CARMA’s 2024 Impact Report: Celebrating 16 Years of Aftercare Excellence
As we approach 2025, CARMA celebrates its 16th year of operation. To date, we have successfully placed over 470 horses through our Placement Program and have awarded more than $6.3 million in grants to our charity partners, significantly impacting the lives of retiring racehorses.
One of CARMA’s proudest achievements in 2024 was the release of What Horses Do After Racing: The Story of Good Carma, a beautifully illustrated children’s book authored by renowned horse racing journalist and CARMA board member Jay Privman. Published by Red Cliff Publishing, this heartwarming legacy project celebrates the incredible second careers of Thoroughbred racehorses and underscores CARMA’s dedication to aftercare. Featuring the journeys of four unique horses, including the delightful Good Carma, the book inspires readers of all ages with its uplifting stories and showcases the vital role of aftercare in Thoroughbred racing. All proceeds from the book directly support CARMA’s mission, advancing its commitment to Thoroughbred rehabilitation and retraining.
Other 2024 Highlights for CARMA Include:
- Awarding $475,000 in grants to 24 aftercare charity partners, which included welcoming three new first-time grant recipients to our group of aftercare organizations.
- Successfully placing 34 retiring racehorses through our Placement Program.
- Raising over $206,000 in our annual CARMAthon Fundraiser, far exceeding our goal of $150,000.
- Expanding our Placement Program to accommodate 20 horses—up from 13–14 during the pandemic—thanks to a generous bequest from the late Nancy Messineo, ensuring more retired racehorses find fulfilling second careers.
- Advocating for aftercare at prestigious events like the Breeders’ Cup through an ongoing collaboration with the Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance as a West Coast partner. In 2025, we are excited to help bring the Real Rider Cup to California in the spring.
- Partnering with the Michael Nyuis Foundation (MNF) for the inaugural MNF Charity Horse Show and Christmas Market, featuring the Thoroughbred Classic Horse Show. This event celebrated Thoroughbreds in the show ring while expanding its audience. The MNF grant program also supports the next generation of horsemen and women, ensuring a lasting legacy in the equestrian community.
- Engaging with media outlets to advocate for aftercare awareness and industry participation, with regular contributions to publications such as Paulick Report, Thoroughbred Daily News, and Thoroughbreds of California quarterly newsletter.
We extend our heartfelt gratitude to everyone who has contributed to our important mission. Your support is essential in ensuring every retiring racehorse enjoys a well-deserved, comfortable retirement after their time on the track. Thank you for being a part of this journey with us.
Last Chance for 2024 Tax Deductible Donations
A friendly reminder that this is your last chance to make tax-deductible donations to CARMA before the year closes. You can do so by clicking here.