Can You Rise to the RRP’s Challenge?

November 23, 2021

211011 RRP FR 6 copy

From sport of kings to kings of sport…

The RRP works to increase demand and value for Thoroughbreds after racing, empowering horse owners with the skills and knowledge to achieve success with them in equestrian sports.

The results speak for themselves.
Aftercare industry professionals have seen unprecedented interest, translating to record numbers of horses placed. Adoption and purchase prices for Thoroughbreds at the conclusion of their racing careers have increased steadily in recent years.

More horses are gaining a solid foundation of retraining after racing, finding suitable homes and offering their new connections years of enjoyment and athletic viability.

211013 RRP FR 15 copy
Since 2013:
8 Thoroughbred Makeovers
3,600+ Horses Impacted

It is thanks to the generosity of supporters like you that the popularity of Thoroughbreds is on the rise, and with your help we can do even more.

The RRP’s board president, Dr. Carolyn Karlson, has issued a challenge.
For every donation made between now and the end of the year, Dr. Karlson will match it dollar-for-dollar up to $25,000. Click here to donate now

Donors or fundraisers of over $200 will receive a ChicoBag zipper pouch. Donate or fundraise over $500 and receive a tumbler.
211013 RRP FR 73
Now through Giving Tuesday: Show Your Support on Facebook

Starting today through Giving Tuesday (November 30th), start a Facebook fundraiser for the Retired Racehorse Project paired with a photo of your favorite Thoroughbred and the reasons YOU believe in our market-based approach to aftercare.

The individual who raises the most funds for the RRP through their Facebook fundraiser will earn $100 in RRP Store credit!

In Other News

June 10, 2024

Anonymous Donor to Match $4,500 in RRP’s Fund-a-Need Campaign

This pledged contribution will be matched in a series of monthly fundraisers to double the impact of donations.…
Read More
Featured image for “Anonymous Donor to Match $4,500 in RRP’s Fund-a-Need Campaign”
June 3, 2024

2024 Thoroughbred Makeover Ambassador Award Now Open for Nomination

The award is now designed to recognize a Thoroughbred Makeover graduate horse which has gone on to serve as an ambassador for the athleticism and trainability of the retired racehorse in its career beyond racing…
Read More
Featured image for “2024 Thoroughbred Makeover Ambassador Award Now Open for Nomination”
May 29, 2024

Thoroughbred Makeover Adds Clinic Opportunities

Clinics and guided schooling will be offered at the conclusion of preliminary competition for horses and their trainers that did not qualify for the Finale Championships.…
Read More
Featured image for “Thoroughbred Makeover Adds Clinic Opportunities”
May 27, 2024

Selecting the Best Hay for Your OTTB

Understand the differences in hay available to your off-track Thoroughbred…
Read More
Featured image for “Selecting the Best Hay for Your OTTB”
May 24, 2024

May Trainer Newsletter: Upcoming Deadlines, Makeover Updates, and other Events

The 2024 Thoroughbred Makeover is fast approaching! Now is the time to make sure you are prepared for the upcoming deadlines such as horse registrations, entry type changes, jumping video submissions, and more. The Real Rider Cup and the Thoroughbred…
Read More
Featured image for “May Trainer Newsletter: Upcoming Deadlines, Makeover Updates, and other Events”
May 23, 2024

After the Races & Retired Racehorse Project Split Win in Resolute Racing’s Poker For Ponies Tournament

ATR and the RRP jointly announced their gratitude and appreciation for splitting the win in Resolute Racing’s Poker For Ponies Tournament earlier this month on May 1.…
Read More
Featured image for “After the Races & Retired Racehorse Project Split Win in Resolute Racing’s Poker For Ponies Tournament”
May 13, 2024

Picking Prospects May 2024

Makeover trainers evaluate sport horse potential based on conformation shots.…
Read More
Featured image for “Picking Prospects May 2024”
May 3, 2024

SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENT: HERO PICO Donated as Top Prize for Make the Makeover Fundraiser!

Great news, Thoroughbred Makeover class of 2024! Thanks to the incredible generosity of Magnus Magnetica, we’re thrilled to share with you today that we’re offering a TOP PRIZE for the Makeover trainer who raises the most funds for the RRP…
Read More
Featured image for “SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENT: HERO PICO Donated as Top Prize for Make the Makeover Fundraiser!”
April 30, 2024

The Real Rider Cup Announces 2024 Competition Dates

Mark your calendars: the friendly show jumping competition returns for 2024 to raise funds for Thoroughbred aftercare!…
Read More
Featured image for “The Real Rider Cup Announces 2024 Competition Dates”
April 29, 2024

Understanding Track Surfaces for Racehorse Safety

Consistency of racing surfaces at a track, between surfaces and from track to track is key for racehorse safety…
Read More
Featured image for “Understanding Track Surfaces for Racehorse Safety”
April 19, 2024

April Trainer Newsletter: EHV-1, KY3DE, and Fundraising Tips!

There are 189 days until the 2024 Thoroughbred Makeover, but who’s counting? Now that we have your attention, please take a moment to catch up with our April trainer newsletter. What follows is important information regarding your horse’s vaccination requirements,…
Read More
Featured image for “April Trainer Newsletter: EHV-1, KY3DE, and Fundraising Tips!”
April 15, 2024

The Thoroughbred Lovers’ Guide to the 2024 KY3DE

Join the RRP for Thoroughbred-centric activities at the Defender Kentucky Three-Day-Event, April 25-28!…
Read More
Featured image for “The Thoroughbred Lovers’ Guide to the 2024 KY3DE”
April 11, 2024

Erin Gilmore Photography Announced as Official Show Photographer of 2024 Thoroughbred Makeover

Erin Gilmore Photography covers internationally rated equestrian events as official photographer in the Northeast USA and beyond.…
Read More
Featured image for “Erin Gilmore Photography Announced as Official Show Photographer of 2024 Thoroughbred Makeover”
April 5, 2024

Save in the RRP Store in the Spring Fling Sale!

Score seasonal savings in the RRP Store and wear your OTTB pride.…
Read More
Featured image for “Save in the RRP Store in the Spring Fling Sale!”
March 25, 2024

Ask a Trainer: Introducing Lateral Work

Alison O’Dwyer shares her tried and true method to introduce lateral work to the green OTTB.…
Read More
Featured image for “Ask a Trainer: Introducing Lateral Work”
March 14, 2024

RRP Launches 2024 Thoroughbred Makeover Fundraising Initiatives

Learn more about the Make the Makeover and Fund-a-Need campaigns!…
Read More
Featured image for “RRP Launches 2024 Thoroughbred Makeover Fundraising Initiatives”
March 11, 2024

Building a Nutrition Plan for Your OTTB

How to feed your retired racehorse: Start with high-quality pasture and hay, then look to grain to shore up any deficiencies, consulting experts whenever possible.…
Read More
Featured image for “Building a Nutrition Plan for Your OTTB”
March 7, 2024

2024 Thoroughbred Makeover Vendor Fair Applications Now Open

Reserve your space by April 30 to secure early bird pricing!…
Read More
Featured image for “2024 Thoroughbred Makeover Vendor Fair Applications Now Open”
February 28, 2024

Tendon Injuries in Off-Track Thoroughbreds

If you give an OTTB with a tendon injury the time necessary to recover fully and are diligent about preventing re-injury, the horse can have a long, healthy second career.…
Read More
Featured image for “Tendon Injuries in Off-Track Thoroughbreds”
February 26, 2024

February Trainer Newsletter: Trainer Fundraiser, Marketing Opportunities, & Educational Resources

Earn a refund on your 2024 entry fees by participating in the new “Make the Makeover” fundraiser, find your audience in sharing your horse’s retraining journey, and start the process off right by utilizing RRP’s educational resources! Read the entirety…
Read More
Featured image for “February Trainer Newsletter: Trainer Fundraiser, Marketing Opportunities, & Educational Resources”
February 15, 2024

2024 Trainer Acceptance Letter

Congratulations! You are one of nearly 400 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 “2024 Trainer Acceptance Letter”
February 15, 2024

396 Trainers Accepted to 2024 Thoroughbred Makeover

Accepted trainers have signed up to bring a total of 416 horses.…
Read More
Featured image for “396 Trainers Accepted to 2024 Thoroughbred Makeover”
February 12, 2024

Picking Prospects: Spring 2024

Makeover trainers evaluate sport horse potential based on conformation shots.…
Read More
Featured image for “Picking Prospects: Spring 2024”
January 23, 2024

Strong to the Core: Under Saddle

Apply these techniques to build your OTTB’s second-career strength and agility…
Read More
Featured image for “Strong to the Core: Under Saddle”