From NTRA
WASHINGTON, D.C. (May 24, 2024) — Yesterday, the House Appropriations Committee convened to review the Fiscal Year 2025 Military Construction, Veterans Affairs, and Related Agencies Appropriations Bill. The Committee approved the bill with a 34 to 25 vote. The bill includes an initiative led by Congressman Andy Barr (R-KY) and the National Thoroughbred Racing Association (NTRA) to allocate up to $5 million in grants for equine therapy under the Veterans Affairs (VA) Adaptive Sports Program. These grants will be awarded by the VA to eligible organizations to plan, develop, manage, and implement equine therapy programs for Veterans and Armed Forces members with disabilities.
“Funding initiatives to help Thoroughbreds find a second career is a top priority for the NTRA, and to be able to do that while aiding Veterans is a big victory,” said NTRA President and CEO Tom Rooney. “This grant will fund equine therapy programs so our retired racehorses can benefit our nation’s Veterans. Those of us who have been blessed to spend time with Thoroughbreds know how much they do for humans. It is my hope that as our athletes move into their next careers they can help our heroes through equine therapy programs. We are thankful for Congressman Barr for spearheading this initiative which will not only help our Veterans but also the horses that we know will have a successful career in equine therapy.”
The NTRA will continue collaborating with House and Senate leadership to ensure this provision remains intact as the bill progresses through both chambers of Congress. This initiative supports providing meaningful careers for retired racehorses and will remain a key focus for NTRA in 2024 and beyond.