The Thoroughbred Horsemen’s Association (THA) held its annual meeting and election of officers in South Florida March 19-20. Tina Marie Bond, president of the New York Thoroughbred Horsemen’s Association (NYTHA), was elected president of the national organization. She is the first woman to head the THA since its inception in 1994.
“It’s an honor to be elected president of such an esteemed collective,” Bond said. “THA is at the forefront of collaborative decision-making and policy implementation on issues such as racehorse aftercare, equine safety and welfare, and protecting the integrity of our sport. I look forward to leading the organization as it addresses the challenges that horsemen and women face on local, regional, and national levels.”
Chris Block, president of ITHA, and David Richardson, executive director of MTHA, were elected as vice presidents. Michael Musto, executive director of NJTHA, and Bessie Gruwell, executive director of DTHA, will serve as treasurer and secretary, respectively.
Bond, who with her husband Jim own Song Hill Thoroughbreds LLC in Saratoga Springs, follows previous THA presidents Michael Martin, Rick Violette Jr., and Joe Appelbaum.
“We are proud of the leadership role that women play in the THA and our member organizations. Tina has worked with the THA for years and she will be a great resource for the industry,” said THA Chairman Alan Foreman.
Established in 1994, the THA is a highly regarded and influential voice for its member organizations in Delaware, Florida, Illinois, Maryland, New Jersey, New York, and Pennsylvania, representing more than 20,000 owners and trainers.