Page 43 - 2021 TAA Magazine

SANCTUARY

Equestrian Inc. REHABILITATION
RETRAINING/ADOPTION

TESTIMONIAL:

“The recognition
and prestige
associated with TAA
has opened up a
broader spectrum of
donor avenues that
otherwise were not
available to us. We
are honored to be
accredited by TAA
and appreciate their
support so that we
may continue to help
the off-the-track
Thoroughbred.”

FOUNDED: 1985
ADDRESS:
Fort Astoria, a descendant of Secretariat, enjoys his retirement at Equestrian Inc. in Florida.
4902 Timberlan St.
Tampa, FL 33549
Established in 1985 as a sanctuary for horses Equestrian Inc. has no paid staff. It is run solely PHONE: (813) 410-9982
looking for a new lease on life, Equestrian Inc. by volunteers who are the heart of the organiza-
currently has 10 registered Thoroughbreds and tion. A team of dedicated people performs such MAIN CONTACT:
three other breeds. Some of the horses are perma- tasks as feeding, grooming, exercising, turnout, DeeAnn Smith
nent residents due to age or injuries, and others stall cleaning, and general farm maintenance.
are in the process of being retrained or are recov- Equestrian Inc. offers Bright Futures hours to WEB ADDRESS:
ering from a racing injury. high school students and participates in the Hills- equestrianinc.org
Equestrian Inc. provides ex-racehorses a borough County Community Service Program. It
chance for a productive second career in a variety hosts groups from area high schools, the Univer- SOCIAL:
of disciplines, such as jumping, dressage, event- sity of South Florida, and the University of equestrianinctampa
ing, and pleasure or companion. Tampa. At these events, the students are shown @glendas12967972
Its adoption process involves an interview with how to care for horses and are given hands-on @equestrianinctampa
the potential adopter to gauge their knowledge demonstrations. In addition, it has a strong work-
and ability to care for the horse. The next step is ing relationship with Tampa Bay Downs race- AVERAGE NUMBER OF
the adopter spending time with the horse so that track. THOROUGHBREDS PER YEAR:
they can get to know one another. The adopter Our late founder, Glenda Smith, said, “Those 25

must be at least 21 years old and financially able involved are paid via love given them from the
to care for the horse. The adoption fee is from $500 animals, not with money.”
and up depending on the soundness, training, That still sums up how we feel about our great
level and potential of the horse. volunteers.

DAILY RACING FORM PAGE 41