The Thoroughbred Horsemen's Association has launched a new strategic initiative with the goal of positioning the organization for the future of Thoroughbred racing.
According to a July 14 release, the THA's board of directors has begun "exploring a broader, more collaborative organizational model designed to better serve today's horsemen and women while preparing the industry for tomorrow's opportunities." Those expected opportunities include bringing together breeder associations, racing offices, horsemen's organizations, and other like-minded industry stakeholders committed to innovation, regional cooperation, and progressive leadership.
"The landscape of the Thoroughbred industry has transformed dramatically over the past decade, and organizations like ours must evolve with it," THA president Tina Bond, who is also president of the New York Thoroughbred Horsemen's Association, said in the release. "The THA has always been at its best when bringing creative leaders together to solve complex challenges, build consensus, and develop meaningful solutions. That spirit of collaboration and problem-solving is every bit as important today as it has ever been."
More details about these new initiatives, how it changes the THA's current model as a national horsemen's organization, and impacts it has on existing THA affiliates were not stated in the release. Asked Tuesday for elaboration by BloodHorse, Bond said she had no further comment at this time.
THA member organizations in Delaware, Illinois, Maryland, New Jersey, New York, and Pennsylvania include more than 20,000 owners and trainers.
The release said the THA will engage its member organizations and prospective industry partners in developing strategic framework and expand opportunities for innovation, partnership, and industry leadership.
This "renewed vision" follows the departure of THA's founder and CEO Alan Foreman, who spent more than three decades with the organization. In a July 2 interview with Thoroughbred Daily News about his departure, Foreman said the THA was in the process of disbanding.
"It just became very clear to me that the environment has changed and I'm not in a position to do what I've always been very good at doing," Foreman told TDN's Dan Ross. "So, it's time for perhaps a new generation of leaders to try to step in at a time when I think the industry is suffering a lot of frustration, a lot of challenges."
Foreman, who will continue to work with the Maryland Thoroughbred Horsemen's Association and as the horsemen's ombudsman with the Horseracing Integrity and Safety Authority, would go on to reference debate over issues such as the future of Mid-Atlantic racing, furosemide, and the implementation of HISA and its enforcement arm, the Horseracing Integrity and Welfare Unit, as creating a divide between the different state groups.
"The beauty of the THA was that we were able to work collectively," Foreman said. "That's not going to be there now. I think the horsemen will come to regret that this has happened."
Messages sent to Foreman Tuesday by BloodHorse requesting comment were not returned by the time of publishing.
Formally announcing Foreman's retirement from the THA in Tuesday's release, the THA's founding member organizations extended their "sincere gratitude to Foreman for his extraordinary service, visionary leadership, and unwavering commitment to Thoroughbred racing."
"Alan's vision helped shape many of the reforms and initiatives that continue to influence Thoroughbred racing today," said THA vice president David Richardson. "He demonstrated what can be accomplished when organizations work together toward common goals. His commitment to collaboration and thoughtful leadership established a strong foundation for the THA, and we intend to build upon that legacy by strengthening partnerships, welcoming new voices to the table, and helping lead the industry through its next chapter."
