Inspect - Accredit - Grant
Placement Liaison Program

The Placement

Liaison Program

streamlines the process of placing retiring

Standardbred racehorses into quality aftercare programs.

The Placement

Liaison Program

streamlines the process of placing retiring

Standardbred racehorses into quality aftercare programs.

"Having a point person an owner can reach out to who can physically walk them through the transition from racing is imperative to keep Standardbreds from ending up in trouble or in a kill pen ."


 Don Marean, chairman of USTA District 9

"Having a point person an owner can reach out to who can physically walk them through the transition from racing is imperative to keep Standardbreds from ending up in trouble or in a kill pen."


 Don Marean, chairman of USTA District 9


The goal of the PLP is simple:

to act as a conduit for retiring racehorses, placing them in STA accredited aftercare programs and ensuring each horse is offered the best chance for a quality life after the track. 



The PLP helps owners of retiring racehorses navigate the transition process by being their direct connection to an accredited aftercare organization.

The goal of the PLP is simple:

To act as a conduit for retiring racehorses, placing them in STA accredited aftercare programs and ensuring each horse is offered the best chance for a quality life after the track. 



The PLP helps owners of retiring racehorses navigate the transition process by being their direct connection to an accredited aftercare organization.


The Process

1. Complete

     1. Intake agreement

     2. Horse information form

     3. Vet Form


2. Paperwork is processed by an STA liaison


3. Retired racehorse ships to STA accredited aftercare organization and retraining begins



Frequently Asked Questions

  • Who owns my horse when it begins the transition process?

    The Standardbred owner maintains possession of the horse until it enters the STA accredited adoption organization. Once the STA accredited aftercare organization is in possession of the horse, the processing of the USTA Transfer of Ownership and Pleasure Horse Conversion will begin.

  • How can I be sure my horse is given to a quality aftercare program?

    All STA accredited aftercare organizations must pass a rigorous review of their equine care and training practices, as well as a thorough check of their business standards. An on-site inspection of each aftercare facility is required before accreditation is granted, and all organizations must apply for accreditation each year. Read more about what is required to become an STA accredited aftercare facility here.

  • Can I receive updates on my horse?

    Updates are dependent upon the organization directly responsible for rehoming your horse. Different STA accredited organizations handle donor updates differently.

  • Do I have to pay to enroll my horse in the Placement Liaison Program?

    No.

  • How long will it take for my horse to be accepted into an STA accredited aftercare organizations?

    Once completed paperwork arrives to the STA office, the STA strives to locate an accredited aftercare organization with room to house the retiring racehorse within one to three business days. Final logistical details, including transportation of the horse, will be the responsibility of the owner and STA accredited aftercare organization.

  • Who makes the final decision as to if my horse is eligible for the PLP?

    The STA and STA accredited aftercare organizations jointly decide if the retiring racehorse is a candidate for the Placement Liaison Program.

  • Do I have any say over what happens to my horse once it is enrolled in the Placement Liaison Program?

    Yes. Owners retain the ability to make decisions regarding their retiring racehorse until it becomes the property of the STA accredited aftercare organization and is under their care.

  • Who is responsible for shipping the horse to the STA accredited aftercare facility?

    The horse owner.

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