Retired Racehorse Project

11/06/2025

We wanted to spotlight the Former Broodmare division winners at this year's Thoroughbred Makeover and National Symposium, presented by Thoroughbred Charities of America (TCA)! The 2025 Former Broodmare division was co-sponsored by Claiborne Farm and Lane's End Farm, with additional support from ASPCA Right Horse that allowed us to pay out to second place.

Barrel Racing:
🥇 239 Little Bop Peep, trained by Jordan Chernitsky
🥈 279 Nieve, trained by Meg Phillips

Competitive Trail:
🥇 220 Justastar, trained by Katherine Bacolas

Dressage:
🥇 375 Victoria E, trained by Doreen Durr
🥈 151 De Last Dance, trained by Jennifer Vickers Kelly

Eventing:
🥇 219 Justa Scoch, trained by Kimberly Keith

Freestyle:
🥇 148 Corner Three, trained by Wendy Lind
🥈 151 De Last Dance, trained by Jennifer Vickers Kelly

Ranch Work:
🥇 220 Justastar, trained by Katherine Bacolas

Show Hunter:
🥇 375 Victoria E, trained by Doreen Durr

Show Jumper:
🥇 219 Justa Scoch, trained by Kimberly Keith

11/05/2025

DID YOU KNOW: Team application is an option for the Thoroughbred Makeover, the largest and most lucrative retraining competition for recently-retired racehorses?

Teams, as defined by the Makeover rulebook, include a minimum of two trainers who share in the Makeover process and compete the horse at the event itself. Team entry is intended to accommodate collegiate or scholastic teams, riding stables, professionals and clients, or families, and we've seen success from all of these configurations!

Learn more about the Thoroughbred Makeover and the application process at https://bit.ly/4oSfbtZ
The 2026 Thoroughbred Makeover rulebook is expected to be published in early December.

11/04/2025

We want to acknowledge one more time our Best Conditioned Award winners from each discipline at the 2025 Thoroughbred Makeover! This award, selected by discipline stewards, honors the horse in the best body condition in each discipline. Winners received a trophy halter donated by KBC Horse Supplies.

Barrel Racing: 268 Origami, trained by Dallas Birdrattler
Competitive Trail: 177 Glossy Life, trained by Nikki Burns
Dressage: 289 Patou Road, trained by Marty Riney
Eventing: 343 Sound Recall, trained by Alena Collins
Field Hunter: 198 Hay Room, trained by Samantha Maroko
Freestyle: 141 Class Wizard, trained by Grace Houghton
Polo: 226 Kitty Quick, trained by Samantha Leach
Ranch Work: 242 Logan's Red Falcon, trained by Liz Miller
Show Hunter: 316 Rock Island, trained by Meghan Fuller
Show Jumper: 327 Sarpedon, trained by Bonnie Coulter
Broodmare: 375 Victoria E, trained by Dorreen Durr

11/03/2025

NEW in the RRP Education Library: it's getting to be that time of year again, where you may be rehabbing a new-to-you Thoroughbred who needs stall rest, or else inclement weather keeps your horses inside more than you may like.

Extended stall time can take a toll on both their mental and physical health, sometimes leading to the development or worsening of behaviors such as pawing, weaving or stall walking. But with a bit of creativity, you can find plenty of enrichment approaches that can help your OTTB stay mentally engaged and more comfortable while confined.

In this guide equine behavior experts share practical ideas you can try at home to support your horse’s well-being during stall rest or periods of limited turnout.

Read now in the RRP Education Library:

Here’s how to reduce boredom when stall confinement is necessary.

10/31/2025

Happy Halloween! We love this seasonal tradition from our friends at Keeneland.

10/30/2025

THE RRP STORE IS BACK!

Thanks for your patience as we unpacked and restocked after a great week at the 2025 Thoroughbred Makeover: shop our fall looks now and layer up for cooler weather! We've got the gear you love in your favorite brands for you and your horse. Shop now at https://bit.ly/4ntvCf6

10/29/2025

Missed the 2025 Thoroughbred Makeover Championships in person? Recordings of all ten discipline championship rounds are now available on our YouTube channel! Watch the best from the 2025 Thoroughbred Makeover compete for top honors and over $139,000 in prize money, and get inspired to throw your own hat in the ring for 2026.

View videos now at https://bit.ly/47TfVs7

10/28/2025

Were you inspired by the 2025 Thoroughbred Makeover and want to apply for 2026? Our "Want to Apply?" guide has been updated with all the basic information you need to know about applications, fees, horse eligibility, and dates/timelines.

Our 2026 rulebook will be released in December, but in the meantime, you can learn more about the application process, work on your application videos, and research if your prospective horse is eligible.

Get all the information you need to know at https://bit.ly/4nsW9sW

10/27/2025

With the recent successes of Thoroughbreds on cross-country day at the Maryland 5*, the breed has refocused some attention from both the equestrian and racing industries about its prowess in the sport of eventing -- and for good reason. Many riders hail Thoroughbreds as the safest steeds cross-country: is there truth to this claim?

Read this piece now in the free RRP Education Library:

Many riders hail Thoroughbreds as the safest steeds cross-country; is there truth to this claim?

10/24/2025

Big thanks to America's Best Racing for hosting Thoroughbred Makeover trainer blogs again in 2025! Our bloggers are submitting their Makeover recaps now through November: here is Lindsay Gilbert's reflection on her experience preparing two horses for this year's event.

Read now:

Another Thoroughbred Makeover is in the books, and what a week it was. Between the rain, the long days, and the incredible athletes we competed against, it’s safe to say this year’s event was one for the memory books. Bringing both Imposing Ruler – aka “Henry” – and Gray Magician made fo...

10/23/2025

Are you in the market for a well-started Thoroughbred for sport or recreation? There are still many horses available in the Makeover Marketplace, presented by Churchill Downs! All horses are Makeover graduates, meaning that they've undergone a thoughtful transition from racing to careers beyond. Horses are listed both for sale and adoption.

Browse available horses at https://www.therrp.org/marketplace

10/22/2025

The Fair Hill leg of The Real Rider Cup enjoyed its new home on the schedule of events at the MARS Maryland 5 Star at Fair Hill p/b Brown Advisory, concluding a gorgeous day of cross country where the Thoroughbred reigned supreme. The Real Rider Cup charity show jumping competition brings together personalities from across the breeding, racing, and sport horse industries to increase awareness and raise funds for Thoroughbred aftercare, with each rider pledging to raise at least $1,000.

Read more:

The Fair Hill leg of the Real Rider Cup enjoyed its new home on the schedule of events at the MARS Maryland 5 Star at Fair Hill presented by Brown Advisory, concluding a gorgeous day of cross country where the Thoroughbred reigned supreme.