The 2014 application for organizations seeking accreditation from the Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance (TAA) Foundation is now available online, with a deadline of May 15.

The TAA's code of standards states that accreditation status is determined after a complete review of five areas: operations, education, horse health care management, facility standards and services, and adoption policies and protocols.

Organizations applying for TAA accreditation must fulfill the following six minimum requirements:

1. The organization must be a 501(c) 3 tax-exempt organization as defined by the Internal Revenue Service or be a registered charity in Canada.

2. The organization must have been operational for a minimum of three years.

3. The organization must house a minimum of 50% and/or a minimum of five Thoroughbreds.

4. The organization must have an official euthanasia policy consistent with that of the American Association of Equine Practitioners (AAEP) as detailed on its website.

5. The organization's principals have never been convicted of killing, abandoning, mistreating, neglecting, abusing, or otherwise committing an act of cruelty against a horse.

6. The organization has no legal proceedings pending against it or against any principal of the organization and/or persons affiliated with the organization.

A TAA release states that accreditation will be revoked and funding will be discontinued if an organization provides false information in application and all organizations have a duty to notify TAA if any of these conditions are no longer met after an application is submitted