Equestrian Inc is open for group visits. If you'd like to schedule a visit Learn More
The Story of Equestrian Inc.
Equestrian Inc. began as the personal cause of one woman who saw the need for horses to have a safe, positive environment to transition from racing to re-homing, and from injury to rehabilitation.
Our Founder
Glenda Smith was born and raised in the Davis Islands area of Tampa, Florida. She grew up playing tennis and horseback riding, but her fondness of horses took over in her early adult life which turned into her calling - saving horses.
Glenda dedicated her life to helping any horse she could and for many years, her passion was 100% self-funded. In August 2009, Glenda's farm grew to develop a group of tenacious, horse loving supporters of Glenda's cause who turned the farm into the non-profit it is today - Equestrian Inc.
Glenda realized that the thoroughbred breed of horse needed the most help transitioning into life after the racetrack and Equestrian Inc. began focusing on the care of Off The Track Thoroughbreds (OTTBs).
In August 2016, Glenda was diagnosed with a Glioblastoma and passed away on January 17, 2017. Equestrian Inc. suffered the greatest loss it ever could have imagined. Glenda's youngest daughter, DeeAnn, immediately took over the reins of Equestrian Inc. and is carrying on her late mother's legacy to this day, maintaining the exceptional reputation of her mother's long-standing success within the equine community of central Florida.
​
​
What We Do
Equestrian Inc. is one of only 85 similar rescues dedicated to the rehabilitation, re-homing, and re-training of OTTBs across the entire United States.
​
Equestrian Inc. has a standard protocol when a new equine arrival comes to our farm. Often times, a horse comes to us with an injury that requires a specific, detailed aftercare plan. Our veterinarian evaluates each horse using an ultrasound for soft tissue injuries, or a portable x-ray machine for bone related injuries. From there, a rehabilitation plan is tailored to each horse to best ensure their health and well-being. Some horses require more stall rest, whereas some can be hand-walked, or turned out in a small area.
After the rehabilitation period is completed, our veterinarian
re-evaluates the horse and gives permission for said horse to begin retraining. Simultaneously, we gradually expand the horse’s turn out area and partner them with a few of our other horses depending on their disposition. We then begin with groundwork in the round pen to establish trust and determine what the horse knows and how they respond to their environment while working.
Transitioning a racehorse into a riding horse can sometimes take a great length of time. We require our volunteer trainers to have previous experience working with OTTBs. During the retraining phase, we allow for prospective adopters to come meet and try the horse so they can assure it is a proper fit for their riding ability and future plans.
Our sanctuary horses are those that are with us until their last day. Our sanctuary horses are seasoned professionals for new volunteers who might be less familiar with horses. They are typically great for teaching our volunteers the basics of horse care like grooming and bathing, and how to lead a horse to and from their stalls and turnout areas.
Join Our Mission
Equestrian Inc. is a 100% volunteer run, registered 501(c)(3) horse charity and sanctuary. We specialize in the rehabilitation, re-training, and re-homing of former thoroughbred racehorses.
We strive to bring people who love horses together
with the horses we love.
Based in Brandon, Florida, Equestrian Inc. is driven by the philosophy that all horses, whether raced successfully, unraced, old or young, all deserve a “winning” retirement and the chance to be successful in a new career after the race track. Off The Track Thoroughbreds (OTTBs) are known for their athleticism, versatility, and desire to please. We strive to place our horses into loving and educated forever homes where they can thrive.
