The Thoroughbred Makeover is a training competition designed to showcase the versatility and athleticism of the Thoroughbred horse. The most lucrative of any training competition of its kind, the event offers at least $100,000 in prize money, distributed across top finishers in 10 disciplines. Riders (referred to as “trainers” regardless of profes- sional status) first apply to participate based on their demonstrated riding ability. Once accepted, trainers then register a recently retired racehorse and prepare it over the course of the year, culminating in competition in October in the heart of the Thoroughbred racing industry at the iconic Kentucky Horse Park in Lexington, Kentucky. Formats for competition are designed to test the quality and progress of each horse’s training.
The Thoroughbred Makeover and National Symposium takes place at the Kentucky Horse Park on October 12-15, 2022. It includes seminars, a vendor fair, a horse sale (the Makeover Marketplace), and the Thoroughbred Makeover competition itself.
The Thoroughbred Makeover and National Symposium is organized by the Retired Racehorse Project (RRP), a 501(c)(3) charitable organization dedicated to facilitating placement of Thoroughbred ex-racehorses in second careers.
The RRP created the Thoroughbred Makeover to showcase the trainability and talent of off-track Thoroughbreds, and to inspire trainers to secure the futures of these animals through correct and thorough re-training. In addition to benefiting the horses, the Thoroughbred Makeover is intended to help trainers establish themselves professionally or as amateurs in their respective disciplines. Without good trainers, Thoroughbred racehorses cannot become great riding horses.Learn more at www.tbmakeover.org.
2022 RETIRED RACEHORSE PROJECT THOROUGHBRED MAKEOVER RULEBOOK
| The 2022 update of the rulebook for the Thoroughbred Makeover and National Symposium, presented by Thoroughbred Charities of America, is now available.Notable rule changes for 2022:All applicants, regardless of past Makeover experience, must submit video no more than two years old demonstrating riding ability on the flat as well as any discipline-specific skills, such as a barrel pattern, cattle work, stick and ball work, or obstacle work. All applicants declaring expertise in a jumping discipline should furnish video demonstrating a course at 2’6” or higher. All video should be submitted on a more finished horse, not current Makeover hopefulsAll team members must submit an application. The application fee for team captains remains at $300; the application fee for team members is $150Ribbons (1st-10th) and special awards will be awarded at a Friday night competitors’ party based on preliminary competition. The top five in each discipline will return for Saturday’s Finale, which will be judged on a blank slate and placed as separate championship eventThe 2022 Thoroughbred Makeover Rulebook outlines all rules and information relevant to the competition, with changes for 2022 marked in red and clarifying information marked in blue. |
Still not sure if the Thoroughbred Makeover is right for you? Check out “Want to Apply?” at TBMakeover.org!
2022 RETIRED RACEHORSE PROJECT THOROUGHBRED MAKEOVER APPLICATION TIMELINE
Starting on Wednesday, December 15, the trainer application will be available for preview and drafting at TBMakeover.org. You’ll be able to work on your application and save your progress within the trainer portal.
Starting on Monday, January 3, 2022, trainer applications can be submitted with all required additional documents (signed waiver, letter of recommendation from a vet, riding videos, and application fee), through end of business day on Friday, January 21, 2022.