Entries are being taken for the inaugural show for off-the-track Thoroughbreds conducted by the Thoroughbred Horse Show Association April 14-15 at the Kentucky Horse Park.
The TBHS Spring Show is geared for Thoroughbreds just starting their show careers with entry-level divisions in multiple disciplines, including dressage, combined training, hunter/jumper, and competitive trail riding. TBHS will hold a second show at the Horse Park Oct. 6-7, and is working with rescue organizations and others to hold additional events.
“I've received phone calls from people who are interested in the show from West Virginia, South Carolina, Georgia, Tennessee, Texas, and Washington, D.C., in addition to Kentucky,” said TBHS executive director Jan Roehl in a release. “One woman from West Virginia said she wanted to bring her ex-racehorses just so she could ride them at the Kentucky Horse Park. Some people want to come a day or two early to enjoy Lexington.”
TBHS (www.tbhorseshow.org) was founded in 2011 by a group of Central Kentuckians interested in creating opportunities to showcase the talent and competitive spirit of off-the-track Thoroughbreds. Horses must be entered in the TBHS shows using their registered names with The Jockey Club.
Horses competing in the TBHS Spring Show will be eligible for The Jockey Club Thoroughbred Incentive Program High Point Awards. The Jockey Club will award ribbons, prizes, and $100 to the winner with the highest number of points in the following divisions: Starter Hunter, Hunter, Jumper, Beginner Novice Combined Test, Training Level Dressage, and First Level Dressage.
The opening reception for participants on April 13 will include a talk with Susan Posner about how to get the most from a Thoroughbred in the dressage ring. Posner is a noted dressage trainer who has ridden and trained ex-racehorses.
The show also will include a seminar titled “Ins and Outs of Feeding Your OTTB” with Kristen Janicki from Buckeye Feeds; tips from hunter judge Shelley Mann on show ring etiquette and what to do if things don't go as planned in the show ring; and a presentation about success in showmanship by Samantha Kline. Former jockey P.J. Cooksey, director of public relations for the Kentucky Horse Racing Commission, will emcee the opening reception and present awards.
Information about the event, including a schedule and class list, class descriptions, rules and information and entry form, is available at www.tbhorseshow.org.
For general information about TBHS, contact Jan Roehl at (859) 559-1409 or jan@tbhorseshow.org.
