Anna Ford

The 23rd New Vocations All-Thoroughbred Charity Horse Show Presented by Heider Family Stables raised over $180,000 to support racehorse aftercare, New Vocations announced Wednesday. Proceeds from the event, which was held May 29-31 at Highfields Event Center in Aiken, SC, went directly towards New Vocations' efforts to rehab, retrain and rehome retiring racehorses. The charity show brought together over 150 exhibitors from a dozen different states, all showcasing the versatility of their off-track Thoroughbreds. The show featured a wide range of classes including hunter, jumper, in-hand, Western and lead line....

Edited Press Release New Vocations Racehorse Adoption Program is set to host its 23rd Annual All-Thoroughbred Charity Horse Show from May 29- 31 at Highfields Event Center in Aiken, SC. Proudly returning as title sponsor is Heider Family Stables, a dedicated supporter of the organization's mission and Thoroughbred aftercare. "We've been longtime supporters of New Vocations. Terrific leadership and dedicated individuals who make it happen on a day-to-day basis make it a must-support for us in the Thoroughbred industry," said Scott and Cindy Heider. "It's an important part of our...

In 2011, I attended the meeting at Belmont Park that launched the creation of the TAA. I'll never forget how passionate Mike Repole was in that meeting as he paced back and forth leading the conversation that no one wanted to lead. One thing everyone agreed upon was that something needed to be done to fund and monitor aftercare. That was a huge accomplishment and pointed the industry in the right direction for both funding and accreditation. However, the goal was for both funding and infrastructure to grow over time,...

The New Vocations Racehorse Adoption Program will move through a period of transition with founder Dot Morgan stepping down from her role as executive director and Anna Ford taking the reins as the organization enters a new chapter. Morgan's personal mission to ensure racehorses a future beyond the track has grown into a national aftercare model in the 34 years since its start. Currently, New Vocations operates nine facilities across multiple states and serves more than 600 horses annually, providing rehabilitation, retraining, and rehoming services to both Thoroughbreds and Standardbreds....

Retired jockey and Thoroughbred aftercare advocate Rosie Napravnik will return to Fair Grounds Race Course & Slots on Saturday, Jan. 3 to lead the sixth annual "New Vocations Day at the Races." A four-time local riding champion who was instrumental in the opening of the New Vocations facility in Covington, Louisiana, Napravnik will join the Fair Grounds' broadcast team to help build awareness, promote success stories, provide adoption options and inspire donations for Thoroughbred aftercare. "I am very proud to be part of the sixth annual New Vocations Day at...

The New Vocations Racehorse Adoption Program will raise over $100,000 in its 16th Annual Breeders' Cup Pledge, the organization announced Tuesday. This year's results were boosted by two Future Stars Friday winners connected to pledge participants: Ted Noffey (Into Mischief), representing Spendthrift Farm and Todd Pletcher, and Gstaad (GB) (Starspangledbanner {Aus}), representing Coolmore and Partners. Additionally, multiple pledged horses also placed throughout the Breeders' Cup, including Brussels (Ire) (Wootton Bassett {GB}), Percy's Bar (Upstart), Ground Support (Army Mule), Citizen Bull (Into Mischief), Chancer McPatrick (McKinzie), The Lion in Winter (Ire)...

New Vocation has launched its 16th annual Breeders' Cup Pledge, giving contenders the opportunity to donate a percentage of their earnings from the championships to support the charity's mission of rehabilitating, retraining, and rehoming retired racehorses. Since its inception in 2009, the pledge has raised more than $1.2 million for aftercare. This year, in conjunction with New Vocations' recently launched Capital Campaign Phase II, participants in the pledge will receive a complimentary personalized brick, which will be placed along the walkway at the organization's Lexington facility. "We are very grateful...

Edited Press Release New Vocations Racehorse Adoption Program has officially launched the Phase 2 Capital Campaign to expand operations at its Lexington, Kentucky facility at Mereworth Farm. In August, construction began on a new barn and office expansion, a project that will enable New Vocations to serve more retired racehorses as they transition into second careers. New Vocations has set a $1-million goal for the campaign, which will cover the expansion costs as well as additional capital improvements to the facility. The campaign was jump-started by a generous $300,000 lead...

The 22nd Annual All-Thoroughbred Charity Horse Show hosted by New Vocations Racehorse Adoption Program is set for May 30-June 1 at Highfields Event Center in Aiken, SC, the organization announced via press release. The largest annual fundraiser for New Vocations, the event promotes the versatility and adaptability of retired racehorses. Many industry organizations like the various HBPA chapters and individual stables or farms are returning as supporters and sponsors for the event. There will be a variety of classes for Thoroughbreds, including hunter, jumper, combined test, pleasure, in-hand, dressage and...

New Vocations will host its 8th Annual Open Barn & BBQ, presented by Seidman Stables, on Thursday, Apr. 24 from 4:40 pm to 9pm. The event, which will be held at the program's Lexington, Kentucky facility at Mereworth Farm, will again be free and open to the public. The Open Barn & BBQ--held concurrently with the Defender Kentucky Three-Day Event, taking place at the Kentucky Horse Park--will feature educational seminars along with the chance to meet adoptable horses while touring the facility. "We look forward to welcoming guests to New...

Retired jockey and horse advocate Rosie Napravnik will be on site at Fair Grounds Race Course to spearhead the fifth annual "New Vocations Day at the Races" Feb. 22. A four-time local riding champion who was instrumental in the opening of the New Vocations facility in Covington, Louisiana, Napravnik will join the Fair Grounds' broadcast team to help build awareness, promote success stories, provide adoption options and inspire donations for Thoroughbred aftercare. "I am very proud to be part of the fifth annual New Vocations Day at Fair Grounds," Napravnik...

The Retired Racehorse Project will once again host virtual conferences in February to raise awareness during Aftercare Industry Month (AIM), presented by Thoroughbred Education and Research Foundation, the nonprofit aftercare program said in a press release on Friday. The sessions are open to anyone with a professional interest in Thoroughbred aftercare from any cross section of the industry. Four webinars 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. AIM will include...