Clovis Crane and daughter Dalia ride Yo Koffy in a Thoroughbred Makeover demonstration last year. Photo by Sue Smith
The Retired Racehorse Project (RRP) and Thoroughbred Charities of America (TCA) jointly announced last week that TCA will be the title sponsor of the Thoroughbred Makeover and National Symposium, which will be held at the Kentucky Horse Park in Lexington, Ky. on October 27-30.
The TCA Thoroughbred Makeover features 478 trainers from across North America who are working throughout the year to prepare recently retired Thoroughbred racehorses to compete for more than $100,000 in ten equestrian disciplines.
“The Thoroughbred Makeover is an important part of aftercare as it works to create a demand for Thoroughbreds in various disciplines,” said TCA president elect Michael McMahon. “With a demand and market for Thoroughbreds, more of them are being placed in new homes and in second careers once their days on the track are over. We are pleased to be able to support the efforts of the Retired Racehorse Project and the Thoroughbred Makeover.”
Retired Racehorse Project President Steuart Pittman lauded the decision.
“There is probably no group of people on earth more committed to the welfare of Thoroughbred horses than the board of TCA,” Pittman said. “Their support and guidance have made it possible for RRP to move forward, and without it there would be no Thoroughbred Makeover. Together we will show the world that an off-track Thoroughbred is an asset, not a burden.”
The Thoroughbred Makeover includes trainers and horses from 45 states, three Canadian provinces, and Great Britain. Each will perform in one or two disciplines and be scored on performance. Barrel racing, competitive trail, dressage, Eventing, field hunter, freestyle, polo, show hunter, show jumper, and working ranch will be featured. Top scorers will compete in a Saturday finale, and an overall champion will be crowned America’s Most Wanted Thoroughbred.
The weekend includes training clinics by top names in each of the ten disciplines, a full schedule of seminars, a sponsor fair to include both organizations and vendors, and special demonstrations. Many of the horses will be available for sale by their owners at the end of the weekend. Horse shoppers are encouraged to attend and to take time on Sunday for trial rides and veterinary pre-purchase exams. For more information, please visit www.retiredracehorseproject.org.
