The Thoroughbred Horse Show Association was created to develop horse shows exclusively for Jockey Club registered Thoroughbreds. These shows are designed to showcase the versatility of the breed and its competitive spirit in their second careers after retiring from racing.
Shows are geared towards Thoroughbreds just starting out in their second show careers with entry level classes/divisions in multiple disciplines, including dressage, combined training, hunter/jumper, suitability for hunting, competitive trail riding. This allows adopters of off the track Thoroughbreds an opportunity to give their new Thoroughbred partners valuable show experience tailored just for their needs. It also showcases the great attributes these off the track Thoroughbreds bring to the table to help rescue organizations place Thoroughbreds up for adoption in new homes.
The Thoroughbred Horse Show Association will be hosting its Spring Show at the Kentucky Horse Park in Lexington, Kentucky on April 14-15, 2012. Schooling will be open for competitors on Friday, April 13 from 3 pm - 5 pm. A competitor reception will be held from 6 pm - 8:30 pm at the Kentucky Horse Park Visitors Center featuring a guest speaker, appetizers, and cash bar. The horse show will begin at 8 am on Saturday morning and continuing through Sunday with classes in Introduction to Competitive Trail Riding.
Through the Jockey Club Thoroughbred Incentive Fund (T.I.P.) ribbons, prizes, and $100. high point award will awarded to the winner with highest number of points in following divisions: Starter Hunter, Hunter, Jumper, Beginner Novice Combined Test, Training Level Dressage, and First Level Dressage. To find out more about the T.I.P. program you can go to a prior Louisville.com story written about the program here.
To find out more about the Thoroughbred Horse Show Association and access the full showbill you can go to their website here.
Louisville.com will also be having an upcoming feature article on the many Kentucky Thoroughbred rescue, adoption, and retirement organizations that are working hard to either find off the track Thoroughbreds new adoptive homes with second careers or safe retirement in facilities dedicated to their well being. This article is planned as a lead in to the Kentucky Derby. Look for it under the Equine category.
Photo: Logo courtesy of The Thoroughbred Horse Show Association
