THOROUGHBRED RETIREMENT AND ADOPTIVE CARE

ON THE BACKSTRETCH OF RACING, SECOND CAREERS AND ‘FOREVER’ HOMES

Written by: Dale Bliss

What 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.

career,” says Schmit. “From the moment horses arrive, we create a big-picture concept of what type of home, career and adopter will best suit each horse. There are many factors to consider, including personality, limitations from injuries, athletic ability, age and adaptability.”

On Trac

Commonly, horses are three to four years old entering TRAC—overall life expectancy is 22 to 28 years. The program gives horses new purpose and meaningful goals, constant training and exposure to life outside of racing. And with that, they almost always mature and are open to learning a new trade. “We are very fortunate to do this meaningful work for these special athletes. It truly takes a village to fund and operate a program like this and we couldn’t do it without the generosity of our community, supporters and volunteers,” says Schmit.

Whether the horse needs a specific rehabilitation program designed by a veterinarian, or general retraining, individuality is a must, she adds. TRAC volunteers train their thoroughbreds to just be horses, and to allow amateurs to care for them in the transition from racetrack to back pasture. TRAC looks to rehome horses long-term. “Bringing smiles to their new owners’ faces is the big win in the thoroughbred’s second career,” Schmit says.

Trac To Trail

TRAC graduates excel in all sorts of ways, for example becoming trail-riding horses or competing in dressage events, in police work and therapy. They can become, of course, a best friend and loyal companion. “There is nothing,” Schmit says, “like the tremendous versatility, athleticism, work ethic and personality of thoroughbreds. As a nonprofit, we attract some very special people who have a soft spot for these amazing animals. While we don’t specialize in perfect horses, we do our best to excel in pairing each one with their perfect person.”

TRAC's executive director, Katie Schmit (above left), has one last ride on adopted Reserved Power. Katie 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.”

LYRICAL MANLOOKING FOR 'FOREVER' HOME

TRAC volunteer Michelle House explains that “Florida TRAC is the bright spot in my week. Getting hands-on as a volunteer, building bonds with the horses and becoming a part of their story as they find their ‘forever’ homes is so rewarding. It’s so exciting to watch each story unfold and seeing where these horses end up and what they accomplish in their lives after racing.”

Schmit grew up riding, adoring off-track thoroughbreds, in college developing an obsession with their energy and passion. “I worked back and forth between racing and show horses before finding what the best fit at Florida TRAC was in 2017,” adding that, “these horses give their all in their racing careers and they are so deserving of a soft landing and thoughtful restart as they prepare for their second career, whatever that may be.”

Amanda Alex got a big surprise in May 2019 when her husband adopted Honest Herb, a TRAC graduate who was “a bit complicated to ride” and had some physical limitations, she says. Being an exceptional rider and a longtime volunteer, Amanda and Herbie had always jibed. Herbie, in fact, would watch for Amanda, and when she did not come, would go to his stall, stand in the corner and pout, she says.

Herbie and Amanda now go on long trail rides and jump together. Horse and rider enjoy an amazing partnership.

And Herbie after a career in racing has had a dream-come-true kind of life.

Roundup

Florida TRAC, 833-FLA-TRAC, appointment only

Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance accredited, partners with the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals as a My Right Horse partner organization.

Farm Address: Florida TRAC at Sunlight Saddle Club, 6650 SW Kanner Highway, Indiantown, Florida

Mailing Address: Florida TRAC at Gulfstream Park, 901 South Federal Highway, Hallandale Beach, Florida fltrac.org