The Standardbred Transition Alliance (STA) has launched its website, and, with it, the accreditation process for programs serving Standardbreds outside traditional use.
The non-profit 501(c)(3) Standardbred Transition Alliance accredits, inspects and awards grants to approved organizations that acquire, rehabilitate, train and re-home Standardbreds, using industry-wide funding.
The site (www.standardbredtransition.org), contains information about the goals of the STA, the board of directors and a link to the application for accreditation.
The accreditation process examines program operation in the areas of management, finances and horse care. Programs that pass the initial phase will be inspected prior to a determination of accreditation. Accredited programs will be given a grant toward program operating expenses.
Application for accreditation will close in October, inspections will follow; programs receiving accreditation will be announced early in 2020, with grants awarded at that time.
Preliminary requirements for applicant programs include holding current IRS 501(c)(3) status, caring for at least five Standardbreds a year and at least two years of operation. Details on additional minimum requirements for programs seeking accreditation can be found through the accreditation tab on the website.
“The board of the STA is excited to take this important step toward a system of accrediting Standardbred transition programs,” said Dave Reid, STA president. “Accreditation will help ensure donor confidence in programs serving our horses and, over time, will create a steady source of partial operating funds for programs meeting STA standards. Through the process, programs exercising strong and transparent management and horse care practices will grow in their sustainability.”
The work of the STA mirrors that of the Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance, which last year accredited 73 programs and awarded $3 million in grants.
(Standardbred Transition Alliance)