Horse Breeding and Aftercare

Racehorses are foaled, raised, trained and begin racing by the time they are two. They also have an average lifespan of 30 years – most of which occur well after their racing careers end. All New York State horse racing participants have a duty to ensure that racehorses have access to safe homes and, if appropriate, second careers after their racing days conclude.

All Thoroughbred and Harness owners, trainers and assistant trainers are required to view a Commission-produced video highlighting responsible horse stewardship and aftercare as a condition of licensure. 

New York is home to more than a dozen accredited Thoroughbred and Standardbred aftercare organizations.

• Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance accredited organizations have 180 facilities across North America that offer adoption programs, rehab programs, sanctuary, and equine-assisted programs.
• Standardbred Transition Alliance: non-profit organization with federal 501(c)(3) status to accredit, inspect and award grants to approved organizations that acquire, rehabilitate, train and re-home Standardbreds.

The Commission supports the missions of New York State horse breeding, development and research funds:

• New York State Thoroughbred Breeding and Development Fund: Oversees registration for foals and stallions and distributes more than $15 million in breeder, owner and stallion owner awards, as well as in purse enrichment to New York State’s tracks.
• Agriculture and New York State Horse Breeding Development Fund: Promotes agriculture through the breeding of standardbred horses, conduct of equine research within the State, and the administration of the New York Sire Stakes races, Excelsior/State Fair Series races, and County Fair Races.
• Harry M. Zweig Fund for Equine Research: Supports and promote equine research at the Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine by distributing available funds annually in a competitive grant process to Cornell equine researchers.