Photo courtesy of the Retired Racehorse Project.
You’ve got to give the fine folks at the Retired Racehorse Project (RRP) some major props for embracing the misfortune at is the entirety of 2020 and making the best of it. Their biggest event of the year, the Thoroughbred Makeover and National Symposium, was scheduled to be held this October but fell victim to the flurry of event cancellations asa result of the COVID-19 pandemic. Yet with an important mission still to accomplish — that of promoting finding second careers for ex-racehorses — the RRP has had, like many other organizations, to adapt and overcome the hurdles of 2020.
RRP has already announced that next year’s Thoroughbred Makeover will be double the fun and will include classes for both 2020 and 2021 eligible horses, the Makeover Marketplace will take place in a virtual format this year, they recently wrapped up an OTTB themed meme contest (check out the winners here for a laugh), and most recently they have announced their Make 2020 Over Virtual 5k which features the best race T-shirt that I’ve ever seen, frankly. You can receive the T-shirt by registering for the virtual race by October 7th. Not a runner, but still want the shirt? Heck, register anyway. It’s 2020 and we’re not going to judge! You’ll still be supporting the RRP’s mission after all.
You don’t have to wait until October to shop the Makeover Marketplace, though. Checkout these three eye-catching OTTBs who are currently listed:
Dazzling Deputy. Photo via RRP Makeover Marketplace.
Dazzling Deputy (GIANT GIZMO – CAM’S COUSIN, BY SILVER DEPUTY): 2013 16.1-hand Ontario-bred gelding
“Kind, attentive & brave gelding, which gives him the potential to excel in many directions. His training has focused on Dressage and Competitive Trail; however, he has also been started over fences and is schooling up to 2’. His level head would make him an excellent prospect as a Field Hunter or Eventer, and his eager-to-please temperament makes him suitable for a junior or adult amateur rider. He has both leads, but his right lead transition is currently a work in progress as he prefers to get into it through a flying change. We were planning on taking him to some historical reenactments this Fall, which is why you will notice a clip of us gun training him; he is literally bomb-proof! UTD on everything and microchipped. Big, strong feet. Has been approved to compete in RRP 2020 classes in Oct. 2021. Gets along well with other geldings. No vices.”
Located in Indianapolis, Indiana.
View Dazzling Deputy on the Makeover Marketplace.
Straightaway May. Photo via RRP Makeover Marketplace.
Straightaway May (HIGH COTTON – MAY RIVER, BY GULCH): 2014 16.1-hand Florida-bred gelding
“This sweet guy could easily step into any ring you ask him to. He will jump anything you put in front of him without hesitation, whether it’s in the hunter ring, jumper ring, or hacking out on the cross country course. He leads the way out on trails and enjoys a good snuggle. Incredibly brave, a quick learner, and always willing to please. Has local show miles, currently showing in 2’-2’6″ hunters, and has been schooled over starter height cross country jumps.”
Located in Archer, Florida.
View Straightaway May on the Makeover Marketplace.
Beat Yesterday. Photo via RRP Makeover Marketplace.
Beat Yesterday (MISSION IMPAZIBLE – RAH RAH, BY RAHY): 2015 15.3-hand New York-bred gelding
“Meet Beat Yesterday, who will be competing in the hunters/jumpers. But don’t let that fool you, this boy’s movements would get him noticed in the dressage ring as well. He hacks out alone, trail rides, goes bitless or in a rubber nathe. He has been started over jumps, participated in beginner walk/trot lessons, bathes and stands for the farrier. His sweet disposition would be an asset to any barn. He is our kids’ favorite snuggle bug and trail mount. Beats has gone in western and english tack although he is being trained predominantly hunter/jumper.”
Located in Bedford, Pennsylvannia.
