New Vocations grad Sam P, the 9th place finisher at the 2007 Kentucky Derby, competes with adopter Laura Vorwerk. Photo by Suzanne Fisher
(Press Release) Marysville, Ohio – The 10th annual New Vocations Charity Horse Show July 18th was a huge success, which drew more than 1,100 entries and raised more than $50,000 to support racehorse aftercare.
The Indiana HBPA was the title sponsor of the event which broke attendance records. Many of the exhibitors came simply to show off their former racehorses in both the Thoroughbred specialty classes as well as open classes. Non-Thoroughbreds also competed showing their support of New Vocations’ efforts.
“It was truly great to see so many retired racehorses competing,” said New Vocations Program Director Anna Ford. “We are ever grateful to the terrific individuals and industry groups that supported the show through the various sponsorship opportunities. These sponsors and all the hard working volunteers make this event possible each year. “
Thoroughbreds with backgrounds ranging from a single start to over 90, from those who earned zero dollars to those earning more than $500,000, competed side by side, proving that they all can excel in new careers beyond the track.
New Vocations grad Saratoga Steve with rider Katie Fink compete in the Hunter/Jumper Division. Photo by Suzanne Fisher
More than $6,500 in cash was awarded to riders, prizes made possible through sponsorships by the Jockey Club TIP. The Jockey Club also supplied beautiful ribbons and a vast selection of quality prizes.
Among the large number of Thoroughbreds competing, the High Point Champions were singled out for special recognition:
Stakes winner Old Snively, who raced 68 times and earned over $120,000, was honored as the War Horse Champion.
Bayou Brass, a Dixieland Band gelding with 28 starts and $96,000 in earnings, won the Thoroughbred Hunter Champion.
Florida bred Moonlight Bay, with only two starts and no earnings, was a star in the jumper ring winning the Thoroughbred Jumper Championship. And, lightly raced mare, Trouble and Strife, blooming in her second career, was crowned the Thoroughbred Dressage Champion.
A number of industry partners, owners, trainers, and breeders joined together to sponsor the event. This year’s key sponsors include the Indiana HBPA, Ohio HBPA, James and Anita Cauley, Homewrecker Racing, Eisaman Equine Services, and 100% Racing.
New Vocations grad Ghostshopper and adopter Charlotte Clark won the New Vocations Hunter Stakes. Photo by Sandy Seabrook
For 21 years, New Vocations has provided a safety net for horses leaving the track through rehabilitation, retraining, and placement in carefully screened and monitored homes.
Starting with a single farm in Dayton, Ohio the program has grown to six facilities in Kentucky, Michigan, Ohio, and Pennsylvania and welcomes in excess of 400 horses a year.
Serving over 40 racetracks, New Vocations works directly with owners and trainers in need of an aftercare program for their horses. New Vocations has a sound adoption system in place that is proven to move a large number of horses in a rather short period of time. The focus is on adoption verses retirement, believing that each horse deserves to have a home and a purpose. For more information visit www.newvocations.org
Not just a “hoof” – HIGH Hoof!!
A hoof for both Sue and New Vocations!! New Vocations does one of the best jobs of any OTTB non profit in the US – model citizens. Would LOVE to have connect with you guys and see how we can replicate/create a NV in California. You guys ROCK!