Increasing demand for thoroughbreds beyond racing

ImageImageImage

Is the Thoroughbred Makeover for me?

Winner's Circle
"[The Makeover] was an amazing opportunity to not only show but also see so many disciplines and watch these talented animals go from one discipline to the next with ease. The atmosphere was so light and friendly; even across disciplines there was so much support from everyone."
NATHAN BRADLEY, 2022 BILL KRAATZ THOROUGHBRED MAKEOVER AMBASSADOR AWARD WINNER

Before you apply

Here are some things to consider when deciding if the Thoroughbred Makeover is for you.

Community
The Makeover community is known for being welcoming and supportive -- it's often referred to as "the happiest horse show on earth!"
Cost
The fees you pay to the RRP to participate are probably the smallest part of the investment you'll make over the course of the year.
Environment
The Kentucky Horse Park is a big show atmosphere and a premier venue in the heart of the Thoroughbred Industry.
Competition
The tests asked of your horse at the Makeover are not for beginner or casual riders and require talent, tact, commitment, and patience.

Ready to apply?

Kick off your application process by familiarizing yourself with the event policies and competition formats.

Your Application

The purpose of the application process is for the RRP's application committee to make the best possible determination that you are capable of safely and competently restarting a Thoroughbred in your primary discipline of experience.
Application Components:
  • Trainer Details
  • Experience
  • Personal Narative
  • References
  • Videos, taken within two years of application submission (Video Guide)
  • Vet letter of recommendation (Sample)

Application Timeline:

  • December 18th, 2023: the application can be viewed and worked on as a savable draft starting on December 18th, 2023 through January 2nd, 2024.
  • January 2nd, 2024: during the application window, open January 2nd, 2024 through January 19th, 2024, you'll be able to submit your completed application.
  • January 19th, 2024: late application submissions are accepted until June 28th, 2024.

Late Applications:

Late applications are accepted January 19th, 2024 through June 28th, 2024. A waitlist is not being maintained at this time and late applications are subject to the standard review process with the addition of a late fee. Anyone wishing to submit an application may do so through the Trainer Portal.

Makeover Fees

Registration fees: collected upon application

  • $200 one-time annual trainer application fee, regardless of trainer status (individual, team captain, or team member)*
  • $150 horse registration fee per horse, billed to individuals and team captains

*Late trainer applications (received after 5 PM EST January 19th, 2024) will require a $300 trainer application fee, plus the $150 per horse the trainer intends to enter.

Final Entry fees: billed at the time of final entry August 1st through 15th

  • First discipline, including schooling and drug testing fees: $150 per horse
  • Second discipline: $100 per horse
  • Stalls (horses or tack, flat rate for the week): $225 per stall
  • Ship-ins (no stall): $60 per Final Entry form
  • Non-compete horse fee: $50 per horse*
  • ASPCA Makeover Marketplace listing per horse*
    • Standard: $60
    • Featured: $95
    • Premium: $110

*All participating horses that complete a final entry will require a first discipline fee and stall (or ship-in) fee at minimum. The rest of the fees are optional.

These fees and paperwork deadlines, along with all other event policies and discipline formats, apply to the new former broodmare division the same as they do the original retiring racehorse division. Details on fees, refund policies, deadlines, discipline formats, and event policies are fully outlined in the rulebook.

Have questions or need help?

Contact us via secretary@tbmakeover.org. Our office hours are Monday to Friday, 9 AM to 5 PM and our staff are always happy to help!

SEARCH


Sign up for our education newsletter