The Thoroughbred Retirement Foundation (TRF) is pleased to announce Daryl Tropea, Ph.D. as a new member of its Board of Directors. Dr. Tropea is an expert in Thoroughbred aftercare, having served for more than a decade as the equine program director of the Global Federation of Animal Sanctuaries (GFAS), a well-regarded international accreditation organization that evaluates the extent to which animal sanctuaries and rescue organizations meet standards of humane and responsible equine care.
In her role at GFAS, Dr. Tropea visited and assessed hundreds of equine facilities in the United States, Canada, Mexico, and the United Kingdom, including 14 of the Thoroughbred Retirement Foundation’s Second Chances Programs and Sanctuary Farms located across the United States.
In collaboration with the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA), she has also presented more than 20 workshops stressing risk management for equine rescues and sanctuaries. Dr. Tropea has had a lifelong interest in horses, having served as president of an equine rescue organization, competed on the hunter and jumper circuits, and volunteered by helping horse owners care and train their horses.
Dr. Tropea completed an associate degree in equine science from the University of Guelph in Ontario, a bachelor’s degree in Nursing from University of Windsor (Ontario), a master’s degree in education from University of Toronto, and a doctorate in epidemiology and biostatistics, also from the University of Toronto.
“We are extremely excited to welcome Dr. Tropea to the TRF Board and feel very fortunate that she has accepted the position,” stated Patrick Mackay, Chairman of TRF. “We look forward to having her share her vast knowledge of Thoroughbred aftercare with us. Her experience and skills will be invaluable to the TRF.”
The TRF board provides leadership for carrying out the Foundation’s mission to provide sanctuary for retired racehorses no longer able to compete on the racetrack and to save them from possible neglect, abuse, and slaughter.
Regarding her new role, Dr. Tropea stated, “I am thrilled to be utilizing my experience and knowledge from accrediting animal rescue organizations and Thoroughbred aftercare as a member of the TRF board. Having visited the TRF sanctuaries and Second Chances Programs, I have seen firsthand, the amazing work of the TRF and am proud to be joining them in their mission.”
