ooh hey, check this out: Jockey Club check-off program at foal registration

[Barnfairy]

Found in the BloodHorse: Checkoff Program to benefit Thoroughbred Charities of America, Thoroughbred Retirement Foundation (http://news.bloodhorse.com/article/48008.htm) excerpted from linked article:

When Thoroughbred owners and breeders in North America submit their foal registration applications on or after Jan. 1, 2009, they will be able to participate in a voluntary checkoff program, created and administered by The Jockey Club, which will assist [Thoroughbred Charities of America (http://www.thoroughbredcharities.org/) and the Thoroughbred Retirement Foundation (http://www.trfinc.org/)]...

Thoroughbred breeders will have the option of selecting one of four graduated amounts ($25, $50, $75, or $100) to be designated for these Thoroughbred aftercare programs or they can fill in the amount of their choice on the Application for Foal Registration form...

As an incentive to encourage participation, The Jockey Club will match the checkoff on a dollar-to-dollar basis up to $200,000 in 2009.

Granted, $200,000 is something of a trifle amount when one takes into account the scope of the entire issue at hand, but it's a step in the right direction from the old boys club. I'll take it! :yes:

[Acertainsmile]

I believe I did something like this when registering my yearlings for the sale...a portion of the selling price going to a rescue, etc... shoot, now I'll have to find the entry form!

[LaurieB]

Drat, when I saw the headline I was really hoping you were going to say there was a box to check off if we would take the horse back if he/she ever needed a home.

Call me cynical but I've seen some well-known TB retirement groups that I wouldn't donate a penny to--no point in paying for more perks and first class travel by the administrators. So without knowing where and how the money will be spent, I'm afraid I won't be donating. :no:

[FairWeather]

Great start to a much-needed and long-overdue issue, but super SUPER poor delivery. Great that they are working with TCA, as they distribute to the groups who are actually actively placing horses, but I find it short-sighted and just plain disappointing that they are donating to only TRF directly and not any of the other groups that are out there BUSTING their butts to help Thoroughbreds.
What about MAHR? Exceller? Re-Run? CANTER? AC4H? ETC?

Ugh. How utterly disappointing, disheartening and just...meh.

[Barnfairy]

Painfully inadequate, I know...but then I never thought I'd see the day when there would be any sort of TB retirement consideration coming directly from the JC at all.

[COinNJ]

bump

[DLee]

I donate a painting every year to the TCA auction that takes place (this year) December 5. It is a great organization that supports many, many different rescues, not just for Thoroughbreds. And a huge portion of donations (something like .97 on the dollar) goes directly to the charities, one of which is Canter.

[FairWeather]

I'd be THRILLED if they put ALL of the money with TCA or Blue Horse--they do their due diligence and ensure that money is distributed equitably, they are an amazing groups and I tell people all the time to donate to them--that way even a small donation can benefit ALL Thoroughbreds in this country by many many groups working very hard to ensure they are transitioned into new homes.

Let me add New Vocations to the list of people working tirelessly helping OTTBs!

I just feel that it is short-sighted to segregate one specific group.

[DLee]

Here is a list of the charities TCA supports:

http://www.thoroughbredcharities.org/groups.html

[SleepyFox]

Drat, when I saw the headline I was really hoping you were going to say there was a box to check off if we would take the horse back if he/she ever needed a home.

Call me cynical but I've seen some well-known TB retirement groups that I wouldn't donate a penny to--no point in paying for more perks and first class travel by the administrators. So without knowing where and how the money will be spent, I'm afraid I won't be donating. :no:

Laurie, once again we're on the same page. I have had the same experience and consequently have the same issue with this check-off.

[FairWeather]

Just to make myself really clear--I love that they are involving TCA, that is awesome. But splitting money between TCA and a TRF? oof.

I'm probably the only one who is going to cut off my nose to spite my face here, but the amount of emails and PM's I've gotten tell me i'm not the only one going WHAT?? about this. I hope those people will let the Jockey Club know their feelings.

[ArtilleryHill]

Just out of curiosity, does anyone know what's in store for Blue Horse now that Hettinger is gone and Fasig-Tipton is under new ownership? I hope that it will get more support rather than less but hadn't heard anything about its future plans in recent months.

[sm]

Just to make myself really clear--I love that they are involving TCA, that is awesome. But splitting money between TCA and a TRF? oof.

I'm probably the only one who is going to cut off my nose to spite my face here, but the amount of emails and PM's I've gotten tell me i'm not the only one going WHAT?? about this. I hope those people will let the Jockey Club know their feelings.

I don't have a problem with this development, TCA will distribute the funds to all the orgs they know will use it wisely. Unstead of the JC monitoring it and having no real knowledge.

Plus, TRF has an excellent reputation and more race industry people will likely sign up to for name they know quite well, rather than asking WTF is ___ (fill in the blank) Horse Rescue.

I think it's great.

[Slewdledo]

I thought the same thing you did, LaurieB. That they'd print right on the papers that "X" can be contacted upon the horse's injury or retirement and will assume possession of the horse if unwanted.

They've already got the NTRA "checkoff" program with the registration application.

I suppose in theory it's a good thing, but odds are astronomical that it'll actually help the horse on whose application the "checkoff" is checked off. Not to mention the cost the JC is assuming in starting up this program and overseeing it. :rolleyes:

[Calista]

I’ve been lurking here for a while, but this one has made me come out of the shadows! Though I like the concept of the check off fund, obviously, I have issues with who is receiving and distributing the funds. In general, both TCA and TRF serve a great number of horses. By sheer volume alone, they are outstanding groups. However…and, yes, I’m going to take the plunge here…I question how the money would be used by both TCA and TRF. Sorry to the unquestioning fans of these two groups, but I’m just being honest. TRF is a little too much about the money and the power than about the horses, IMHO. I’ve heard stories that suggest they don’t “play nice” with other rescues. They are a little too politically connected to just a few too many multi-millionaires…er...billionaires… to make me feel comfortable with their integrity.



However, TRF is all TBs, and that is what this fund is for; the retirement of Thoroughbred racehorses. And it is being funded by TB breeders/owners, so the monies should not be handled by TCA, which gives to a lot of non-TB programs and often to non-horse/racing industry programs (e.g., God’s Pantry Food Bank). Perhaps they should change their name to Equine Charities of America or Equine and Other Board Members’ Pet Projects of America.



Sorry if I’m angering many of you, but I really don’t think the money raised by these funds will get to only TBs if TRF and TCA are the primary recipients and proprietors of the funds.

[ArtilleryHill]

According to The Jockey Club's announcement, money provided to TCA would go ONLY to the Thoroughbed retirement/retraining efforts it supports, not the others.

As for TRF, I've heard grumbling about them, but I've never really seen or heard anything specific, just vague rumblings of dissatisfaction. What's the issue, exactly? I've dealt with them over the last five years or so on a couple of adoptions and haven't had any trouble or seen anything I'd consider inappropriate, so I'm curious to get hard facts on the problems people seem to have with them. Has there been evidence of misappropriation of funds or anything like that? Are they listed on any of those things that show what percentage of donations goes to "the cause"? Maybe that would give some answers.

[COinNJ]

Hmmm...now my curiosity is piqued! I've heard stuff here and there about both, but don't have any evidence or even first-hand knowledge to go by, so...????

[sm]

According to The Jockey Club's announcement, money provided to TCA would go ONLY to the Thoroughbed retirement/retraining efforts it supports, not the others.

As for TRF, I've heard grumbling about them, but I've never really seen or heard anything specific, just vague rumblings of dissatisfaction. What's the issue, exactly? I've dealt with them over the last five years or so on a couple of adoptions and haven't had any trouble or seen anything I'd consider inappropriate, so I'm curious to get hard facts on the problems people seem to have with them. Has there been evidence of misappropriation of funds or anything like that? Are they listed on any of those things that show what percentage of donations goes to "the cause"? Maybe that would give some answers.

Here you go, rated by this group and received their highest ratings (4 stars is top rating but I now see 3 stars?) for sound fiscal management: http://www.charitynavigator.org/index.cfm?bay=search.summary&orgid=8762

"Charity Navigator, the largest charity evaluator in America, cited the TRF's "ability to efficiently allocate and grow its finances" in announcing the rating. Its executive director, Trent Stamp, went on to say, that "less than quarter of the charities we've rated have received our highest rating, indicating that Thoroughbred Retirement Foundation outperforms most charities in America in its efforts to operate in the most fiscally responsible way possible...." http://www.equestrianmag.com/news/trf-thoroughbred-horses-equine-charity-award-3-06.html

[Calista]

“According to The Jockey Club's announcement, money provided to TCA would go ONLY to the Thoroughbed retirement/retraining efforts it supports, not the others.”



And who, exactly, is going to make sure this happens? Is someone going to be reviewing their books and ensuring that each groups’ accounting is correct? They wouldn’t let anyone near their books. And besides, they’re both so much in bed with the racing industry’s top and richest brass, for lack of a better term, that no one’s going to question their integrity. That’s why very little is publicly known about the “bedroom” activities of the TRF and TCA.

[sm]

“According to The Jockey Club's announcement, money provided to TCA would go ONLY to the Thoroughbed retirement/retraining efforts it supports, not the others.”

And who, exactly, is going to make sure this happens? Is someone going to be reviewing their books and ensuring that each groups’ accounting is correct? They wouldn’t let anyone near their books...

Suunds like I'm really defending TRF, and I don't have first hand TRF knowledge.

But all 501(c)3 orgs MUST make their annual reports (detailing their income and spending) available to the public. A copy of the foundation's latest annual report may be obtained, upon request, from the organization or from the Office of the Attorney General, Charities Bureau, 120 Broadway, New York, NY 10271.

[Barnfairy]

Thank you for posting that, sm.

While there is room for improvement within the TRF, one would be hard-pressed to find a non-profit that is completely without flaw.

It is easy to lose sight of the big picture while getting caught up finding fault with the TB retirement organizations that are in place.

The JC check-off program is not a solution, rather, it is a (tiny) step towards one. Change takes time. The ostrich would appear to be lifting its head out of the sand here. Responding with an onslaught of nit-picking and derision will fall upon deaf ears as the ostrich promptly ducks back under. Luring this creature out from the depths is going to take some patience yet.

The solution is a united effort from the JC, breeders, owners, trainers, tracks and racing officials towards accountability.

Ultimately I'd love to see breeding farms of a certain production size be required to have in-house retirement programs in place (like that of Adena Springs (http://www.adenaretirement.com/).) I'm sure there are plenty who feel that is a ludicrous proposal, but what if more farms were receptive to taking back the "unwanteds" they are pumping out? The current lack of accountability in that regard is just as bad as the trainers/owners at the other end of the spectrum who think nothing of dumping a horse (sometimes even a horse whose papers are marked by a previous trainer/owner indicating they would provide the animal a home if need be) at New Holland when his useful days on the track are over.

[Bacchus]

Wow, a good thing happens for horses, and all that most of you can do is bash it? What's going on here? Most of you don't even have facts to back up your bashing. Be happy that something good is happening and maybe spread the word and other oreganizations will get on board with other charities to get more going for horses.

I've seen one "fact" here and that was positive for TRF from charitynavigator.org -- a pretty reputable source.

I doubt either charity is going to go out of their way to not do what they promised with the money -- why on earth would they?

I can't beleive how pessimistic most of you are -- and you have nothing to back it up.

Try to look at the positives when great things like this happen! It will only open more (stall) doors for more needy horses.

Thanks, Barfairy -- you beat me to it and said it better!

[Calista]

I hope I’m wrong about this, but I’d feel better if the funds were being distributed to a group that’s known for their transparency and I don’t think these two are. If the TCA is so forthcoming then why don’t they list the names of the organizations they’ve given money to in their 990? (a form that all nonprofits, foundations, and charities are required to COMPLETE and submit to the IRS annually). The only year they listed their grantee organizations’ names was in, I believe, their 2006 990. Maybe they have a good reason, but it doesn’t look too good for the sake of transparency.



You can go to guidestar.org, register for free and look at their recent 990s. See for yourself.

[COinNJ]

I hope I’m wrong about this, but I’d feel better if the funds were being distributed to a group that’s known for their transparency and I don’t think these two are. If the TCA is so forthcoming then why don’t they list the names of the organizations they’ve given money to in their 990? (a form that all nonprofits, foundations, and charities are required to COMPLETE and submit to the IRS annually). The only year they listed their grantee organizations’ names was in, I believe, their 2006 990. Maybe they have a good reason, but it doesn’t look too good for the sake of transparency.



You can go to guidestar.org, register for free and look at their recent 990s. See for yourself.


Yikes. That doesn't sound good.

[ArtilleryHill]

I don't know beans about TCA, but it appears to me, based on what has been presented so far, that there's no evidence of financial misappropriation or bad-faith dealings, or poor allotment of funds, for TRF. Between my own very good dealings with them and the Charity Navigator information, they look to me to be highly reputable, so my opinion is going to remain good until someone presents convincing evidence that I should feel otherwise. The Charity Navigator info that SM posted (thanks!) actually made me feel even better about them. Heaven knows they've been around a long time, so they're hardly fly-by-night, and, on balance, I think it's great that TJC is creating this option for people who want to contribute. If you don't like TCA or TRF, why not just donate to a deserving rescue you do know and like? That would seem the most productive thing to do--you don't even need a check-off program to do that!

[Calista]

The silence is just stunning, isn’t it. Usually, the people on this forum jump in on threads that develop into questioning an organization, but no such participation here. Perhaps that should be taken as a hint that everyone is too afraid to speak up about the TRF or TCA. There are plenty of people on this forum, I’m sure, who have had less-than-positive dealings with one or both groups, yet not a peep is heard.



Makes you wonder, huh.

[ArtilleryHill]

Perhaps that should be taken as a hint that everyone is too afraid to speak up about the TRF or TCA.

Or maybe it should be taken as a hint that more people a) don't have a problem with these groups, b) still haven't seen enough evidence to make them think they should have a problem with these groups, c) just don't care, or d) have just written a check to the retirement/rescue/charity of their own preference and gone on to other things. Are there really people out there who are scared of TCA and TRF? What, do these charities have gangs of roving thugs who ferret out the real identities behind COTH screen names, then track TCA/TRF dissenters down and exact revenge on them?

I've seen posts on COTH criticizing TRF--usually, as I mentioned earlier, without specifics but implying some inside knowledge or bad experience that they rarely detail, for whatever reason. The group on this board is obviously, as you note, diverse and outspoken on virtually every subject under the sun. So I doubt anyone on this list is afraid to post. Seriously.

[DLee]

I have had no dealings with TRF so I cannot speak to them at all. As I've said, I have donated a painting to TCA (this is the fifth year this year) and gone to their fund raising auction dinner. I put on my donation form that I want CANTER as my recipient. I know that TCA distributes over 96 cents on the dollar of what they raise.
Why such an issue with them? Who do you donate to?

[Bacchus]

I have a feeling that Calista is a troll.

I'm thrilled that TJC has done something and hope that it starts the ball rolling. TCA and TRF have and do good things for horses, which is what we all want. (Well, maybe not Calista, but not sure what he/she wants except a fight.)

[Calista]

I’m not a troll. I don’t have the time for trolling. I’m just someone who has a skeptical opinion of these two organizations. Here’s what a colleague of mine in the philanthropy field replied when I inquired about grantmakers (i.e., TCA) not reporting grantees on their 990s.



“According to the document ‘What you should know before signing your organization's form 990-PF: a guide for foundation officers’ prepared by PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP in 2005, the IRS reports that more than half of all private foundation tax returns are received with the list of grants paid/approved prepared incorrectly. They state that ‘if this list is prepared with important information missing, persons later examining the return may develop a poor opinion of the foundation's accountability.’ They also state that the minimum requirements for this section are the name/address of each grantee, grant amount, foundation status of each recipient, and the purpose of the grant. So, what you're encountering is not uncommon and does poorly reflect the grantmaker in question.”