The Jockey Club announced Feb. 28 that 167 horse shows from 26 states and two Canadian provinces--starting this weekend with a horse trial at Twin Rivers Ranch in Paso Robles, Ca.-- have been approved for participation in its Thoroughbred Incentive Program.
Created in October 2011, T.I.P. recognizes and rewards the versatility of the Thoroughbred through sponsorship of Thoroughbred classes and high point awards at sanctioned horse shows. The Jockey Club has committed $100,000 to T.I.P for the pilot program in 2012.
Representatives of horse shows were invited to apply for sponsorship with a deadline of Nov. 30, 2011, for 2012 horse shows. In the six weeks following the announcement, 211 applications were received.
“The response to the Thoroughbred Incentive Program has been immensely gratifying,” said Kristin Hix, legal associate for The Jockey Club and the administrator of T.I.P., in a release. “This program will help showcase and reward the breed’s many talents at all levels of competition and will encourage the retraining of Thoroughbreds once they have finished their racing or breeding careers.”
In total, more than 4,000 ribbons and 500 prizes will be available for Thoroughbreds in horse shows across the country, with the winning Thoroughbreds receiving cash prizes, T.I.P. logo saddle pads, and ribbons.
A new website for T.I.P., located at www.tjctip.com, now features a searchable calendar of events and will eventually include the names of Thoroughbreds that win T.I.P. prizes and awards.
Applications for two annual, non-competition T.I.P. awards are now available on the website, with an application deadline of June 30.