ODESSA, Fla. — A Bay area woman is giving former race horses a second chance at a real life.

At Step Ahead Thoroughbred Retirement in Odessa, its mission is to fulfill the need for placement of unwanted thoroughbreds — to find them forever homes.

Pam Berry is the founder. She has been around horses for over 50 years and for years was a trainer.

There are two groups: the "pensioners" as they're called, permanent residents like Toby who was a race horse and is now 23 years old.

The other group consists of horses that can be adopted out.

With an average of 25 horses here at a time, the costs are enormous. The non-profit relies heavily on community support and has no paid employees.

Berry is the only full-time volunteer.

"You know when I raced, there's no bigger thrill than winning a race," she said. "But to be honest, in this business, there's no bigger thrill than finding a good home for these horses."