HORSIN' AROUND
THOROUGHBRED RETIREMENT AND ADOPTIVE CARE ON THE BACKSTRETCH OF RACING, SECOND CAREERS AND ‘FOREVER’ HOMES Written by: Dale Bliss
W
hat happens to racehorses on the backstretch of their careers? For some, it is why the Florida Thoroughbred Retirement and Adoptive Care program, or TRAC, was started.
The idea through the Florida Horsemen’s Benevolent and Protective Association, Gulfstream Park, Calder Race Course, jockeys and others in the horse community, the nonprofit TRAC was founded in 2009 as a haven for retiring south Florida thoroughbreds, to find these athletic horses a “forever” home.
Katie Schmit, executive director for Florida TRAC, says the nonprofit “focuses on letting the horses relax into life on the farm, rehabilitating any injuries, retraining them individually as to what their new expectations will be, both in the barn and under saddle. Then each horse can be placed into suitable "forever" homes. These adopters come in all ages and skill level.” TRAC programs are specialized, offering “the best possible care, education and opportunity for an exceptional second
IT’S SO EXCITING TO WATCH EACH STORY UNFOLD. —Michelle House, TRAC volunteer
TRAC graduates excel in all sorts of ways, for example becoming trail-riding horses or competing in dressage events, in police work and therapy.
14
LOR RIID DA AC CO OU UNTRY NTRY A Auugguusstt || SSeepptteem mbbeerr 22002211 FFLO
