santa Anita Park and San Luis Rey Downs in California — drives racing operations and supports aftercare initiatives through its 1/ST HORSE CARE mission, which advocates for industry reforms and invests in programs for retired horses and jockeys.