Second-Career Rehabilitation

Monitors and lobbies the New York State Legislature on policy matters affecting horse breeders and the equine industry to support favorable legal and regulatory conditions.

Provides two annual scholarships of $500 each to collegiate members pursuing higher education, supporting future leaders in equine-related or broader academic fields.

Organizes and supports equestrian events including the Genesee Valley Hunt Races, featuring tailgate competitions and prime viewing access, and hosts the annual Genesee Valley Breeder's Stakes and Breeder's Handicap races at Finger Lakes Racetrack, with recent runnings dating back to 2017.

Hosts annual horse shows and performance competitions, including hunter divisions, jumper derbies, and regional breeders' shows, to promote local Thoroughbred and sporthorse breeders. Events include the GVBA Breeders Show, the Annual GVBA Horse Fair, and participation in the Syracuse PHA show series, with recent events held at Avon Driving Park, Hasty Hills Farm, and other regional venues.

Hosts an annual November dinner featuring expert speakers on equine topics, organizes member events at Finger Lakes Race Track including a BBQ, and conducts educational programming to support breeder knowledge and community engagement.

Presents an annual award to the top money-earning owner, breeder, or trainer of locally bred horses at Finger Lakes Race Track, highlighting excellence in regional equine breeding and performance.

Offers equine-involved vocational and therapeutic programs that provide emotional support to individuals and families, using trained horses in calming interactions. These community outreach programs serve both children and adults.

Provides retired racehorses with structured retraining programs to transition them into second careers, promoting their adoption and demonstrating their versatility beyond racing. The organization showcases retrained horses to educate the public on their alternative capabilities.

Conducts regular site visits to partner rehabilitation and retraining programs to ensure compliance with AAEP (American Association of Equine Practitioners) care standards.

Awards $15,500 in year-end High-Score Awards to top-ranked horses in the TAKE2 League, with additional cash prizes and jackets provided to their trainers. These awards have been offered since 2013.

Partners with TAA-accredited aftercare programs to provide rehabilitation, retraining, and placement for retired Thoroughbred racehorses from the New York Racing Association (NYRA) circuit. Requires veterinary evaluation prior to acceptance, arranges transportation to facilities, and serves as a liaison between owners/trainers and placement programs.

Offers special seasonal awards such as the Jet Run Award to eligible Thoroughbreds, introduced in 2017, and operates these within defined seasons (e.g., 2026 season from August 25, 2025, to August 30, 2026).

Provides financial donations to TAA-accredited partner programs to support the rehabbing, retraining, and rehoming of retired racehorses, with an average donation of $2,600 per horse, 70% of which is funded by TAKE THE LEAD.

Hosts the TAKE2 Finals at venues such as the Kentucky Horse Park or Kentucky National, awarding $20,000–$23,000 in total prize money annually, including $10,000–$11,500 per division for Hunters and Jumpers. The top 40 high-point horses in each division qualify, with additional wild card berths available. Entry fees are waived for qualifiers.

Operates a public website featuring program information, news, links to partner programs, a photo gallery of horses available for adoption, and a donation page to support operations.

Partners with over 500 USEF-rated horse shows across up to 27 states to offer Thoroughbred-specific Hunter and Jumper divisions, operating an annual league season (e.g., August 2024–August 2025) that recognizes points earned by members. The program has expanded from eight shows in three states in its first year to over 500 shows in 27 states by 2026.

Recognizes junior riders in TAKE2 Hunter and Jumper classes with championship trophies and saddle pads for the top five in each division. Offers a $500 bonus to the high-point junior rider in each division and the top-finishing junior at the Finals. Also provides a $1,000 scholarship grant via drawing for enrolled junior riders who compete in TAKE2 classes, usable for U.S. higher education expenses.

Supports adopters by facilitating transportation arrangements for retired racehorses, helping them locate qualified shippers to move adopted horses.