Benson first connected with RRTP when her clients, Dale Simanton and Dorothy Snowden of Horse Creek Thoroughbreds in Newell, South Dakota, were selected to participate in the RRTP Thoroughbred Makeover and National Symposium. She created the event’s popular Cowboy Up Jockey Challenge in which four jockeys went head to head in a team sorting competition with live cattle on Thoroughbred ex-racehorses.

“It didn’t take us long to figure out that Heather was a marketing genius,” said RRTP vice president Carolyn Karlson. “When we learned that she had been just as creative as general manager of a race track and had an encyclopedic knowledge of racing, pedigrees and handicapping, we knew that she could tell the story of these horses in the way that we want it told.”

Benson is equally enthusiastic about her contract with RRTP. “What this organization has achieved for Thoroughbred horses in less than three years astounds me,” said Benson. “I think the work that RRTP is doing will be a game-changer not just for the horses after they race, but also for the public perception of horse racing.”

Back Forty Media and Marketing is a full service consulting firm that manages marketing and media portfolios for agribusiness and equine industry customers. Benson launched the company after a career in corporate management and marketing, including two years as General Manager of the North Dakota Horse Park racing and show facility, and as Vice President of Marketing for Landmark, an agricultural cooperative that does $500 million in annual sales. Back Forty Media and Marketing may be found on the web at www.backfortymarketing.com.

RRTP received the Thoroughbred Charities of America Industry Service Award earlier this month and released the first national survey describing the paths to second careers for racehorses last week. Its Thoroughbred Makeover and National Symposium at Pimlico in October was the first national gathering of the farms, organizations, and individuals that provide the bridge to second careers for Thoroughbreds. An expanded version of that event will take place at Pimlico on October 4 and 5, 2014.

Media Contact:

Heather Benson

Retired Racehorse Training Project

Phone: 605-660-6599

Email: heather@backfortymarketing.com

Additional photos or interviews may be granted upon request.

The Retired Racehorse Training Project (RRTP) is a 501(c)3 charitable organization working to increase demand for retired Thoroughbred race horses as pleasure and sport horses through public events, clinics, training publications, videos and internet tools. Our mission is to facilitate the placement of retired Thoroughbred racehorses in second careers by educating the public about the history, distinctive characteristics, versatility of use, and appropriate care and training of the iconic American Thoroughbred. More information may be found at www.retiredracehorsetraining.org .