In its 20th year since inception, the New Vocations All-Thoroughbred Charity Horse Show Presented by Heider Family Stables raised more than $175,000. All proceeds from the show go directly to support New Vocations' efforts to rehab, retrain and rehome retiring racehorses.
Held at Highfields Event Center in Aiken, SC, New Vocations' 20th Annual show brought together over 150 retired Thoroughbred racehorses from nine states, showcasing the versatility of the breed. Both familiar faces and new, excited exhibitors competed in a variety of classes including dressage, hunter, jumper, in-hand, western and pleasure.
“To say we like to support New Vocations and their work with retired racehorses would be a big understatement. Seeing these beautiful animals repurposed is the right and responsible next step. To the dedicated New Vocations staff and all the volunteers, we say a heartfelt “thank you” for your amazing work. We're already looking forward to next year's Charity Show,” shared Scott & Cindy Heider, Heider Family Stables.
“I'll never forget our first show two decades ago, which was the first of its kind. It's been wonderful to see the event grow and play a large role in our efforts to spotlight the Thoroughbred's versatility while raising much needed funds for our program,” said Anna Ford, New Vocations Thoroughbred Program Director. “We are very grateful for the continued support from our sponsors, many of which are Thoroughbred owners, breeders and industry organizations. It is through their support that we are able to put on such a first class show year after year.”
Show highlights included:
● Reclaiming their title, the winner of the Open Hunter Derby was Atticus, shown again by Mandy Lynch. Registered with The Jockey Club as Sir Hector, this 2003 Indiana-bred gelding by Bates Motel had two starts in his racing career.
● Winner of the Open Jumper Stake was Sky Full of Stars, shown by Brayden Gault. Registered with The Jockey Club as Platinum of Course, this 2014 Florida-bred mare by Awesome of Course had five starts in her racing career.
● Winner of the War Horse In-Hand class, with Mind Magic shown by Julie Goodell. The 2012 New York-bred gelding by Freud had 58 starts in his racing career and $107,817 in earnings.
At the show's exhibitor party, New Vocations also presented several special awards recognizing the following entrants:
● The youngest Thoroughbred competing (Keen Not Mean foaled March 19, 2020)
● The oldest Thoroughbred competing (Bold Esteta foaled March 22, 1994)
● The Thoroughbred who sold for the highest price at auction (New Vocations Graduate: Diamond Bachelor, $570,000)
● The Thoroughbred with the most career starts (Pharaoh's City, 80 starts)
● The Thoroughbred with the highest earnings (Gottcha Gold earning $933,570)
● The most recently raced Thoroughbred (New Vocations Graduate: Igottahaveit, 1/21/2023)
New Vocations is already gearing up for the 2024 All-Thoroughbred Horse Show. Dates and additional details will be available at newvocations.org/events and on New Vocations' social media channels as they become available.
About New Vocations: Founded in 1992, New Vocations has grown into the largest racehorse adoption charity in the country. Its mission to rehabilitate, retrain and rehome retired racehorses has led to the placement of over 8,500 retiring Standardbreds and Thoroughbreds in experienced, loving homes since 1992. With nine facilities in six states, New Vocations works directly with racing owners and trainers seeking aftercare options to serve more than 550 retiring racehorses each year. Learn more at newvocations.org.
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