CARMA Awards $475,000 to Support Retiring Racehorses through the Howard “Howie” Zucker Grant Program
Saturday, December 14th, 2024 – The California Retirement Management Account (CARMA) is thrilled to announce the continued impact of the Howard “Howie” Zucker Grant Program, renamed last year to honor our late past president and dedicated board member, Howard Zucker. This December, CARMA is proud to award $475,000 to 24 aftercare charity partners —an increase of $25,000 over last year— underscoring our unwavering commitment to the welfare of retiring racehorses.
In addition to helping our California Thoroughbreds onto new careers, it is of note that many of our charity partners provide horsemanship training, equine therapy, volunteer opportunities, and more, creating meaningful contributions to their local communities.
Rigorous Selection Process for Enhanced Care
Each organization has undergone a stringent grant application process, ensuring they meet high standards of care and reporting. A critical part of this process includes annual site visits by CARMA representatives to confirm compliance with our standards and to ensure that each recipient, a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit, maintains their good standing.
“We extend our deepest gratitude to our donors for enabling us to grant $475,000 to aftercare charities this year,” said CARMA Founder Madeline Auerbach. “Despite a reduction in core funding due to the ongoing reduction in California racing, their unwavering support has not only bridged the gap but allowed us to increase our giving by more than $25,000 compared to last year.
While the scope of California racing continues to decrease, the number of Thoroughbreds in need of our help has not,” she continued. “Your generosity ensures that these incredible athletes have the support they need to transition to new careers.”
2024 Grant Recipients
We are proud to announce our 2024 grant recipients:
- After The Homestretch Inc.
- CANTER CA
- Canter Haven Farm
- Center For Racehorse Retraining
- Champions Retreat
- Dale & Patti Shirley Equine Encore Foundation
- Desert Oasis Rescue LLC
- Down The Stretch Ranch
- Eclipse Thoroughbred Aftercare
- Glen Ellen Vocational Academy Inc. (GEVA)
- Harmony & Hope Horse Haven Inc.
- Healing Arenas Inc.
- Hope 4 Horses Inc.
- Old Friends Inc.
- Redwings Horse Sanctuary
- Remember Me Rescue
- Ride Above Disability Therapeutic Riding Program
- Sandia Creek Ranch Auxiliary Foundation
- Square Peg Foundation
- Tranquility Farm
- United Pegasus Foundation
- Whispering Meadows Ranch
- Win Place Home Inc.
- Zen Heart Horsemanship Inc. & Let’s Ride Therapeutic Equestrian Program
A full directory of contact information for these organizations can be found on our website: carma4horses.org/aftercare_charities
Our grant recipients are at the heart of ensuring retiring racehorses have the support they need to transition into their next chapter. Through their hard work and dedication, these organizations provide retired racehorses with care and opportunities while also giving back to their communities through programs like equine therapy and volunteer initiatives. We’re proud to celebrate their achievements and the meaningful impact they make for both horses and people alike.