 Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to adopt?
The average adoption fee for a TROT horse is $500. Fees for large, sound horses will be slightly higher. This also applies to horses who have received transitional training prior to adoption. Fees for companion horses, which are not suitable for riding, are often waived.
All fees received from adoptions are used to assist other retiring Thoroughbreds in Tampa.
How much does it cost for transportation?
All adopters are responsible for cost and arrangement of transportation for their adopted horse.
Can I find a child safe horse through TROT?
These horses are not recommended for children or novices. They are fresh off the track with little or no pleasure riding experience. Even after a period of transitional training, most of these horses will not be suitable for children or inexperienced riders.
Will my horse be sound?
It is very rare that a horse retires from racing completely unscathed. By the time they are adopted, most horses will have some sort of physical issue. Most of these issues will not affect a horse’s career as a riding or companion animal, however, TROT does not make guarantees regarding the soundness of any horse or its future endeavors. Please keep in mind stall rest and specific therapies may be required. Those who are seeking a big, sound horse for jumping may wish to consider other adoption programs or options.
What is the timeline for adopting a horse?
If you are interested in adopting a listed horse, you must fill out an adoption application. Once your application has been reviewed, a TROT representative will visit your farm or boarding stable to ensure proper facilities for a retiring racehorse. Once you are approved, then you are eligible for adoption. An adoption contract will be required for every horse.
Please keep in mind that the horses housed at the track are in need of quick placement, so time for numerous visits and evaluations will not be practical. If you come to visit a horse, please be prepared to make a commitment within 72 hours and arrange for transportation.
Please see Adoption & Fostering for more information.
Are there any specific requirements for adopting a horse?
Yes. All adopters are required to sign a 3-year contract. The first year requires adopters to send quarterly updates and photos; annual updates are to follow. Adopters are also required to allow random visits and photographs by TROT representatives. Please note that if the horse is found to be either in poor condition or living in a squalid environment, TROT retains the right to repossess the horse without notice.
It is also agreed that the adopted horses will never be sent to an auction or slaughter facility. Even though there are no open facilities currently in the United States, horses are being shipped to Mexico and Canada for slaughter after being run through auctions. Please be aware that TROT horses will be closely monitored to assure they never meet this fate.
Please see Adoption & Fostering for more information.
How can I foster a horse?
The process for approval is similar to adoption. You will fill out an foster application and after it’s reviewed, a representative will visit your farm to ensure safe housing for an off-the-track Thoroughbred. Most foster homes will keep the horse for a few weeks, up to a few months depending on the pre-established limitations. For their health and safety, TROT’s horses must have access to a stall for injury recovery and transitional training.
TROT is able to provide limited funding for care. If you require the cost of full board to house a horse, our program probably is not a good match. We greatly appreciate any donations of time, feed, hay, and housing to help keep these horses safe and ready to find a new home.
Please see Adoption & Fostering for more information.
 Do registration papers come with the horse?
To protect the horses from ever racing again, TROT will maintain possession of the registration papers for the lifetime of the horse. Adopters will receive a photocopy. Papers for breeding purposes will be handled on an individual basis.
Can I adopt a horse for breeding?
TROT does not condone irresponsible breeding. Only after careful consideration of the potential adopters breeding practices and philosophy, TROT will consider adopting a stallion or mare for sport-horse breeding purposes only. Each case is handled on an individual basis.
Can I try the horse out?
Potential adopters are not allowed to ride TROT’s horses due to insurance restrictions. Many horses are still located at the track and they will not allow outside riders either. Horses may be groomed, led, and turned out to evaluate their movement and soundness.
Can horses be adopted out of state?
Since TROT arranges random visits to adopters’ homes, adoptions are currently limited to the SE United States. TROT will help arrange commercial transportation, but the cost is the responsibility of the adopter.
 How else can I help?
TROT appreciates all of your support. We are in need of monetary donations to help feed, house, and care for our fostered horses that come off the track. You can donate today via Pay Pal or by mailing a check. We also accept gift certificates to catalogs and local feed stores to help provide for the horses’ care.
Other ways you can help TROT are:
- Hold a fundraiser or horse show to benefit TROT
- Network with your friends and contacts to find horses adoptive homes
- Donate in-kind items such as brushes, wormers, leads, and other horse-related supplies
- Ask area businesses to donate or sponsor items for a raffle or silent auction
- Suggest a fundraising idea
To make a tax-deductible donation today, please click here for donation information.
Thoroughbred Retirement of Tampa, Inc. is a 501 (c) 3 organization and all donations are tax deductible.
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