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

Liaison [ˈlēəˌzän, lēˈāzän] 

NOUN 



Communication or cooperation which facilitates a close working relationship between people or organizations. 

"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


Liaison [ˈlēəˌzän, lēˈāzän] 

NOUN 




Communication or cooperation which facilitates a close working relationship between people or organizations. 

The goal of the PLP is simple:

To oversee the placement of retiring racehorses into accredited aftercare programs, ensuring each horse is offered the best chance for a quality life after the track. 


Fully endorsed by the USTA, the PLP will guide the retiring racehorse and its owner through all phases of the transition process, alleviating the stress of locating a quality aftercare program for busy owners and trainers.


The goal of the PLP is simple:

To oversee the placement of retiring racehorses into accredited aftercare programs, ensuring each horse is offered the best chance for a quality life after the track. 


Fully endorsed by the USTA, the PLP will guide the retiring racehorse and its owner through all phases of the transition process, alleviating the stress of locating a quality aftercare program for busy owners and trainers.


Placement Liaison Program

Enrollment is simple

  1. Horse owner completes three forms to enroll horse in PLP: Intake Agreement, Horse Info Form and Vet Form.
  2. STA Liaison processes paperwork on behalf of the owner and becomes first point of contact for the transition process.
  3. STA Accredited aftercare organization receives retired racehorse with all paperwork in place and begins rehoming services immediately.

How to fill, sign, and send a PDF electronically:

 

  1. Open the PDF using the free application Acrobat Reader. If you don’t have Acrobat, download the free version here.
  2. Click on the “Fill & Sign” tool in the right pane.
  3. Fill out your form:
    Complete form filling by clicking a text field and typing. You can add checkmarks and fill in radio buttons, as well. 
  4. Sign your form:
    Click “Sign” in the toolbar at the top of the page; draw or type your signature, or use an image for your signature. Click “Apply” to place your signature on your form.
  5. Send your form:
    Click “Share” in the upper right corner to email your form. Enter info@standardbredtransition.org, then click “Send” to deliver your form and get notified when recipients view it.

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.