The California Retirement Management Account (CARMA) is proud to announce the recipients of this year's Howard "Howie" Zucker Grant Program, named in honor of our late past president and devoted board member, Howard Zucker. This December, CARMA has awarded $515,000 to 22 aftercare charity partners across the country, reaffirming our commitment to ensuring every California-raced Thoroughbred has a safe, dignified transition to their next chapter.
A Thorough Process, a Shared Standard
Every organization receiving a grant has completed a comprehensive application process designed to uphold the highest standards of care, transparency, and accountability. CARMA representatives conduct site visits, verifying that facilities meet our requirements and that each registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit remains in good standing. This hands-on approach ensures donor dollars go where they're needed most--and that horses are in good hands.
CARMA is also proud to debut the CARMA Aftercare Partner Badge, a new mark of distinction awarded annually to our approved aftercare charities. This badge signals to owners, adopters, donors, and the broader racing community that the organization has met CARMA's rigorous standards for care, transparency, and operational excellence. Partners may display the badge on their websites, social channels, and printed materials for the year it is awarded, helping the public easily identify trusted programs committed to the highest level of aftercare.
"We're seeing a real shift among new owners," said CARMA President Billy Koch. "Responsible aftercare is now one of the first things they ask about, and that simply wasn't the case in years past. It's a clear sign that our advocacy is making an impact and that responsible aftercare is becoming part of the conversation from day one."
2026 Grant Recipients
We are honored to support the following organizations, whose work ensures California's retiring Thoroughbreds are set up for success:
- After the Homestretch Arizona
- CANTER California
- Canter Haven Farm
- Center for Racehorse Retraining
- Champions Retreat
- Desert Oasis Rescue
- Down The Stretch Ranch
- Eclipse TB Aftercare
- Glen Ellen Vocational Academy, Inc. (GEVA Inc.)
- Harmony and Hope Horse Haven, Inc.
- Healing Arenas, Inc.
- Hope For Horses, Inc.
- Horse Power Sanctuaries Inc. dba Redwings Horse Sanctuary
- Old Friends, Inc.
- Racehorse Remember Me Foundation (DBA Remember Me Rescue)
- Ride Above Disability Therapeutic Riding Center
- Sandia Creek Ranch Auxiliary Foundation
- Square Peg Foundation
- United Pegasus Foundation
- Whispering Meadows Ranch Equine Rescue
- Win Place Home, Inc.
- Zen Heart Horsemanship Inc. & Let's Ride Therapeutic Equestrian Program
These organizations are the backbone of Thoroughbred aftercare in California. Through their dedication, they provide retired racehorses with rehabilitation, retraining, and placement into second careers--while also enriching their communities through therapeutic riding programs, educational opportunities, and hands-on volunteerism. We're proud to stand alongside them in this work.
To learn more about any of these organizations, visit our CARMA Aftercare Charity Directory.
Donations to CARMA are tax deductible and may be sent to: CARMA, 285 West Huntington Drive, Arcadia CA, 91007 (Tax ID #80-0146395) or made online.
For more information about CARMA and our grant programs, please visit carma4horses.org.
This press release has not been edited by BloodHorse. If there are any questions please contact the organization that produced the release.
