August Trainer Newsletter: Changes to 2024 Makeover

August 10, 2024

Please read this newsletter for a message from our Executive Director regarding changes that are being made to this year’s Thoroughbred Makeover event. The remainder of this newsletter will include reminders for upcoming deadlines and newly scheduled webinars.

2024 Makeover Changes

A message from RRP Executive Director, Kirsten Green:

Greetings, Makeover Trainers,

On behalf of the team here at the RRP, I want to personally share a few updates with you about this year’s event.

With horses to care for, I’m sure that you’re feeling the financial strain that comes with the current economic climate. The RRP is not immune to that strain, and neither are our sponsors, which has unfortunately meant that some of our sponsors were unable to renew their commitments from 2023 for 2024.

As a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization whose operations are heavily dependent on public support, it is imperative that we are good stewards of the funds that have been directed to us, meaning that we make decisions that prioritize execution of our charitable mission and the organization’s ability to do so in a sustainable manner.

To that end, we have made the decision to discontinue the livestream of the Finale, effective with the 2024 competition year forward. This is something that we were examining for the 2025 competition; however, financial realities have forced the decision sooner than expected. We were also unable to secure a sponsor for the Peoples’ Choice award, so that has been suspended until further notice.

What does this mean for you? We appreciate that this may be disappointing news and want to assure you it is important to us not to compromise the experience that you’ve been working towards all year. At this time, all facets of competition, ancillary events, completion gifts, prize money, etc. are in place to move forward as expected. We will still video Finale rounds with a more streamlined production value than previous years and make them accessible to you via YouTube following the event. The Kentucky Horse Park recently installed a permanent LED board in the Covered Arena, so premium Marketplace ads and sponsor assets will continuously display in an in-house loop throughout the week.

We deeply value your commitment to the RRP mission and we’re looking forward to seeing you at the Kentucky Horse Park in just a few short weeks. If you have any questions or concerns regarding this update, please do not hesitate to be in touch.

With gratitude,

Kirsten Green | Executive Director, Retired Racehorse Project

Final Entries

As you all should be aware, the Final entry form is open through the Trainer Portal and closes this Thursday, August 15^th, at 5pm Eastern Time. All entries without a final entry submission and payment as of the deadline will be withdrawn. The Completing Your Final Entry webinar recording can be found here and will walk you through the form step-by-step. If you did not tune into the live webinar, please watch the recording before completing your form. Please enter your horse in the discipline(s) they are adequately prepared for at the time of Final Entry submission. Once the Final Entry form closes, you CANNOT change your discipline.

Final Entry Refund Schedule

Refunds are not automatically processed or issued. Refund requests must be made in writing to secretary@therrp.org. In order for the refund request to be considered, it must be received by 5pm ET on the corresponding deadline, and the trainer must have already withdrawn the horse and entry through the Trainer Portal.

Requests for a refund of Final Entry fees may be made on the following schedule:

100% of Final Entry fees if prior to September 6^th, 2024
100% minus a $75 processing fee per horse if after September 6^th, 2024, and prior to when stall assignments and ride times are published (approximately 10 days prior to the start of competition)
Marketplace fees may be refunded if the horse is withdrawn from the Marketplace prior to August 15^th
Marketplace fees are non-refundable after August 15^th
No refunds will be considered after ride times and stall assignments are published.

This refund schedule does not apply to registration fees, which are non-refundable. Trainers with withdrawn entries may request for their registration fees to be converted to a donation and we will supply a tax receipt. Trainers that withdraw after ride times and stabling are published may also request that their final entry fees be converted to a donation with a tax receipt. Email secretary@therrp.org to make this request.

Final Entry Edits

Stabling needs, jump height selections, Dressage test selections, and Freestyle information may be edited through the Trainer Portal until 5pm ET on September 6^th, 2024. Discipline selections cannot be changed after Final Entry close on August 15^th. If you are looking to decrease your stabling needs, please email secretary@therrp.org. The form will only allow you to add to your existing reservation.

Makeover Marketplace

If you are planning on listing your horse in the ASPCA Makeover Marketplace, please note that you must create your horse’s marketplace listing by 5pm on Thursday, August 15^th in order to be included in the print catalog. Watch the recording of the Setting Up Your Marketplace Listing webinar here. This webinar will walk you through the Marketplace form step-by-step as well as give you tips and tricks for creating a high quality horse listing. Please watch this webinar recording before competing your horse’s Marketplace listing.

Upcoming Webinars

The RRP organizes several webinars on key subjects for Makeover trainers throughout the year. Webinars are accessible via Zoom Video Conferencing and are also posted to YouTube for viewing after the fact. Please note: Trainer exclusive webinars will now only be available on Zoom, we will no longer be using Facebook Live in the Trainers Group.

Upcoming webinars:

Wednesday, August 21^st at 6pm ET: Diagnose Before You Treat With Dr. Heath Manning
Join Dr. Heath Manning of Bluegrass Equine Surgery for a closer look at common health concerns for off-track Thoroughbreds, and why proper diagnostics can save you time, worry and money in the long run before you treat at home! Access via Zoom Video Conferencing (passcode: 848520) or live on the RRP’s Facebook Page.

Thursday, August 29^th at 7pm ET: Arrival Exam & Makeover Horse Management
Between the Arrival Exam and the unique challenges of the Thoroughbred Makeover as a competition, managing a happy and healthy Thoroughbred during Makeover week takes a bit of consideration. Join the RRP’s consulting veterinarian and Makeover veteran, Dr. Shannon Reed, for some tips and advice. Access live via Zoom Video Conferencing (passcode: 660723) ONLY.

There will be a Q&A session at the end of each webinar. Cannot attend live? Email secretary@therrp.org with your questions ahead of time.

Horse Health Documentation Deadlines

All Makeover competing and non-compete horses must meet our health documentation requirements. Your horse will not be allowed on the Horse Park grounds without the following:

For out-of-state horses: a Health Certificate issued within 30 days of your horse’s move-in date (cannot arrive to KHP before October 7^th)
For in-state (Kentucky based) horses: a Health Certificate issued within 12 months of your horse’s move-in date (cannot arrive to KHP before October 7^th)
For ALL horses:
- EHV-1 vaccination administered between April 7^th, 2024 and September 23^rd, 2024. Horses with a most recent EHV-1 vaccination that falls before April 7^th or after September 23^rd will not be permitted to compete.
- Proof of negative coggins within 12 months

Check the rulebook for appropriate forms of documentation. A veterinarian must provide proof of vaccination, you cannot administer your own vaccines.

The Retired Racehorse Project staff is here to help you have a successful and positive experience preparing your horse for the Thoroughbred Makeover and beyond. If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to reach out. Contact RRP Program Assistant, Molly Hutchison, by email at mhutchison@therrp.org or secretary@therrp.org.

All the best,

Molly