The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) announced July 29 that it has granted over $1.7 million to equine rescue groups assisting retired racehorses since launching its Rescuing Racers Initiative in 2010. Now in its fifth year, the program awarded $250,000 to 25 equine rescue organizations as part of the 2014 ASPCA Rescuing Racers Initiative.

The initiative aids in the rescue and rehabilitation of retired racehorses to help transition them from life on the racetrack to other functions, such as pleasure or show mounts.

“The ASPCA Rescuing Racers Initiative began with an anonymous donation of $1 million, and we’ve been fortunate enough to carry on this much-needed grants program thanks to the continued generosity of that donor and many other animal advocates,” said Jacque Schultz, senior director of the ASPCA Equine Fund. “We’re grateful to have the resources to assist these rescues, which provide sanctuary and after-care to retired racers