Alberta Thoroughbred Aftercare Society

11/08/2026

🏇❤️ THANK YOU, ALBERTA'S RACING COMMUNITY ...WHAT A YEAR!

As this is the 1st weekend without Thoroughbred racing in Alberta, ATAS would like to extend our heartfelt appreciation to the many individuals, organizations and businesses who have supported our organization, horses and our mission throughout the year.

To the owners, breeders, trainers, jockeys, exercise riders, grooms, backstretch workers, racing fans, donors and volunteers: thank you for recognizing that a Thoroughbred's future matters just as much as its racing career!

❤️ A SPECIAL THANK YOU TO OUR INDUSTRY PARTNERS & SUPPORTERS

We are especially grateful to Century Downs Racetrack and Casino , Century Mile Racetrack and Casino Century Cares, Horse Racing Alberta, HBPA of Alberta, Canadian Thoroughbred Horse Society (Alberta Division) Shamrock Horse Shows, the Rotary Club of Nisku-Leduc, whose support, fundraising opportunities and continued involvement help keep aftercare an important part of Alberta's racing industry.

We also wish to recognize the generosity of the Sharon Berry Foundation, Boehringer Ingelheim, Lana Delaney Delaney Veterinary Services, Moore Equine, SD Smith Veterinary Services, LJ's Tack Shop, Linda Finstad, Bob Brunt, Workwise Stable/ Maggie Northcott, Bar None Ranches, our facility partners; Westana Equine, Highfield Stock Farm, memorial donors and the many other businesses and individuals who have generously contributed.

To everyone who Rang the Bell, participated in our 50/50 fundraisers, donated auction and Raffle items, attended our events or volunteered their valuable time: you have all played a part in helping our remarkable OTTB athletes.

🌟 2026 Has been MILESTONE YEAR so far!

Achieving accreditation from the Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance was an important accomplishment for ATAS, reflecting our commitment to the gold standards of equine welfare, responsible stewardship and meaningful futures for retired Thoroughbreds.

🐎 HAVE A THOROUGHBRED RETIRING FROM THE TRACK?

As the season wraps up, we also want to remind owners, trainers and racing connections that our complimentary OTTB Courtesy Listing Service is now LIVE on our website!

We recognize that not every retiring Thoroughbred needs to enter an aftercare program, and many responsible owners and trainers simply want to connect & sell their horses with suitable prospective homes.

Through our courtesy-listing service, ATAS works with owners, trainers and trusted racing connections to help promote privately owned sound Thoroughbreds who are also ready to transition into new careers or homes.

The service provides additional visibility while horses remain in the care and responsibility of their current owners. Courtesy-listed horses are separate from those directly cared for through the ATAS adoption program.

If you have a Thoroughbred preparing for retirement, or know someone looking for their next OTTB partner, please visit our website or contact us to learn more!

📸 WE'RE STILL LOOKING FOR YOUR THOROUGHBRED STORIES!

Submissions remain open for our 2027 Calendar and upcoming For the Love of Thoroughbreds publication!

We would love to feature your photographs, memories and stories celebrating these incredible horses whether they are enjoying new competitive careers, leisurely trail rides, companionship or a peaceful retirement.

Help us showcase the many wonderful lives Thoroughbreds go on to enjoy after racing!

🎁 CONSIDER A YEAR-END CHARITABLE DONATION

Although the racing season has ended, our commitment to OTTBs continues 365 days a year.

Your generosity helps provide feed, veterinary care, farrier services, rehabilitation, retraining and the time these horses need to transition successfully into their next chapters.

ATAS is a registered Canadian charity, and official charitable tax receipts are available for eligible donations.

🧾 DID YOU DONATE EARLIER THIS YEAR?

If you supported ATAS through our Ring the Bell for Aftercare initiative or made a charitable donation at any point during 2026 and have not yet received your tax receipt, please reach out!

We want to ensure outstanding eligible donations are properly recorded and receipts issued before the end of the year.

🎄 WE'RE NOT QUITE FINISHED FOR 2026!

We'll still be out in the community, including at the Century Downs Weihnachtsmarkt Christmas Market, November 28 & 29, from 10 AM to 4 PM!

Please stop by, say hello, learn about our horses, and explore opportunities to get involved through adoption, volunteering, sponsorship or charitable giving.

❤️ CONNECT WITH ATAS:

🌐 www.thoroughbredaftercare.ca

📩 [email protected]

💌 Donations by e-transfer: [email protected]
Or via our online platform on our website.

As we look toward 2027, we're excited to continue strengthening our partnerships, expanding our programs and creating brighter futures for retired Thoroughbreds.

From all of us at ATAS, thank you for being part of their journey.

Because the finish line is only the beginning of their next chapter. 🐎❤️

*AFTERCARE IS NOT AN AFTERTHOUGHT*

10/27/2026

🐎❤️ **A HEARTFELT THANK YOU TO THE SHARON BERRY FOUNDATION!** ❤️🐎

We are so deeply touched and extremely grateful to have just received a meaningful and generous grant from the Sharon Berry Foundation.

This incredible gesture of generosity means so much to our organization, and more importantly, to the retired Thoroughbreds whose lives and futures depend on the care, compassion, and commitment of those who believe in giving them the second chances they deserve.

**Thoroughbred aftercare is about so much more than finding a horse a new home. It's about honoring everything these incredible athletes have given us and ensuring their lives beyond the racetrack are just as meaningful.**

Behind every retired racehorse is a unique story, and sometimes the journey toward recovery, retirement, or a second career is far more complicated, lengthy, and costly than anyone initially anticipates.

Some horses entering aftercare require extensive veterinary attention and specialized rehabilitation. This can include surgeries for bone chips and slab fractures, treatment for severe joint infections, or months and months of carefully managed recovery from significant soft-tissue injuries, such as deep digital flexor tendon (DDFT) tears.

**What many people don't realize is that the full extent of an injury isn't always known when a horse first enters our program, and sometimes even the surrendering parties are unaware of the severity of an existing condition until advanced diagnostics or surgical intervention reveal the true extent of the damage.

We don't always know how long rehabilitation will take, what complications may arise, or ultimately how much it will cost.

But we do know that proper rehabilitation takes time, patience, resources, and an unwavering commitment to the horse's well-being.

**An OTTB doesn't have to be sound for an extensive riding or competitive career to have a valuable, meaningful, and fulfilling future!**

Not every retired racehorse will become a show jumper, dressage horse, or competitive eventer. Some may never be ridden again...and that's perfectly okay.

These remarkable animals have so much more to offer than just their athletic abilities.

🐴 **Companionship:** Becoming cherished family members, pasture companions, and trusted friends or babysitters to other horses.

🐴 **Broodmares:** For suitable mares, the opportunity to contribute to future generations through responsible breeding programs.

🐴 **Therapy and Equine-Assisted Programs:** Horses with the appropriate temperament, training, and physical capabilities can form extraordinary connections with people, offering comfort, confidence, and opportunities for personal growth.

🐴 **Pleasure and Recreational Riding:** Many can enjoy lighter riding careers, leisurely trails, and low-impact activities suited to their individual abilities.

🐴 **A Well-Deserved Retirement:** Sometimes their greatest next chapter is simply being a horse — grazing peacefully, enjoying the companionship of a herd, and receiving the love and care they deserve.

There's an old saying:

*“There is something about the outside of a horse that is good for the inside of a person.”*

Anyone who has experienced the quiet companionship of a horse understands just how much truth there is in those words.

Horses have an extraordinary ability to touch our lives, build our confidence, teach us patience, and offer comfort in ways that are sometimes difficult to put into words.

Even horses whose injuries prevent them from ever carrying a rider again can make an immeasurable difference in the lives of the people and animals around them.

❤️ THESE HORSES GAVE US THEIR ALL ON THE RACETRACK:

Their strength. Their courage. Their determination. Their heart.

They gave everything they had when they were asked to compete.

**That's why we do everything within our power to give back to them?**

To help them retire comfortably, provide a safe landing, and surround them with the love, compassion, dignity, and care they deserve...regardless of their age, injuries, physical limitations, or what their future may hold.

Whether they go on to another career, become treasured companions, help people through equine-assisted programs, or simply enjoy their remaining years in a peaceful pasture, every one of them deserves that commitment.

**Because their value doesn't end at the finish line, and neither should our responsibility to them.** ❤️

THIS is what responsible Thoroughbred aftercare is all about.

And **THIS is why the generosity of the Sharon Berry Foundation means so much to us!**

This kind of support helps us give horses the time, resources, and care they need without compromising their welfare or rushing their recovery.

Successful aftercare isn't measured by how quickly a horse is adopted or whether it returns to riding. It's measured by the quality of life we help that horse achieve.

To the **Sharon Berry Foundation**, thank you from the bottom of our hearts for believing in our mission, recognizing the importance of responsible Thoroughbred aftercare, and investing in the well-being and future of Alberta's retired racehorses.

Your kindness and generosity are deeply appreciated, and your support will make a meaningful difference for the horses who have given so much to an industry we all love.

❤️🐎 Because every thoroughbred deserves compassion, dignity, and a future beyond the finish line.

10/23/2026

🥰 💯💞

We couldn't say it better ourselves. 🩵

10/22/2026

🏆🐎 **HISTORY HAS BEEN MADE IN ALBERTA!** 🐎🏆

🎉 **WE DID IT!!!** 🎉

**ALBERTA THOROUGHBRED AFTERCARE SOCIETY IS OFFICIALLY ACCREDITED by THE THOROUGHBRED AFTERCARE ALLIANCE!**

❤️ **THE FIRST IN ALBERTA!** ❤️

We are beyond thrilled to announce that Alberta Thoroughbred Aftercare Society (ATAS) has achieved a historic milestone, becoming the **FIRST Thoroughbred aftercare organization in Alberta to earn accreditation from the Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance (TAA)!**

🏆 **THE GOLD STANDARD IN THOROUGHBRED AFTERCARE!**

This prestigious accreditation is not simply awarded — **IT IS EARNED!**

Following an extensive and rigorous evaluation of our organization, facilities, horse care and management practices, operational standards and adoption protocols, ATAS has successfully met the requirements of North America's recognized gold standard in Thoroughbred aftercare.

This achievement represents years of hard work, dedication, determination and an unwavering commitment to the horses at the heart of our mission.

**And we couldn't be PROUDER!**

For Alberta's Thoroughbred racing industry, this is an important step forward in strengthening responsible aftercare and providing a recognized standard of care for the equine athletes who have given so much to our sport.

For ATAS, it opens the door to new opportunities, industry recognition, potential funding resources and continued growth as we work toward helping even more retired Thoroughbreds.

And for our horses?

❤️ **IT'S ABOUT THEIR FUTURE.**

To our incredible Board of Directors, volunteers, partner farms, veterinary professionals, donors, sponsors and racing industry partners — **THANK YOU!**

Your commitment, generosity, encouragement and belief in our mission have helped make this achievement possible.

We are honoured to join the Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance's network of accredited organizations throughout North America and incredibly proud to represent **ALBERTA** among them!

**FROM THE FINISH LINE INTO THE FUTURE...**

**WE'RE RAISING THE STANDARD OF THOROUGHBRED AFTERCARE IN ALBERTA!** 🐎❤️🏆

# TAA

10/21/2026

10/18/2026

🤏 You're THIS close to finding your perfect match! 🐎❤️

Your dream horse could be just a few clicks away! Whether you're looking for your next riding partner, a lifelong companion, or a new best friend, your perfect match could be waiting for you!

❤️ Start by becoming an approved adopter!
https://acbanimalsallaroun.wixsite.com/abtbaftercare/adoption

Take the first step toward your next chapter by completing our adoption application, then browse our available Thoroughbreds and discover who might be your perfect match! 🐴

🌐 www.thoroughbredaftercare.ca

Their racing days may be over, but their next chapter could begin with YOU! ❤️

10/18/2026

🐎❤️ WHAT A FABULOUS THOROUGHBRED AFTERCARE AWARENESS WEEKEND! 🏇🎉

What an incredible second day to wrap up our Thoroughbred Aftercare Awareness Weekend at Century Downs Racetrack and Casino !

🎉 A HUGE THANK YOU to everyone who participated, supported our fundraising activities, and celebrated with us throughout the weekend!

🏆 A special shout-out to our winners!

🐴 ATAS Trivia Challenge Winner – Arlene B.! Congratulations on taking home our prize package, including a mini b**r keg and ATAS & HBPA swag!

💰 50/50 Winner! Our jackpot climbed to an amazing $2,345! Thank you to everyone who purchased tickets and helped make our fundraiser a success!

🏇 Congratulations to all the winning connections throughout the weekend, especially the winners of our Alberta Thoroughbred Aftercare Society sponsored feature races! We were thrilled to celebrate with special blanket presentations to the winning connections in Saturday's final two claiming races. ❤️

A heartfelt THANK YOU to our wonderful partners, HBPA of Alberta and Century Downs Racetrack & Casino, for their collaboration, generosity, and continued support of Thoroughbred Aftercare in Alberta.

And to everyone who stopped by our booth, learned who we are & what we do, took interest in the horses in our program looking for adoptive homes, entered our trivia challenge, purchased 50/50 tickets, shared a story, or simply showed their support — THANK YOU! ❤️

Every conversation, every contribution, and every show of support helps us continue our mission of providing safe landings, new opportunities, and forever homes for Thoroughbreds when their racing careers come to an end. 🐎❤️

Because the finish line is just the beginning of their next chapters! 🏇❤️

10/17/2026

🐎❤️ What a fun night at Century Downs Racetrack and Casino to kick off Our Thoroughbred Aftercare Awareness weekend!!🐴🥰
&
🎉 Congratulations to all the winning connections from Friday night's races! It was a fantastic evening of racing, and we loved celebrating with you!

A huge THANK YOU to everyone who stopped by our booth, purchased 50/50 tickets, filled out our Aftercare Trivia Challenge entry ballots, and showed their support for the Alberta Thoroughbred Aftercare Society! Your enthusiasm and generosity mean so much to us and the horses we work to support! ❤️

🏇 We're back at Century Downs TODAY, for Day 2...starting at 12:45 PM!

Come join us for another exciting afternoon of racing, fun, and fundraising as we continue celebrating Thoroughbred Aftercare Awareness Weekend!

🎟️ 50/50 Fundraiser – Grab your tickets online or from our volunteers at the track!
https://rafflebox.ca/raffle/albertathoroughbredoct17/

📝 Aftercare Trivia Challenge – Test your Thoroughbred knowledge, submit your entry ballot, and enter for a chance to win some fantastic prizes... including a mini keg of b**r 🍺 😀

🏆 Winner Presentations & Sponsored Races – We'll be celebrating the winning connections with special presentations, swag, and beautiful winner blankets!

🐴 Come Meet Our Team! Learn more about the incredible Thoroughbreds transitioning into new careers and forever homes after racing, and how YOU can make a difference!

❤️ Every ticket purchased, every conversation, and every show of support helps us raise awareness and funds for Thoroughbred aftercare in Alberta.

A special thank you to Century Downs Racetrack & Casino and the HBPA of Alberta for their collaboration and support in helping make this weekend possible!

📍 Find us at our booth in the east-side lobby, across from the finish line or out on the tarmac selling 50/50's :)

Come enjoy the racing excitement, cheer on your favourites, have some fun, and help us give these incredible equine athletes the futures they deserve! 🐎❤️

See you at the races! 🎉

10/15/2026

🐎❤️🏆 **IT'S AFTERCARE AWARENESS WEEKEND AT Century Downs Racetrack and Casino!** 🏆❤️🐎

🎉 **FRIDAY, OCTOBER 16 & SATURDAY, OCTOBER 17, 2026!** 🎉

Get ready for TWO exciting days of Thoroughbred racing, special race winner presentations, prizes, fundraising, and celebrating the incredible horses and people who make Alberta's racing community so special!

❤️ ** Alberta Thoroughbred Aftercare Society (ATAS)** is excited to celebrate **AFTERCARE AWARENESS WEEKEND**, proudly presented in collaboration with the HBPA of Alberta**Horsemen's Benevolent & Protective Association (HBPA) of Alberta** and **Century Downs Racetrack & Casino!**

Together, we're shining a spotlight on the importance of Thoroughbred aftercare and recognizing the amazing athletes whose futures matter long after they cross the finish line! 🐎❤️

🏆🐎 **SPECIAL RACE SPONSORSHIPS & WINNER'S BLANKET PRESENTATIONS!**

Throughout the weekend, ATAS will be sponsoring selected Thoroughbred races for Blanket Presentations and also celebrating the winning connections with special commemorative ATAS/HBPA swag :)

We're proud to recognize the owners, trainers, jockeys, grooms, exercise riders, and dedicated backstretch teams who work tirelessly behind the scenes to care for these incredible athletes.

With additional merchandise provided through our collaboration with the HBPA of Alberta, we're making this a weekend to celebrate our racing community and the horses who give us so much!

❤️ **Because every racehorse deserves a future beyond the finish line!**

🧠🍺 **THINK YOU KNOW ABOUT RACING & AFTERCARE ? TAKE THE AFTERCARE TRIVIA CHALLENGE!**

We're bringing some extra fun to the races! (AND B**R!!! ) ;)

Stop by the ATAS booth, or at the betting windows & pick up your trivia sheet, and answer FIVE questions about Thoroughbred racing and aftercare!

🎁 Return your completed entry for your chance to WIN:

🍺 A MINI-KEG of Oktoberfest B**r!
🎁 An ATAS & HBPA SWAG BAG filled with goodies!

Bring your friends, test your racing knowledge, and have some fun while learning about the incredible versatility of retired Thoroughbred racehorses!

Donate and Ring the Bell in support of TB Aftercare in Alberta
AND...
🎟️💰 **OUR 50/50 FUNDRAISER IS BACK — AND YOU COULD WIN BIG!**

Who doesn't love a chance to take home HALF THE JACKPOT while helping horses?

Every ticket supports ATAS and our ongoing efforts to provide safe transitions, rehabilitation, retraining, and new opportunities for Thoroughbreds following their racing careers.

📱 **BUY YOUR 50/50 TICKETS ONLINE!** (link below)

🐎 Or come see us **IN PERSON at Century Downs**, at our ATAS booth or out on the **TARMAC**, where our volunteers will be selling tickets throughout the weekend!

✅ Online and in-person ticket sales!
✅ You do NOT have to be present to win!
✅ The bigger the jackpot, the bigger the prize!

🎟️ **BUY YOUR TICKETS HERE:** https://rafflebox.ca/raffle/albertathoroughbredoct17/

🛍️🐎 **COME VISIT OUR ATAS BOOTH!**

We'll have ATAS merchandise, hoodies, swag, opportunities to learn about our horses available for adoption, and information about how you can get involved in supporting Alberta's retired racehorses!

Whether you're a racing fan, horse owner, trainer, rider, or simply someone who loves horses, we'd love to meet you!

🤝❤️ **A HUGE THANK YOU TO OUR COLLABORATING PARTNERS!**

🏇 **CENTURY DOWNS RACETRACK & CASINO** — Thank you for welcoming ATAS and helping us bring aftercare awareness directly to Alberta's racing community!

🏇 **HBPA OF ALBERTA** — Thank you for collaborating with us to recognize our horsemen, horsewomen, winning connections, and the Thoroughbreds at the heart of our industry!

Your support helps us build awareness, strengthen relationships, and encourage a racing industry that continues to support its equine athletes beyond their racing careers.

🐎❤️ **THE FINISH LINE IS JUST THE BEGINNING!**

Join us October 16 & 17 at Century Downs and help us celebrate the horses, the people, and the bright futures that Thoroughbred aftercare makes possible!

📍 Century Downs Racetrack & Casino — Balzac, Alberta
📅 Friday, October 16 & Saturday, October 17

❤️ **RACE. CELEBRATE. SUPPORT AFTERCARE.**

10/10/2026

🍂🦃 Giving Thanks & Looking Ahead to an Exciting Aftercare Awareness Weekend — October 16 & 17! 🐎❤️

As we take a moment this Thanksgiving weekend to reflect on all we have to be grateful for, Alberta Thoroughbred Aftercare Society (ATAS) would like to wish our entire racing and equestrian community, friends, families, volunteers, donors, and supporters a very Happy Thanksgiving! 🍁

From the hardworking farm and ranch families who care for our animals, to the trainers, owners, breeders, horsepeople, and countless individuals and supporters working behind the scenes, we recognize the dedication, compassion, and hard work that make our agricultural and racing communities so special.

We are especially thankful for the incredible people who continue to support our mission of providing retired Thoroughbred racehorses with the care, opportunities, and second careers they deserve. It truly takes a community, and we are so grateful to have you as part of ours! ❤️

🐎🍁 AND... WE'RE ALSO LOOKING AHEAD TO NEXT WEEKEND!

We're gearing up for what we hope will be our BEST AFTERCARE AWARENESS WEEKEND YET! 🎉

Join us Friday, October 16 & Saturday, October 17 at Century Downs Racetrack and Casino for two exciting days celebrating our Thoroughbreds, their connections and the wonderful people who support their futures beyond the finish line!

🎟️ OUR 50/50 ONLINE DRAW IS NOW LIVE! 💰

The jackpot is officially underway, and we're going to keep building that pot right through next weekend!

📲 Scan the QR code or click the link below to purchase your tickets :)

https://rafflebox.ca/raffle/albertathoroughbredoct17/

Help us grow the jackpot and get in on the excitement! The bigger the pot grows, the bigger the prize for one lucky winner.. and the more support we can provide for Thoroughbred aftercare!

🏆 The grand prize draw will take place before the end of the races on Saturday, October 17!

And that's just the beginning! We've got some fantastic things planned throughout our Aftercare Awareness Weekend!

🏇 Special Sponsored Races & Blanket Presentations! Celebrating our Thoroughbreds and their connections with special race presentations throughout the weekend!

🧠🐎 Thoroughbred Trivia! Think you know your racing terminology, fun horse facts, and all things Thoroughbred? Put your knowledge to the test throughout both days, join in the fun, and see just how much you really know about our amazing equine athletes! 🎉 Plus, we'll have a special trivia-exclusive door prize up for grabs!

📖 Keep an eye out for details in the race programs....

🎁 Equine Equipment Bucket Prize & Exciting Giveaways! Some fantastic goodies for our horse-loving community!

🛍️ Swag Bags & Surprises! We've got some special treats planned throughout the weekend!

🎟️ 50/50 Ticket Sales! Our online draw is already open, and we'll be selling tickets in person at the track throughout the weekend as we build toward Saturday's grand prize draw!

❤️ Aftercare Awareness & Community Connections! Stop by, say hello, learn more about our horses, our adoption and aftercare programs, and the many ways you can get involved in helping Thoroughbreds transition into their next chapters.

We're excited to bring our racing community together for a weekend of celebration, appreciation, and giving back to the horses who have given us so much.

Let's fill those stands, grow that 50/50 jackpot, test our Thoroughbred knowledge, and make this our biggest and best Aftercare Awareness Weekend yet! 🐎🎉

But first, from all of us at Alberta Thoroughbred Aftercare Society, we wish you and your families a wonderful, safe, and Happy Thanksgiving! 🍂🦃❤️

Thank you for being part of our journey and helping us give Thoroughbreds a brighter future beyond the finish line.

🐎 Every Horse Deserves a Future Beyond the Finish Line.