Volunteer with ATAS
ATAS relies on volunteers to help with the events, fundraising, outreach and practical work that keeps the organization moving forward.
You do not need to work in racing or own a Thoroughbred to volunteer. Opportunities can range from helping at an event a few times each year to assisting with an ongoing project or area of responsibility.
Ways to Help
- Events and ATAS information booths
- Race days and Ring the Bell activities
- Horse shows, clinics and community events
- Fundraising and merchandise
- Social media, photography and communications
- Administrative and website support
- Volunteer and committee projects
Working directly with ATAS horses is assigned separately based on the volunteer’s experience, the activity and the individual horse. Orientation and applicable ATAS waivers required.
Get Involved
There are many ways to become involved with the Alberta Thoroughbred Aftercare Society. Whether you have time to volunteer, experience that can help promote OTTBs, skills that could strengthen our organization, or a farm that may be able to provide care for ATAS horses, there is a place to contribute.
Choose the opportunity that best fits your interests, experience and availability.
Be an ATAS/ OTTB Ambassador
ATAS OTTB Ambassadors help represent responsible Thoroughbred aftercare within Alberta’s racing, equine, agricultural and broader communities.
Ambassadors bring their own experience, professional knowledge and connections to help promote the versatility of the Thoroughbred beyond racing and broaden the reach of ATAS.
Ambassadors May Help With
- Representing ATAS at events
- OTTB education and awareness
- Clinics and demonstrations
- Racing, equine and community connections
- Promoting successful second careers
- Sharing professional or equine expertise
- Supporting fundraising and special initiatives
ATAS Ambassadors have included trainers, coaches, competitors, veterinarians, racing and breeding professionals, agricultural leaders and people with experience in governance, charitable organizations and public outreach.
The Ambassador role is separate from serving on the ATAS Board of Directors.
Join the ATAS Board
The Alberta Thoroughbred Aftercare Society is interested in hearing from people who want to take an active role in the continued growth and development of Thoroughbred aftercare in Alberta.
Board service requires time, energy and commitment, but it also provides an opportunity to contribute your knowledge and experience while helping guide the future of the organization.
Directors Help With
- Governance and organizational decisions
- Policy and planning
- Fundraising and development
- Committees and special projects
- Events and community outreach
- Industry and professional connections
- Supporting ATAS programs and operations
ATAS benefits from having Directors with different backgrounds, including racing, equine care, veterinary medicine, agriculture, finance, governance, fundraising, communications, business and other professional experience.
You do not have to work in racing to have something valuable to contribute.
If a full Director position is more than you can commit to, ATAS also has opportunities to assist with committees, projects, volunteer coordination, financial administration and other focused areas.
Become a Sponsor / Partner Farm
ATAS needs suitable farms and equine facilities that can provide safe, consistent accommodation and daily care for horses while they are in the ATAS program.
Partner Farms may care for horses during assessment, rehabilitation, rest, retraining, preparation for adoption, while awaiting placement or where longer-term care is required.
What ATAS Looks For
- Safe fencing, shelter and water
- Appropriate turnout and accommodation
- Reliable daily care and observation
- Suitable feeding and herd management
- Safe horse handling
- Veterinary and farrier access
- Good communication with ATAS
- Reasonable access for ATAS representatives
The arrangement/contract is established in advance and includes the number of horses, type of boarding, services provided, veterinary or training coordination, ATAS access and any agreed boarding fee, discounted rate or donated services.
Not every farm will suit every horse. Placements are based on the individual horse’s needs and the farms ability to meet our accredidation requirements.