Kirsten Green Named RRP Executive Director

Kirsten Green, the Retired Racehorse Project (RRP)'s managing director who served as interim executive director following the departure of Jen Roytz near the end of last year, has been named the new executive director of the organization. A national search by a hiring committee comprised of board members was conducted only to turn to Green, who is the RRP's longest-serving staff member.

“The hiring process made us hopeful for the future of Thoroughbred aftercare based on the quality of applicants who applied and their passion for the mission,” said RRP board chair Sue Smith. “After an extensive review process, the hiring committee ultimately made a determination based on the candidates' understanding of the industry, ability to guide and oversee a non-profit organization, and their vision for the future. We feel confident in our selection and are eager to expand our mission under Kirsten's leadership.”

A Maryland native, Green began as an RRP volunteer in 2012 and joined the organization in 2014. She has played an integral role in the RRP since, supporting its first two executive directors and ensuring the ongoing operations of the organization, implementation of events and initiatives, and serving as the direct report for an expanding staff. As executive director, Green will be responsible for building upon the partnerships established by Roytz with a particular focus on strategic planning and broadening the RRP's reach.

“Taking over the role of executive director for the RRP is an honor,” said Green. “Serving under Jen Roytz and Steuart Pittman has allowed me to experience the growth of the organization from the front row and to learn from their perspectives and vision. Through their leadership, the RRP has solidified itself as an essential part of the aftercare landscape, leveraging the market to find next-career paths for hundreds of horses annually and steadily increasing their value. I'm thankful to be following in their tracks as well as to have the support of an incredibly talented and passionate staff and a diverse and dynamic board of directors. I'm excited to work with each of them to advance our charitable mission and define what's next for the organization.”

Roytz served the RRP for four years as executive director before stepping back last year. “For as long as I've been involved with the RRP, Kirsten has been a key factor in its growth and success and I am so very pleased to see her step into this role,” she said. “Over the past decade, the RRP has grown to serve a critical role in aftercare, working to create demand for Thoroughbreds as sport horses, and in doing so, increasing the number of equestrians eager to adopt or purchase them at the conclusion of their racing careers. But there is much more that can and needs to be done. Her vision for the future of the RRP–and potentially for Thoroughbred aftercare as a whole–is forward-thinking and inspiring.”

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Horse Country Searches for New Executive Director with Hardy’s Departure

Anne Sabatino Hardy, Visit Horse Country's first Executive Director, will be leaving that organization to transition to new opportunities in early 2022. Hardy will remain through the transition as the board of Horse Country searches for a new Executive Director.

“The equine industry is vital to the tourism infrastructure of Lexington and Central Kentucky tourism,” said Gathan Borden, Vice President of VisitLEX and Visit Horse Country Board Chair. “[Hardy] has been a tremendous asset in helping develop and grow Horse Country to where it is today. As we embark on this next chapter, the board looks forward to building upon her leadership and success to take Horse Country into the future.”

Horse Country members have hosted more than 180,000 guests and fans since a group of industry participants conceived the idea of a collaborative industry initiative focused on outreach in 2014. Horse Country enables guests to be a part of equine experiences in the heart of the Thoroughbred industry, with documented positive perception change for the sport as well as national and international recognition in press and awards.

“Building Horse Country with the members, board, sponsors, and supporters over these last seven years has been a beautiful challenge and I treasure the relationships I've built through this work as well as the accomplishments we've shared together,” said Hardy. “I look forward to seeing the next vision of Horse Country. I was drawn to this work as someone outside of the industry who was inspired by the members' unified vision of providing engaging access to the horse, land, and people and I still firmly believe in how this outreach prioritizes the guest and fan above all as a way to help them fall in love with the horse, the sport, and Kentucky.”

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Andy Belfiore Named Executive Director of FHBPA

Industry veteran Andy Belfiore, who has honed her skills on both the backside and on executive teams, has been named the new Executive Director of the Florida Horsemen's Benevolent & Protective Association (FHBPA). For the last two years, Belfiore has been the Thoroughbred Horsemen's Association's Project Manager for the Mid-Atlantic Strategic Plan to Reduce Equine Fatalities. The Massachusetts native spent the four years prior to that as Executive Director of the New York Thoroughbred Horsemen's Association.

“The FHBPA board members as well as myself are delighted that Andy accepted our offer to serve as Executive Director,” said FHBPA President Stephen Screnci. “With her experience, knowledge, and industry contacts, she's undoubtedly the perfect fit.”

Belfiore's extensive CV also includes serving as Executive Director of the TAKE2 Second Career Thoroughbred Program Inc. and as co-Chair of the Board of the Backstretch Employee Service Team. She has also been part of the communications and marketing departments at New York Racing Association and spent 18 years as the editor-in-chief of TDN. Additionally, she is also a former hotwalker, groom, exercise rider, and assistant trainer.

“I'm looking forward to working with Stephen and the Florida HBPA,” Belfiore said. “Racing in South Florida faces its challenges, but the horsemen have elected a terrific board, and Stephen has proven to be a strong leader. I'm excited to be a part of the team.”

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Horses And Humans Research Foundation Appoints Interim Executive Director Pebbles Turbeville

Horses and Humans Research Foundation (HHRF) is proud to announce that Pebbles Turbeville will be joining the HHRF team promoting the rigorous research of horse-human interactions and their impact on health and wellness. HHRF Board President, Evelyn McKelvie said “We are really excited to have someone as experienced and well known in the industry as Pebbles Turbeville.”

Turbeville is currently working on her Doctorate in Sports Management with an emphasis in leadership. Pebbles received her master's degree from NC State, and her BA from Columbia College. Previously, she was the Associate Professor and Chair of the Sport Studies Department at St. Andrews University where she has taught students in the field of Therapeutic Horsemanship. She is and has been an adjunct professor and consultant for other higher education institutions in the field of Equine Studies. Pebbles served on the NARHA Board and on several committees for PATH Intl.

She has certifications from PATH International as an Advanced Instructor, a Mentor Faculty, as Associate Faculty for the PATH Intl. Advanced certification and Lead Faculty for Registered On-Site Workshop/Certification and Mentor Training. She has presented at different national, regional, and state conferences on several topics in the Therapeutic Horsemanship field. One of her favorite hobbies is equine and nature photography. Pebbles has been published regionally, nationally, and internationally in American Horse, Dressage Today, Horse Illustrated, PATH Intl. Strides, Horse of Kings, Stable Mates, RDA New South Wales postcards, and the cover of Southeast Equine.

Pebbles has witnessed as well as heard the testimonies of instructors, therapists, participants, and caregivers of the benefits of Equine Assisted Services. She is thrilled at the opportunity to lead HHRF in sharing with the world through research, the unique capacity of the horse to transform lives through horse-human interactions.

Read more here.

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