New Vocations Racehorse Adoption Program has announced its 2014 ambassadors selected to represent the organization and help promote retired racehorses in second careers.
Launched earlier this year, the ambassador program is offered to equestrians who have adopted a horse from New Vocations and wish to assist the organization in educating the equestrian community on the athleticism, heart, and versatility of retired racehorses.
New Vocations originally expected to start with 10 ambassadors. But with the overwhelming response of adopters who applied to participate by submitting photos and videos on why they would be the ideal ambassador, the program decided to increase the number to 16 for 2014.
"We are extremely pleased to have 16 highly qualified equestrians promote racehorse adoptions in their chosen discipline this year," said Anna Ford, New Vocations program director, in a release. "On any given day we have over 70 horses in our program needing a new home, so it's crucial that we continue to seek ways to educate the public about our program and the versatility of retired racehorses."
This year's Thoroughbred ambassadors are: New Vocations Thoroughbred Jill Stowe and Dundee; Laura Vorwerk and Sam P; Alexandra Gainer and Gone Ballistic; Peggy O'Neill and Patty Wagon; Abigail Gentry with Bridlemeup and Chanttoomuch; Laura Norton and Angel's Tune; Mary McDonald and Russian Ally; Monica Vollmer and Yankee Wonder; and Nicole Schimweg and Tina H.
Each ambassador will be responsible for promoting New Vocations at various events and shows throughout the year by handing out program literature, displaying banners, and wearing New Vocations apparel.
Ambassadors will have their own individual blog page on the New Vocations website where they can post about their show experiences as well as share photos and video clips taken at the events. Their equine partners will have an equally important mission to represent retired racehorses as top athletes capable of successfully competing in a variety of disciplines.
The disciplines that will be represented this year include: dressage, eventing, hunter/jumpers, endurance, saddleseat, and driving.