Horse Illustrated Magazine

New Vocations Racehorse Adoption Program is partnering with the hunter/jumper shows at the Kentucky Horse Park to offer special Thoroughbred-Only classes this summer.

The program’s mission to transition, re-train and re-home retired racehorses continues to grow and expand. This year the program had a positive response when they reached out to the Country Heir Horse Show and the Robert Murphy Horse Show at the Kentucky Horse Park. Management from both shows was more than happy to create classes restricted to Thoroughbreds.

“To say we are excited would be an understatement,” shares New Vocations Program Director Anna Ford. “To be able to offer Thoroughbred classes at two highly recognized rated shows is a great opportunity and a huge step in the right direction. Exhibitors from all over the US flock there to compete each summer. It is the perfect place to showcase the versatility of Thoroughbreds.”

Retired racehorses have been known to excel in the show arena once they leave the track, however, over the last couple decades their presence in the Hunter/Jumper arena has slowly declined. New Vocations hopes to see that decline turn around.

“Whether they are competing in the Triple Crown or over 3’ fences one thing is for sure, Thoroughbreds love having a job.” Ford said. “The human job market is not the only one that is hurting in this economy. Finding jobs and homes for retired racehorses continues to be a challenge. By creating more avenues for retired racehorses to compete beyond the track we are also creating more jobs.”

A search for sponsorships for the events was quickly met by industry associations, owners, and breeding farms. The June 17th-18th the Country Heir Horse Show will offer the New Vocations Thoroughbred Hunter Division. The event sponsored by Ron and Ricki Rashinski’s Homewrecker Racing will consist of a five classes competing for $2,500 in cash prizes. The July 11th Robert Murphy Horse Show will offer the $2,500 New Vocations Mini Prix sponsored by Castleton Lyons Farm and the $2,500 Thoroughbred Hunter Classic sponsored by the NTRA and National HBPA friends of New Vocations.

For more information visit the show websites at www.countryheir.com and www.robertmurphystables.com. To learn more about New Vocations visit www.horseadoption.com or contact anna@horseadoption.com