Thoroughbred Intake & Retirement
Helping Alberta Thoroughbreds Transition to Their Next Chapter
The Alberta Thoroughbred Aftercare Society (ATAS) provides responsible aftercare for Thoroughbreds transitioning from racing, breeding or other circumstances into rehabilitation, retraining, rehoming or retirement.
Every horse entering our program represents a long-term commitment. For that reason, all intake requests are individually reviewed based on the horse's circumstances, health and needs, as well as ATAS's available space, resources and ability to provide appropriate care.
Submitting an intake request does not guarantee acceptance into the ATAS program.
Who Can Request Intake?
ATAS may consider Thoroughbreds coming from:
- Racing or training
- Owners, breeders or trainers seeking responsible retirement or rehoming
- Previous ATAS placements requiring return under their agreement
- Special welfare or emergency circumstances
- Other situations reviewed and approved by ATAS
Our primary mandate is Thoroughbred aftercare, and priority may be given according to the horse's connection to Alberta's Thoroughbred racing and breeding industry, individual circumstances, welfare needs and available program capacity.
Our Intake Process
1. Contact ATAS
The first step is to contact ATAS regarding the horse.
Please provide as much information as possible, including:
- Registered/Jockey Club name, if known
- Age and sex
- Current location
- Owner and/or responsible caregiver
- Racing, breeding and training history
- Reason intake is being requested
- Known injuries, medical conditions or limitations
- Current medications or treatments
- Vaccination, deworming, dental and farrier history
- Veterinary records where available
- Behaviour, handling, loading and riding information
- Any immediate or special care requirements
Providing complete and accurate information helps ATAS determine whether we have the appropriate resources and placement available for that horse.
2. Preliminary Review
The ATAS Intake & Adoption Committee will review the request and available information.
Considerations may include:
- Current program capacity
- Urgency and welfare of the horse
- Health and rehabilitation requirements
- Expected cost and length of care
- Behaviour and handling requirements
- Suitable facility availability
- Potential for rehabilitation, retraining, rehoming or retirement
- ATAS's ability to safely and responsibly meet the horse's needs
ATAS must balance new intake requests with our responsibility to the horses already in our care.
For this reason, we cannot guarantee immediate placement or acceptance of every horse referred to us.
3. Records & Ownership Verification
Before a horse can be formally accepted, ATAS may request supporting documentation including veterinary records, identification and ownership information. The person surrendering the horse must have the legal authority to do so. ATAS may contact the horse's veterinarian, trainer, owner or other individuals involved in the horse's care when additional information is required.
4. Horse Assessment
ATAS reserves the right to further assess any of the horses prior to final acceptance into the program. This assessment may be completed by an ATAS representative and/or an approved professional and may consider:
- General physical condition
- Soundness and known injuries
- Veterinary or rehabilitation requirements
- Ground manners and handling
- Behaviour for grooming, veterinary and farrier care
- Training and riding history
- Temperament
- Physical capabilities or limitations
- Appropriate future use
Further veterinary examination, diagnostics or professional evaluation may be requested before an intake decision is finalized.
5. Intake Decision
Following review and assessment, the ATAS Board of Directors will determine whether each horse is a candidate for our program. A horse is not considered accepted into ATAS care until approval has been confirmed by ATAS and all required intake and transfer documentation has been completed. Please do not transport or deliver a horse to an ATAS facility or partner facility without prior authorization and a confirmed arrival arrangement.
6. Transfer & Arrival
Once intake has been approved, ATAS will coordinate the horse's arrival at an appropriate ATAS-approved facility. Required surrender, ownership-transfer and intake documentation must be completed as directed by ATAS. Transportation arrangements and associated costs will be discussed as part of the intake approval.
7. Veterinary Review & Individual Care Plan
Following arrival, the horse will receive an intake assessment and a veterinary evaluation by one of our partner vets . ATAS documents each horse
- Physical condition
- Medical and treatment history
- Vaccination and preventative-care needs
- Dental and farrier requirements
- Feeding and nutritional needs
- Rehabilitation requirements
- Housing and turnout needs
- Training and handling needs
An individual care plan is then established based upon the horse's needs.
8. Rehabilitation, Retraining or Retirement
There is no one-size-fits-all timeline for an off-track Thoroughbred. Depending upon the individual horse, the next stage may include:
- Rest and transition: Time to decompress from racing or training and adjust to life away from the track.
- Veterinary treatment or rehabilitation: Treatment, rehabilitation or structured rest where medically required.
- Retraining: Professional assessment and progressive training for horses appropriate for a second career.
- Adoption: When a horse is physically and mentally ready, it may become available through the ATAS adoption program and its separate adopter-screening process.
- Retirement or specialized placement: Some horses may require a companion, sanctuary, broodmare, therapy or other carefully managed placement rather than a riding career.
Our goal is not simply to move horses through the program quickly. Our responsibility is to identify the most appropriate next chapter for each individual Thoroughbred.
Important: Intake Is Not Guaranteed
ATAS is a charitable aftercare organization with finite space and financial resources. At times, we may receive more requests for assistance than we may be able to accommodate at one time. Acceptance is therefore based on individual assessment, available capacity, funding, facility availability and our ability to safely provide the level of care required. Submitting information or completing an intake request does not create an obligation for ATAS to accept a horse. Please do not relinquish care, discontinue necessary veterinary treatment, or arrange transportation based solely upon submitting an intake request.
Need to Discuss a Thoroughbred that Requires a New Home & Career?
Owners, breeders, or trainers looking to rehome their Thoroughbred should reach out to ATAS promptly. Preparing in advance allows us to properly evaluate the horse’s specific needs and explore all possible options for their smooth transition into our aftercare program.
Contact Alberta Thoroughbred Aftercare Society
Responsible aftercare begins before the last race is run.