The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) has granted $185,000 to 10 equine rescue groups to assist their efforts to rehabilitate and rehome retired racehorses.

The grants were awarded as part of the ASPCA Rescuing Racers Initiative, a major grants program launched in 2010 that provides funding for equine rescues and sanctuaries that protect retired racers. Now in its eighth year, the program has awarded more than $2 million to prepare retired racers for life after their racing careers end.

“While their racing careers may have ended, these retirees still have much to offer as they transition into new homes, a process that requires significant time and resources,” said Matt Stern, senior director of ASPCA Anti-Cruelty Operations.

Selected recipients include a wide range of equine rescues, each being awarded a grant ranging from $10,000 to $36,000 to help increase their capacity for rescuing more horses