Staff Spotlight: Liz Bennett
From TRF Adopter to TRF Teammate
A Lifelong Connection to TRF
For Liz Bennett, her journey with the Thoroughbred Retirement Foundation began long before she officially joined the team. Her family adopted their first TRF horse back in 1998, and since then, the connection has only grown deeper. With six TRF adoptions to date and countless hours spent volunteering, Liz’s dedication to the mission is rooted in decades of personal experience and passion.
“When a position became available that aligned with my skill set, I didn’t hesitate to apply,” Liz shared. Now, as a valued member of our team, she brings heart, knowledge, and hands-on experience to everything she does.
Why Liz Loves Her Role
What does Liz love most about working at the TRF?
“The ability to help horses and humans alike each day.”
That simple statement says so much. Liz is deeply committed to the TRF’s dual mission of providing lifetime care for retired racehorses and creating life-changing opportunities through our Second Chances programs.
A Moment That Left a Mark
One of Liz’s most memorable TRF experiences happened before she even joined the team. Her family had traveled to adopt two TRF horses from the Plymouth County Correctional Facility in Massachusetts, the first adoption from that new Second Chances location.
“When we arrived to pick up the horses, a few of the incarcerated individuals were crying,” she recalled. “It made me realize how impactful a program of this nature can be.”
That moment stuck with her, and it still fuels her commitment today.
Meet Her Favorite TRF Horses
When asked to pick a favorite, Liz couldn’t narrow it down to just one:
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Private Relations, the last remaining TRF adoptee in her current herd, was adopted from the Wallkill Correctional Facility.
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St. Augustine, a special horse she met years ago at Plymouth County, is now residing at Wallkill Correctional Facility.
These horses represent not just her personal connection, but the meaningful relationships formed across states and seasons through TRF’s lifelong commitment to care.
What the TRF Mission Means to Her
To Liz, the TRF’s mission is best summed up in three words:
“Hope. Opportunity. Purpose.”
And that goes for both the horses and the people we serve. “The success stories of horses thriving in our herd, or finding their way to loving adopters, and the individuals flourishing after release are proof that our work is making a difference,” she said. “Knowing I’m a small piece of that puzzle is motivation enough for me.”
Life at TRF: A New Adventure Every Day
Liz describes her TRF experience in one word:
“An adventure!”
“No day is ever the same when you’re working with horses,” she laughed. And we wouldn’t have it any other way!