An over due program is now being launched by the Jockey Club to promote the versatility of the Thoroughbred horse breed off of the racetrack. The Thoroughbred Incentive Program (T.I.P.) is a program being launched by the Jockey Club to promote how versatile the Thoroughbred horse is at doing many other disciplines besides racing. The Jockey Club committed $100,000 to T.I.P. for this pilot program in 2012.
The Jockey Club announced that as of now there are 167 horse shows from 26 states and two Canadian provinces, starting this weekend with a horse trial in Twin Rivers Ranch in Paso Robles, CA., have been approved for participation in its T.I.P.
The Jockey Club created and announced in October 2011 T.I.P. which recognizes and rewards the versatility of the Thoroughbred through sponsorship of Thoroughbred classes and high point awards at T.I.P. sanctioned horse shows. In total more than 4,000 ribbons and 500 prizes will be available for Thoroughbreds at horse shows across the country, with winning Thoroughbreds receiving cash prizes, T.I.P. logo saddle pads, and ribbons.
The response to the T.I.P. program has been great and the hope is that the program will promote the retraining and adoption of more off the track retired Thoroughbred racehorses to new careers.
There are also two annual, non-competition T.I.P. awards now available on the website, with an application deadline of June 30. The T.I.P. Thoroughbred Horse of the Year Award will recognize a Thoroughbred that has excelled in a non-competitive career, such as equine-assisted therapy or police work. This award includes a $5,000 grant to the non-profit organization that is associated with the horse, or if not associated with a non-profit a charity chosen by the Jockey Club.
So those of you in the Kentuckiana area who show off the track thoroughbreds or host horse shows what are you waiting for get those T.I.P. classes approved.
For more information on the Thoroughbred Incentive Program or to find sanctioned shows go to their website here.
Photo: Courtesy of Anna Blanton
