After a two-year pause due to the pandemic, New Vocations Racehorse Adoption Program will host its fifth Annual Open Barn & BBQ Friday, Apr. 29 from 3-8:30 p.m. at the program's Lexington, KY facility.
This year's event–held concurrently with the Land Rover Kentucky Three-Day Event, which will take place at the nearby Kentucky Horse Park–will be part of the nation's oldest and largest racehorse adoption charity's year-long 30th Anniversary celebration.
“We can't wait to welcome guests back to New Vocations at Mereworth Farm,” said Anna Ford, New Vocations' Thoroughbred Program Director. “We've made a few exciting changes to the event this year and this Open Barn & BBQ will be the best one yet.”
Guests can expect an expanded educational program featuring live demos by: retired GI Kentucky Oaks and Breeders' Cup-winning jockey, aftercare advocate and OTTB trainer Rosie Napravnik; New Vocations' Lexington Trainer and Facility Director Leandra Cooper; and Veterinarian Dr. Sarah Escaro.
Jen Roytz–manager of Brownstead Farm, past executive director of the Retired Racehorse Project and an OTTB owner and rider–will moderate the sessions. Attendees will have the chance to meet adoptable horses, tour the facility's barns, enjoy live music from Trippin' Roots and partake in a celebratory 30th Anniversary dessert. Guests will be able to enjoy delicious delights from four food trucks and a boutique bar (two drinks included with each ticket), featuring the event's signature Peach Kentucky Mule or other selections from Jackson Family Wines, Braxton Brewing, Pinhook Bourbon and Tito's Handmade Vodka.
Guests can also bid on exciting items and experiences (including a trip to Africa) in the always-popular silent auction and–new for 2022–will have the chance to try their luck in a wine pull. All proceeds from these fundraisers will go directly to support New Vocations' mission to rehab, retrain and rehome retired racehorses.
Gates will open at 3:00 p.m. with the first demo getting underway at 4:00 p.m. Tickets are still available and can be purchased here ($30 for adults, $10 for children 12 and under). Proceeds from the event will benefit New Vocations Racehorse Adoption Program, a 501(c)(3) charitable organization.
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