Retired Racehorse Project

Nominations for the 2026 Bill Kraatz Thoroughbred Makeover Ambassador Award are now being accepted online, the Retired Racehorse Project (RRP) announced Friday. Named in memory of chief steward Bill Kraatz, the Ambassador Award recognizes a Thoroughbred Makeover graduate horse that exemplifies the athleticism, versatility, and trainability of the Thoroughbred beyond racing. The award celebrates horses that continue to make an impact after the Makeover, serving as ambassadors for the breed in a wide range of disciplines. Eligible horses include any Thoroughbred Makeover graduate, defined as any horse who was registered...

This season, The Retired Racehorse Project (RRP) will unveil Graduate Classes during its Thoroughbred Makeover and National Symposium, presented by Thoroughbred Charities of America. The Graduate Classes will provide an opportunity for Thoroughbred Makeover alumni to return to the Kentucky Horse Park and compete once again as part of the Thoroughbred Makeover experience. The Graduate Classes are open exclusively to any horse that was registered for the Thoroughbred Makeover in previous years, including those that are under new ownership or were withdrawn prior to the competition. This program provides an...

Kirsten Green, executive director of the Retired Racehorse Project, has been sworn in to serve on the Maryland Racing Commission, following an appointment by Governor Wes Moore and confirmation by the Executive Nominations Committee of the State Senate. "On behalf of the Maryland Racing Commission, I am honored to welcome Kirsten Green as a commissioner," said Chris Merz, executive director of the commission. "Kirsten's background in Thoroughbred aftercare and her passion for equine welfare will bring tremendous value to the commission's work. Her appointment reinforces a principle that must guide...

Nearly four years ago, I embarked on a mission to highlight the remarkable Thoroughbred while giving back to the aftercare system that supports them post-track. At that time, options for retiring Thoroughbreds were limited, and initiatives like the Retired Racehorse Project were just gaining traction. So, what is BEYOND the Backstretch (Btb)? At its core, Btb operates as a Thoroughbred Reinvestment Manager, where competition meets purpose. Our model creates a sustainable cycle: sponsors invest in horse shows by underwriting prizes and ribbons, which helps offset event costs. This allows entry...

Edited Press Release Officials from The Retired Racehorse Project (RRP) have announced today that Vendor Fair applications for the 2026 Thoroughbred Makeover and National Symposium, presented by Thoroughbred Charities of America, are now open. The Vendor Fair will run throughout the competition from Oct. 7-10 at the Kentucky Horse Park in Lexington. The Vendor Fair will return to Jay Trump Drive, overlooking the Stonelea Arena in the Hunter/Jumper Complex, in the middle of the action at the Thoroughbred Makeover. After a successful debut of the 10-discipline Makeover Championship format in...

Friday, Apr. 3 was my last day at my dream job. After seven years with the Retired Racehorse Project, a 501(c)3 non-profit, I stepped away from the role of managing director and an incredible team of passionate individuals working towards a simple goal in a complicated landscape: increasing demand for Thoroughbreds beyond racing. It was the perfect job for someone who grew up horse-crazy, blessed with a way with words but lacking the talent to make it as a full-time horsewoman in any aspect of the industry. I started in...

The Retired Racehorse Project has unveiled its 2026-2030 Strategic Plan which is designed to help the 501 (c)3 charitable organization expand support services, strengthen the Thoroughbred Makeover, and deepen collaboration across the racing, equestrian and aftercare sectors. The plan includes three priorities, which represent the RRP's commitment to building a more informed, unified, and sustainable future for the Thoroughbred aftercare community: Strengthen capacity through Thoroughbred Makeover refinement and renewed focus on supportive programming for anyone involved with the breed; Build and amplify the RRP's brand identity as a leading non-...

Edited Press Release The Retired Racehorse Project (RRP) and Virginia Tech jointly announced today the Thoroughbred Wellness Expo, which will take place Saturday, Feb, 28, at Virginia Tech's Marion duPont Scott Equine Medical Center in Leesburg, VA. The Thoroughbred Wellness Expo is a day of seminars and live demonstrations with a focus on soundness in the Thoroughbred athlete. Sessions are designed to empower and educate the equestrian to confidently partner with the breed. "We were delighted when the team at the Marion duPont Scott Equine Medical Center approached us about...

The Retired Racehorse Project's Aftercare Industry Month will return in February. The virtual conference is presented by Thoroughbred Education and Research Foundation and will take place throughout the month. Four webinar sessions will feature panelists representing the various branches of the aftercare industry, and will delve into a range of topics that pertain to everyone that works with Thoroughbreds transitioning to careers beyond racing. Virtual attendees may now register for either the entire conference, or individual sessions a la carte. A conference pass for all four sessions is $10 and...

The ASPCA Right Horse Scholarship will return for the 2026 Thoroughbred Makeover and National Symposium, presented by Thoroughbred Charities of America thanks to funding by the ASPCA Right Horse Reimagining Racers Grant, the Retired Racehorse Project announced Tuesday. The scholarship will fund the costs of one stall and first discipline fee for up to 50 eligible horses competing at the 2026 event, a minimum value of $405 per horse. The grant also funds $4,000 in additional prize money for the Former Broodmare division, awarding $400 to second-place finishers in each...

Five new members were elected to the Retired Racehorse Project (RRP) board and four to the advisory council, at the organization's December meeting, the RRP announced Monday. The five elected to the board are Vanessa Coleman, who succeeds Sarah Williams as Treasurer; Amanda Chance; Anne Guillory; Audra and Gary Mandella (sharing one seat); and Rosie Napravnik. The group will also replace the directors who completed their terms of service at the conclusion of 2025: Richard Lamb, Sissy Wickes, and Sarah Williams. Board members may serve up to two consecutive three-year...

The Retired Racehorse Project has launched its 2025 year-end giving campaign with a total goal of $100,000, including a $41,000 match pledge that will double contributions from donors who support the organization's charitable mission to increase demand for Thoroughbreds beyond racing. The match pledge has been donated by the combined efforts of Valerie Callcott-Stevens, Copper Beech Stables, Glen Hill Farm, the Happy Dog Fun, Carolyn Rice, and Thor-Bred Stables. "The RRP's programming focuses on supporting the broad tapestry of individuals and entities that are tied to the Thoroughbred, which is...