Feb 07, 2017

578 Trainers Named for 2017 Thoroughbred Makeover, 222 Potential Entries for Eventing

By Retired Racehorse Project - Press Release
Photo via Retired Racehorse Project's Facebook Page. Wendy Wooley/EquiSport Photo.

The Retired Racehorse Project announced today that 578 trainers have been accepted to compete for their share of $100,000 in prize money at the 2017 Thoroughbred Makeover at the Kentucky Horse Park on October 5-8. The trainers approved to compete this year, 65 of whom expect to bring two horses, include some of the most highly respected in their disciplines.

Trainers were approved based on evidence of ability to effectively introduce an off-track Thoroughbred with no experience outside racing to one or two of the ten Thoroughbred Makeover disciplines, demonstrating that horse’s talent and trainability. Skills and experience were evaluated based on applications that included competition highlights, references, and video links.

“We were overwhelmed, not only by the number of applications, but also by the quality,” said RRP President Steuart Pittman. “The performances on the first weekend of October could be more awe-inspiring than what we saw last year, and the selection of carefully chosen, well-started Thoroughbred sport horses for sale will be vast. People should pencil this weekend in on their calendars now.”

Each trainer must acquire a Thoroughbred that meets the competition’s guidelines. Two hundred-thirty have registered their horses already and the others are shopping at racetracks, on social media, at aftercare facilities, and on the RRP Horse Listings. The horses may not have started second career training before the December 1 opening date, and must have raced or had a published work after July 1, 2015. Racing owners may list their horses on the RRP web site as Makeover-eligible.

Trainers are approved based on their skills in a primary discipline, but may compete at the Makeover in one or two of ten sports depending on aptitude shown during the training process. The disciplines offered, with numbers of trainers identifying each as their primary, are as follows: eventing (182), show hunter (126), show jumper (77), dressage (63), barrel racing (31), competitive trails (27), field hunters (20), polo (19), working ranch (17), and freestyle (16).

The field of trainers is comprised of 49% professionals, 39% amateurs, and 12% juniors. They are from 44 states, two Canadian provinces, and England, with the highest representation from Pennsylvania (63), Kentucky (61), Virginia (45), Maryland (38), Ohio (31), Michigan (29), Florida (28), New York (26), Georgia (26), and Ontario (25). Twenty-one will travel from the west coast states of California (16), Oregon (3), and Washington (2), and two will fly from England.

Trainers entered for the discipline of eventing include heavy hitters such as Cathy Wieschhoff, Jessica Bortner-Harris, Dorothy Crowell, Brittany Kart, Ian Roberts, Elisa Wallace and many more. Click here for a complete list of trainers.

"Everybody should attend the Makeover,” said Lauren Turner, winner on Fairway King of the dressage division and overall title of America’s Most Wanted Thoroughbred. "It is the most diverse gathering of horse trainers in the competition industry. I learned so much last year from trainers in other sports and am looking forward to reuniting with them and their new horses this October."

May 09, 2025 Convention

Experience the Spirit of New Orleans at this Year’s USEA Annual Meeting & Convention

The United States Eventing Association, Inc. (USEA) is excited to head to Area V this Dec. 11-14 for the 2025 USEA Annual Meeting & Convention in the vibrant city of New Orleans, Louisiana! Known for its rich history, world-class jazz, and electrifying Mardi Gras celebrations, New Orleans will set the stage for a lively week of discussion and education on the most important topics in the sport of eventing. Gather your fellow members and meet us to celebrate the last year of success in “The Big Easy!”

May 08, 2025 Competitions

Tom McEwen and JL Dublin are Stars of the Show at the MARS Badminton Horse Trials

The Olympic gold medallists Tom McEwen and JL Dublin lit up the arena at the MARS Badminton Horse Trials with a stunning performance and took the lead after the first day of dressage with the excellent mark of 22.4. They have almost five penalties over second-placed Emily King and Valmy Biats on 27.3.

May 08, 2025 Education

Pressure Proof Tip with Daniel Stewart: Reframing Isn't About Hanging Pictures

At some point in your riding career, you probably found yourself feeling or dealing with a little fear, failure, or frustration. We’ve all been there. Regardless of whether we’re competitive or recreational, we’ve likely found ourselves getting a bit stuck on stress or a struggle; dealing with a little defeat or disappointment, or feeling overwhelmed or underprepared.

May 07, 2025 Interscholastic

Through the Lens: 2025 USEA Intercollegiate & Interscholastic Eventing Championships

We might still be recovering physically from the excitement of the 2025 USEA Intercollegiate & Interscholastic Eventing Championships, but mentally we keep playing the weekend over and over again in our heads. This is a weekend that many eventers and lovers of the sport all over the country (ourselves included) look forward to each year and this year was no exception. From teams getting to experience their first time ever at the championship to mascots swapping gear in a show of camaraderie, there were so many great moments that took place during this year's end-of-the-school-year event. Take a look at some of our favorite moments from the three day competition below!

Official Corporate Sponsors of the USEA

Official Joint Therapy Treatment of the USEA

Official Feed of the USEA

Official Saddle of the USEA

Official Forage of the USEA

Official Competition & Training Apparel of the USEA

Official Horse Boot of the USEA

Official Shock Wave of the USEA

Official Horse Wear of the USEA