Honestly, we had a heartbreaking experience when being told that our 9 year old daughter's very minor disability meant that she couldn't even come and read to the horses and we were told by the owner to take her to the Horse Therapy place next door, which does not offer the type of programming we were looking for. I honestly just wish for an apology to my daughter because she is still sad about this from time to time, even over a year later. I wish the owner would give her a chance. They can come up with anything they want to say to try to keep their 5 stars, but my daughter is still a kid whose heart doesnt understand why Track To Trail would disallow her from classes without ever even simply meeting her. I wanted to love this place like everybody else, but I was made to feel this way. My daughter is already a skilled Equestrian, nevertheless- Track To Trail just would have been closer to us than the non-discriminating place that we do go to. Whether public, or not, I really wish TTT would just talk to us and make it right, or at least apologize to my daughter.
Track to Trail Inc. is a wonderful nonprofit organization that works towards rehabilitating off the track thoroughbreds in Southern Florida. They do this through a remarkable network of volunteers and social programs that involve young girls - training them to love and care for these horses. This program is led by Cynthia Gilbert who is a one woman dynamo with lots of ideas, and a long standing love for these animals. She puts her whole heart into finding ways to care for the horses, and her community. She started with a few volunteers at her home farm, and has expanded to a beautiful stable in Naples with superb facilities for all the medical care that these horses might need. It is the fruition of a dream, and a big win for many otherwise forgotten horses. In addition to taking unwanted Racing Thoroughbreds, she also works with the Collier County Ag department to temporarily house abandoned and abused horses in the Naples area. She then works diligently to get the horses on the mend mentally and physically and find them good homes. This organization is top notch, providing care for animals that is supervised by the county ag department, and teaching children to care for animals in a loving and professional manner. It is win / win for everyone involved!
Previous Stories
I volunteered with this organization in 2017 and loved working with it's leader - Cynthia Gilbert, and the other volunteers. The mission to save injured, abandoned and sick thoroughbreds is much needed in this part of Florida. Moreover, Cynthia works closely with the Agricultural Department in this area to rescue other types of horses in the community who need it as well. She also is in contact with other Florida horse rescues to coordinate services during times of hurricanes and fires. The rescue has also worked tirelessly to educate people on the needs and loving nature of this beautiful breed. Recently, Cynthia has started day camps to teach the next generation how to love horses and care for them properly.
I personally have adopted 2 beautiful Quarter Horses from this organization, and cannot say enough good things about what it brings to the community it serves.
The most dedicated charity to OTT horses . Always caring about their well being, health and happiness. I have seen miracle cases that Track to Trail takes on ultimately saving the horses life.. Cynthia is relentless in her pursuit of what is best for these beautiful animals.
I've been following Track to Trail for several years, and have shared many excellent enlightening conversations with the director, Cynthia Gilbert. I LOVE what they do for OTTBs and other horses in need, in how positive their retraining approach is, in how careful the assessment and rehab is handled, and especially in how they engage the community, and kids in particular, with the wonderful activities of the rescue and the horses. They really model best practices in rescue, and if I lived in the area, I'd want to be there every day!
This is a fantastic nonprofit. They take in OTT and other horses needing care and do an absolute amazing job with every one of them. They offer all kinds of education to the public and a great opportunity for kids to learn about horses through their programs.
My daughter has been to track to trail to have ridding lessons from Cynthia. Cynthia is an awesome lady who really cares for the horses . The horses are so well cared for . There have been so many that would not have made it if not for Cynthia and track to trail volunteers. This is an awesome rescue !
This group does so much to help horses. They take excellent care of the horses they rescue and find them good homes and have an unbelievable network of volunteers.
We adopted A horse from this rescue about a month ago and was so happy to be able to give our big guy a forever home! Without rescues like Track to Trail we wouldn’t have our Applesauce (our horse) and there would be many injured or lost horses still needed a home and help and they’re able to rehabilitate these animals and train them back to health. Thank you!
Such a wonderful organization! I volunteer working with the horses and enjoy the environment! Awesome classes for kids to learn how to care for and ride the horses!
Always thinking of the horses and their needs. Many children participate in their care and handling which in turn leads to great confidence and self-esteem. A fantastic organization!
Track to Trail running by Cynthia Gilbert is the best organization I have encountered in my over 40 plus years working with horses. Every horse is cared for in every aspect of their individual needs. Very impressed with the many programs that Cynthia has provided for young children and adults.
Track to Trail have been absolutely amazing stepping up to help so many horses retiring from the racetrack, they go above and beyond to help the horses that no one else will and I will be eternally grateful for that.
Track to Trail is an amazing organization! They have helped many horses in need find loving homes. They are volunteer based organization and boy do these volunteers love what they do! The horses are well cared for, given the attention and kindness they need to move onto their forever homes.
Amazing organization, amazing horses, amazing volunteers, amazing results. Love Track to Trail.
Previous Stories
I have been a volunteer at Track to Trail for just over a year now and have learned what a truly wonderful organization this is. Taking an ex-race horse, or horse in need, bringing them on a journey of rehabilitation, retraining, and rehoming is so very rewarding. In support of Track to Trail's mission, we provide educational lectures, fund raising events, demonstrations, and hands on learning about the horses. I came with no horse experience and have learned volumes. It is so gratifying to ride along when one of these horses is being transported to his/her forever home. I am so glad we crossed paths and I made the decision to join this wonderful team of other volunteers and supporters. Track to Trail has the most majestic, smart, funny, talented, gentle, and amazing horses.
Excellent organization that helps rehab and rehome ex-race horses. They also have wonderful children and adult programs teaching how to care for horses and how to be a responsible horse owner.
Although I am a fairly new volunteer (2 months), I have been amazed at the dedication of every single volunteer with whom I've worked to all of the injured, starved, abused, and abandoned horses that have come to temporarily call Track to Trail their home. Volunteers have the responsibility to do everything involved with the care of these horses: feeding, exercising, socializing, and helping to rehabilitate all of the horses, as well as to support those people who come to Track to Trail to learn about the environment through classes or camp. Volunteers work endlessly all day long and throughout each evening to make sure that everything is done in a safe, nurturing, and caring manner. Volunteers are able to make real connections easily through their love of horses and desire for community service. This is a great organization that is run solely by volunteers!
Track to Trail provides the most rewarding experience if you love horses. This organization provides not only a rewarding experience for the volunteer, but offers rehabilation and adoption for the equines it rescues. This is a wonderful organization to contribute.
This rescue is run by amazing and caring people! The horses always get wonderful, round the clock care and lots of love. This is a very clean and nice facility as well. I love spending my free time with these amazing people and creatures
My life is so much better. To get to the barn around 7 and to walk in and smell the horses, hear them and know that you are going to take care of these animals is so rewarding, I love it.
Fantastic things going on at this facility for all of the well deserving horses. Cynthia and her volunteers are so committed to helping all of the horses have richer lives.
Previous Stories
My husband and I moved to Naples in December from Maine with our horses and have had the pleasure of being introduced to Track to Trail. Very impressed with the excellent care that these beautiful thoroughbreds are receiving under Cynthia's and the volunteers watchful eyes!! Nice to see such happy and healthy horses!!
This is a wonderful organization that provides sanctuary to abandoned or abused horses. Horses are very expensive to care for and the facility sustained damage in the recent hurricane. They can always use more volunteers and monetary donations or supplies! Great charity to sponsor if you are a local business wanting to reach out.
I currently volunteer for Track to Trail among an amazing volunteer crew. Each of us love what we do and cherish our time with Cynthia and these beautiful horses. This rescue has made a difference in many lives and has a positive impact to our community. I will continue to support in anyway possible for years to come.
I came to the rescue September 2013 searching for a pasture mate for my senior mare. that's when I met "Z".
Little did I know how he would change my life.
He was 17 years old and Cynthia had rescued him and 2 others a few months back, from an awful situation in Miami/Dade.
11 horses there with no food/water, starving, sadly, a couple of them did not survive. . A huge wall surrounded the property. A news video of the police seizure of the horses gives a glimpse of the horrible place these poor thoroughbreds were left to starve. Thankfully
Cynthia brought Z to the rescue along with Chevy and Kryptonite.
There was just something about Z....he came home with me right away. I adopted him to keep my mare company. He was my beautiful "lawn ornament with the kindest eyes and full of personality.
He brightened up my life and my heart for the next 3 years and 2 months that he spent with me and my family in this world. I miss him everyday.
How very blessed I feel for meeting Cynthia and Z and all the other Ottb's. Also having met the most amazing people at and through the rescue. Life changing place for me :)
Ever since I was a little girl, many, many years ago, horses have played a huge part in my life. From books like Black Beauty and Misty of Chincoteague, to pony rides, to riding lessons and finally to owning my own horses, I have been lucky enough to be involved with them for much of my life. Through the years of raising my children when horses took a back seat to kids, I still knew that one day I would become involved again. That chance came when I went into a feed store for dog food and picked up a card for what became Track to Trail Thoroughbreds. I met Cynthia shortly thereafter and for the first time in my life became a volunteer and a supporter of this amazing person and organization. This wonderful woman takes injured racehorses, and sometimes abused, neglected and starving local horses and turns them into the magnificent beings they are meant to be. The transformations in their bodies, their minds, their attitudes is nothing short of amazing. I am proud to be both a sometimes volunteer and a sometimes donator to this outstanding organization. And the pay-off is that I have the opportunity to hang out with and share love and affection with the gorgeous horses at Track to Trail Thoroughbreds. ADOPT, DON'T SHOP!
So almost 3 years ago I got involved with the best horse rescue ever not knowing much. I learned so much from Cynthia.
I fell in love with the only NON- Thouroughbred horse at the rescue and had a feeling he was going to be mine someday. After a battle of Cancer this guy named Applesauce made my life complete. Thank you so much for helping me make my dream come true. Today I have my horse (Doodlebug) and im very proud to be called a board member of this wonderful place. Helping these horses has made my life complete.
I met Cynthia a few years ago when she had acquired two OTTB's. Over the past few years I've helped as I can, and have seen the horses come in with injuries, wounds, bad skin, etc, and have seen them improve. She is all about educating people on not only the OTTB but on caring for any horse; feeding, grooming, training and positive reinforcement to enable the volunteers and owners to safety and productively work with their horses. She truly loves and cares for the animals, giving them the best possible care.
My first visit to Track to Trail was in 2015 for an educational program Cynthia hosted. I have since adopted 3 horses from Track to Trail and recently became a board member. I am thrilled to be part of such a great organization and excited to share my enthusiasm with others who share the same passion for these amazing animals!
I started this organization in 2012 with just two horses and no volunteers. 5 years later, we have obtained our 501 c3 status, have a wonderful crew of amazing volunteers, an active and diverse board, and have taken in 41 horses, including some local neglect cases.
We have started a robust educational program, do numerous outreach programs, including Christmas in Immokalee, where we give pony rides to kids on Christmas morning. We host educational clinics at our facility and have numerous local professionals that donate their time and services to help the horses here and our mission.
We strive to constantly do better, make infrastructure improvements, and make the adoption process both streamlined yet effective.
We are proud to be a responsible rehoming facility, taking injured horses off the track that are often refused by track funded rescues. These horses typically need 6 months to a year of healing time. All horses are placed with contract, references required and property checks are done. Horses can come back here, no questions asked, if for any reason the situation is not working out. We also will pick up any of our horses that are in medical stress, but the owner can't afford the emergency vet care.
We strive to be the best and keep aiming for the stars
