The Horse Racing Integrity and Safety Administration (HISA) revealed on December 10 the upcoming establishment of the HISA Equine Recovery Foundation (HERF), a standalone 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization aimed at supporting Thoroughbred racehorses that suffer career-ending injuries during races. Set to launch in early 2026, HERF has a dual mission: firstly, to help racehorses with a good recovery outlook by offering prompt, high-quality veterinary care and rehabilitation for better aftercare outcomes; secondly, to improve access to diagnostic imaging and tools at racetracks to help prevent injuries.
HISA acknowledges that timely interventions can save lives and improve injured horses’ recovery. HERF will address gaps by financing veterinary treatments, including surgeries known for high success rates, and thorough rehabilitation plans with long-term care strategies to ensure ongoing health. Additionally, voluntary programs decided by horse owners will contribute to injury prevention research and improve racehorse welfare. HERF aims to reduce pressure on aftercare systems by ensuring horses recover fully before transitioning to retirement care.
Lisa Lazarus, CEO of HISA, expressed excitement about the foundation, noting that financial and other barriers sometimes prevent owners from pursuing surgeries that could save horses’ lives. HERF will bridge that gap and support advanced diagnostic tools to detect injury risks earlier.
An essential role of HERF involves funding the retirement of horses whose lives have been saved thanks to medical intervention. The foundation plans to collaborate closely with the Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance (TAA) and endorse other vetted retirement options.
Joe De Francis, HISA Board Member and HERF Chair, stated that HERF extends HISA’s mission to enhance equine health and safety. He emphasized that reducing fatalities in horse racing is critical to maintaining the sport’s social license and long-term viability, with HERF representing a meaningful step forward.
The pilot program is backed by an initial $100,000 donation from Joe and Katherine Wilkins De Francis and will begin in the Mid-Atlantic in early 2026. HERF will raise additional funds independently, distributing them case-by-case and relying solely on external funding sources separate from HISA’s operational budget. The racetrack is expected to be introduced by the second quarter of 2026.
HERF’s Board of Directors includes prominent members such as Joe De Francis (Chair), Craig Vandroff, Andrew Beyer, Catherine Wilkins de Francis, Terry Finley, David Ingold, Griffin Johnson, Ron Moquette, David O’Rourke, and Dr. Sue Stover. An advisory committee, featuring veterinary and aftercare experts like Dr. Dionne Benson (Chair) and Mike Rogers (Vice Chair), will guide HERF’s protocols. Mandy Minger, HISA’s Communications Director, has been appointed Executive Director of HERF. For further information or support, contact mandy.minger@hisaus.org.
About HISA Equine Recovery Foundation: HERF is a nonprofit focused on the welfare of Thoroughbred racehorses injured during races. It provides vital support to reduce mortality from racing injuries and funds advanced diagnostic testing to prevent future harm.
Fan Take: This announcement represents a significant advancement in racehorse welfare, demonstrating a committed effort to save injured horses and improve safety measures. For Horse Racing fans, HERF offers hope for a future where fewer horses face unnecessary euthanasia, ensuring a more humane and sustainable sport.
