Thoroughbred Charities of America Named Title Sponsor of 2019 Thoroughbred Makeover

August 20, 2019

RRPWinner

The TCA Thoroughbred Makeover features trainers — professionals, amateurs and juniors — from across North America who have been working throughout the year to prepare recently-retired Thoroughbred racehorses to compete for more than $100,000 in 10 equestrian disciplines. There are 474 horses entered to compete, with 150 of those horses offered for sale.

“We are thrilled to be the top supporter of the Thoroughbred Makeover for the seventh consecutive year,” said Erin Crady executive director of TCA. “TCA’s strategic grantmaking encompasses the belief that we must support not only organizations working to directly rehab, retrain, and rehome but that we also must provide support to organizations that are expanding the market for Thoroughbreds. The Retired Racehorse Project and their Thoroughbred Makeover have done that exceptionally well.”

TCA’s support for the Makeover is part of its annual grant-making activity. Since its inception TCA has granted over $23 million to more than 200 organizations that provide Thoroughbred aftercare, equine-assisted therapy, equine research, and health and human services for backstretch and farm workers.

“Just like so many other aspects of the Thoroughbred industry, aftercare is multi-faceted. There are so many worthy organizations out there – many supported by TCA – retraining and adopting out retired racehorses, but in order for them to be successful you also need to continually cultivate and expand the market of equestrians who want those horses and are knowledgeable about how to reschool them. Thanks to support from the TCA, that’s a niche we have been very successful in filling,” said RRP executive director Jen Roytz. “From its staff and board who carry out its mission to the countless people who support its efforts financially, TCA has been integral to the RRP’s success over the years and a fantastic partner as we’ve worked to create more demand for Thoroughbreds after racing through the Makeover and other initiatives.”

The 2019 Thoroughbred Makeover includes trainers and horses from 40 states and four Canadian provinces. Trainers applied at the end of 2018 and demonstrated through their applications and references the ability to successfully transition a horse off the track. Each horse and trainer will perform in one or two disciplines and be scored on performance and progress in training. Featured disciplines include barrel racing, competitive trail, dressage, eventing, field hunter, freestyle, polo, ranch work, show hunter, and show jumper. The top five scorers in each discipline will compete in a Saturday finale, and an overall winner, determined by vote, will be crowned the Thoroughbred Makeover Champion.

The weekend includes a full schedule of seminars, a sponsor fair to include both organizations and vendors, and the innovative Makeover Master Class training demonstration. Many of the competing 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 for trial rides and veterinary pre-purchase exams.


Retired Racehorse Project (RRP) works to facilitate placement of Thoroughbred ex-racehorses in second careers by increasing demand for them in the marketplace and inspiring an army of equestrians to provide the training that secures their futures. RRP offers online directories, educational resources, and publishes Off-Track Thoroughbred Magazinehttp://www.retiredracehorseproject.org

Thoroughbred Charities of America (TCA) was formed in 1990 to raise and distribute funds to charities in the Thoroughbred industry that provide a better life for Thoroughbreds, both during and after their racing careers, by supporting qualified repurposing and retirement organizations and by helping the people who care for them. TCA distributes grants to several categories of Thoroughbred-related nonprofits including rehabilitation, retraining, rehoming and retirement organizations; backstretch and farm employee programs; equine-assisted therapy programs; and research organizations. TCA has granted over $23 million to more than 200 charities that successfully meet the criteria set forth in its annual grant application. TCA is the charitable arm of the Thoroughbred Owners and Breeders Association (TOBA). http://www.tca.org

In Other News

April 1, 2025

2025 Thoroughbred Makeover Vendor Fair Applications Now Open

The Vendor Fair runs throughout the competition, October 8-11, at the Kentucky Horse Park in Lexington.…
Read More
Featured image for “2025 Thoroughbred Makeover Vendor Fair Applications Now Open”
March 24, 2025

Vendor Fair Application

No excerpt…
Read More
March 24, 2025

Picking Prospects Winter 2025

Makeover trainers evaluate sport horse potential based on conformation shots.…
Read More
Featured image for “Picking Prospects Winter 2025”
March 19, 2025

March Trainer Newsletter: Feeling Lucky? Opportunities & Reminders

Hello 2025 trainers, Staying in the loop Our staff will keep Makeover Trainers aware of any upcoming opportunities or changes primarily through emails like this one. It is very important that you regularly check your email for communications from RRP…
Read More
Featured image for “March Trainer Newsletter: Feeling Lucky? Opportunities & Reminders”
March 18, 2025

Enter Our 2025 Sticker Slogan Contest!

The winning slogan will be one of our new sticker designs for 2025!…
Read More
Featured image for “Enter Our 2025 Sticker Slogan Contest!”
March 17, 2025

Sponsorships Available for 2025 Thoroughbred Makeover

The Retired Racehorse Project (RRP) announced today that sponsorships are now available for the 2025 Thoroughbred Makeover and National Symposium, presented by Thoroughbred Charities of America, taking place at the Kentucky Horse Park on October 8-11.…
Read More
Featured image for “Sponsorships Available for 2025 Thoroughbred Makeover”
March 11, 2025

2025 Aftercare Industry Month Attendee Survey

No excerpt…
Read More
March 11, 2025

Kissing Spines in OTTBs

Learn how veterinarians diagnose and treat kissing spines in Thoroughbreds and other horses.…
Read More
Featured image for “Kissing Spines in OTTBs”
March 6, 2025

Erin Gilmore Photography Returns as Official Show Photographer of 2025 Thoroughbred Makeover

The Retired Racehorse Project (RRP) announced today that Erin Gilmore Photography will return as the Official Show Photographer of the 2025 Thoroughbred Makeover and National Symposium, presented by Thoroughbred Charities of America.…
Read More
Featured image for “Erin Gilmore Photography Returns as Official Show Photographer of 2025 Thoroughbred Makeover”
February 25, 2025

Conditioning Off-Track Thoroughbreds

Proper conditioning helps Thoroughbreds transition from the racetrack by building strength, reducing injury risk and preparing them to thrive in their next chapters.…
Read More
Featured image for “Conditioning Off-Track Thoroughbreds”
February 18, 2025

2025 Trainer Acceptance Letter

Congratulations! You are one of over 300 talented trainers and team members who are on track to show the world what a Thoroughbred ex-racehorse can do at this year’s Makeover. Would you like to announce your acceptance on social media?…
Read More
Featured image for “2025 Trainer Acceptance Letter”
February 18, 2025

2025 Thoroughbred Makeover Accepted Trainers Announced

The RRP announced today the list of participating trainers accepted to compete at the 2025 Thoroughbred Makeover and National Symposium, presented by Thoroughbred Charities of America.…
Read More
Featured image for “2025 Thoroughbred Makeover Accepted Trainers Announced”
February 10, 2025

Ask a Trainer: Conquering Trailering Issues

Professional Lauren Burke shares her whole-horse approach to making trailer loading and hauling a smooth, stress-free process.…
Read More
Featured image for “Ask a Trainer: Conquering Trailering Issues”
January 30, 2025

James & Shari Ough Donate $25,000 to Increase Prize Money at Thoroughbred Makeover

This additional prize money will offer payout through tenth place for the new Championship format that debuts this year.…
Read More
Featured image for “James & Shari Ough Donate $25,000 to Increase Prize Money at Thoroughbred Makeover”
January 27, 2025

DNF: What Is It, Why Does It Happen, & What Does It Mean for Thoroughbreds?

There are many reasons a Thoroughbred might not finish a race. Read on to learn about the possible causes and how the horse can make a successful return to racing.…
Read More
Featured image for “DNF: What Is It, Why Does It Happen, & What Does It Mean for Thoroughbreds?”
January 21, 2025

Tally Ho: Ex-Racehorses Can Find Homes in the Hunt Field

Mid-Atlantic Thoroughbred…
Read More
Featured image for “Tally Ho: Ex-Racehorses Can Find Homes in the Hunt Field”
January 20, 2025

Makeover Participants and the Racing Industry Survey

No excerpt…
Read More
January 17, 2025

RRP’s Aftercare Industry Month Virtual Conference Returns for 2025

Four webinar sessions featuring panelists from both non-profit organizations as well as business entities will delve into a range of topics that pertain to everyone who works in Thoroughbred aftercare.…
Read More
Featured image for “RRP’s Aftercare Industry Month Virtual Conference Returns for 2025”
January 15, 2025

Retired Racehorse Project Elects New Board Members

Welcome, Chris Knehr and Robert Hartman!…
Read More
Featured image for “Retired Racehorse Project Elects New Board Members”
January 13, 2025

2024 Thoroughbred Broodmare Transition Symposium: Reconditioning the Broodmare

Featuring Larkspur Carroll, founder and owner of CORE Therapies, and Natanya Nieman, DVM, General Manager and Resident Veterinarian of WinStar Farm.…
Read More
Featured image for “2024 Thoroughbred Broodmare Transition Symposium: Reconditioning the Broodmare”
January 13, 2025

2024 Thoroughbred Broodmare Transition Symposium: Nutrition for Transitioning Broodmares

Featuring Catherine Whitehouse, Nutritionist at Kentucky Equine Research.…
Read More
Featured image for “2024 Thoroughbred Broodmare Transition Symposium: Nutrition for Transitioning Broodmares”
January 13, 2025

2024 Thoroughbred Broodmare Transition Symposium: Broodmare Marketing & Admin

Featuring Hillary Ramspacher, Equine Administrator and Sales Coordinator for Burleson Farm and independent rehoming agent…
Read More
Featured image for “2024 Thoroughbred Broodmare Transition Symposium: Broodmare Marketing & Admin”
January 13, 2025

2024 Thoroughbred Broodmare Transition Symposium: Managing Broodmare Health

Featuring Karen Wolfsdorf, DVM, SACT, Reproduction and Fertility, Hagyard Medical Institute…
Read More
Featured image for “2024 Thoroughbred Broodmare Transition Symposium: Managing Broodmare Health”
December 31, 2024

Buying & Selling Thoroughbreds Privately

People buy and sell Thoroughbred racehorses in more ways than through claiming races and at public auction. Here’s the inside scoop from racehorse trainers themselves.…
Read More
Featured image for “Buying & Selling Thoroughbreds Privately”