Nonprofit Spotlight: Thoroughbred Retirement of Tampa, Inc.

TROT of Tampa, or Thoroughbred Retirement of Tampa, Inc. is a nonprofit organization that offers adoption and rehabilitation services for Tampa Bay's Thoroughbreds.

In this week's nonprofit spotlight, Patch talked to Christine Tutcher, secretary and treasurer at TROT, about what the organization provides for local communities and how volunteers can get involved.

Patch: What is the purpose of the organization?

Tutcher: Thoroughbred Retirement of Tampa, Inc., also known as TROT, is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to the safe retirement, rehabilitation and adoption of Tampa’s racing Thoroughbreds. During the past two racing seasons, TROT has taken 41 horses into its program. As of today, 32 horses have been adopted and two, unfortunately, had to be euthanized due to fatal disease or injury. There are currently seven horses looking for their new forever homes.

Patch: Who founded TROT, and when?

Tutcher: TROT started out as Thunder Bay Horse Rescue in 2003. Originally founded by Barbara Wehse and Linda Sparn, the organization was turned over to Christine Carroll and Jessica Combs in 2009 and the name changed to Thoroughbred Retirement of Tampa, Inc. After meeting with Tampa Bay Downs and Tampa Bay HBPA before the 2009/2010 live racing meet, TROT became the official Thoroughbred retirement program for the track.

Patch: What are examples of events that the organization holds or sponsors to raise money?

Tutcher: The second annual TROT The Track was held on the first Saturday in May at Tampa Bay Downs where participants paid an entry fee and got to walk or run the one-mile oval. TROT was the beneficiary of Festival in the Skye, Tampa Bay Downs annual reception to celebrate Festival Day and the Tampa Bay Derby. TROT had informational tables at the track during the live racing season where people can learn more about the organization, purchase T-shirts and magnets and make donations. Alex Brown, author of the book “Greatness and Goodness: Barbaro and His Legacy” came to Tampa for a book signing where a portion of the proceeds benefited TROT. TROT is also a Thoroughbred Charities of America 2011 grantee.

Patch: Why is an organization like TROT important to communities like Carrollwood and Northdale?

Tutcher: The organization is important to the entire Tampa community. Some Thoroughbreds don’t have many options once their racing careers are over. Our organization gives these athletes a chance at a second career. These magnificent animals do well in dressage, hunter/jumper, eventing, pleasure or trail riding and as therapy horses or police horses. Those that can't be ridden make great companion animals.

Patch: How can people get involved if they want to donate or volunteer?

Tutcher: People can get involved in many ways. Monetary donations can be made by check and sent to our mailing address P.O. Box 1621, Oldsmar FL 34677-1621 or via PayPal. In-kind donations such as fly sprays, wormers, shampoos and other horse-related supplies are gladly accepted. Anyone interested in volunteering his or her time can contact us at info@tampatrot.org. Additional information is available via our website at www.tampatrot.org.