JR: What has it been like coming up under your father?
RM: To be honest, it's been like going to Harvard for horse training. Not only learning from him but from everyone involved in our operation, all the way up and down the ladder. I've gained knowledge from everyone in our barn at one point or another in my life. I have a great blueprint on how to run my business and feel very equipped for what lies ahead.

JR: Describe the type of horseman you are?
RM: I try to be patient and understanding towards the horses first and foremost. It's quite amazing what they allow us to do with them when you take a step back and think about it. They're such amazing animals. All horses learn and adapt at their own pace and I find it helpful to be cognizant of that while training.

JR: Describe the responsibility that comes with being a trainer.
RM: As a trainer you are the absolute insurer, so you have all of the responsibility. I've learned that you have to follow your gut and be confident in the decisions you make. Attention to detail and surrounding yourself with good staff can't be overstated.

JR: What is your favorite aspect of horse racing?
RM: I would say the lead up and anticipation of a race is my favorite aspect. It's basically a crescendo of blood, sweat and tears from the breeders, sellers, breaking farms and trainers (and many more parties in between) to get a horse in the starting gate for a race. And if you win, even more thrilling.

JR: What horses have had the biggest impact on your life?
RM: My dad has always said Theatrical (Ire) probably had the biggest impact on his life. The horse paid for my parents' first house in New York and they were able to start our family from there. Maybe if it weren't for Theatrical I wouldn't exist, so for that reason, Theatrical.

JR: Talk about some of the horses that have taught you the most?
RM: We've had a number of horses who I would consider “projects,” whether it be for soundness or temperamental reasons. There have been times where I've only seen a dead end with them, but we've given them the time required to get right and it's worked out well. I've learned that if they can go on and win a race down the line, it's worth giving the horse a fair chance, even if the end goal is well in the future.

JR: What is one of your biggest professional accomplishments?
RM: I've been involved in a number of champions, classic winners, Grade I winners, etc. I would consider all of those team accomplishments rather than my own accomplishments. There's no one person who is responsible for any of those successes, but I take a lot of pride in the horses our team has been able to develop.

JR: What are some ways trainers and their staff can improve the racehorse ownership experience?
RM: It depends on the ownership group. Some owners are happy to let you do your thing and see you over in the paddock for the race. Others enjoy being more involved in the day-to-day happenings. I believe in flexibility and having an open door for your clients. We're not just in the horse training business, but the service business as well. My goal is to get creative and introduce some new ways to involve our clients.

JR: In what ways do you think HISA will change racing in the coming years?
RM: I think it will ultimately create a more level playing field, which I would say most people are in favor of. In theory, horsemanship and skill will be rewarded. Some of the bookkeeping requirements appear to be rather tedious, but I'm confident the rules will evolve over time and the record-keeping system will be a bit more realistic. It would be nice to see uniformity without getting too radical.

JR: What (so far) has been your most memorable moment in racing?
RM: Country House's [Kentucky] Derby was quite wild. Not because that's how we wanted to win the race, but the roller coaster of emotion it took us on was pretty unique. From one extreme to another and everything in between. Experiencing it with my wife Megan was also very special. Both the positives and the negatives of the situation are something I'll never forget.

JR: What do you think horse racing is doing right?
RM: One thing that appears to be regularly overlooked is the amount of jobs our industry provides. Between the backstretch workers, administrative workers, frontside workers, maintenance teams and so on, it takes armies to operate a race meet. That's something I've been so proud of in regard to my parents' business over the years. Providing work for families is very honorable and something I hope to do in the same capacity going forward.

Mott with MGISW Yoshida (Jpn) | Emma Berry

JR: Do you ride, and if so, what is your riding background?
RM: I ride the pony every day, that's the extent of it. His name is Round, a Claiborne homebred who we raced. By Arch, out of Enth, half to multiple stakes winners. He catches the eye.

Think Fast…
JR: Most used app on your phone
RM: Dark Sky

JR: What is a good book you've read lately
RM: More of a past performance guy

JR: Favorite racing movie
RM: Seabiscuit

JR: What do you enjoy doing outside of work
RM: Golf and family time

JR: What is the last thing you Googled
RM: Best brand of electric scooter

JR: What do you wish you learned sooner
RM: I didn't learn how to ride a bike until I was about nine

JR: What skill are you still honing
RM: Everything. You're never a finished product.

JR: What trait most defines who you are
RM: Positive

JR: Favorite quote or motto
RM: Hindsight is everything in the game of horse racing

JR: What food (or drink) can you not live without
RM: Erma Scott's shepherd's pie

JR: What is a nickname that people call/have called you?
RM: Riles

JR: Go-to breakfast
RM: Coffee

JR: Go-to cocktail
RM: Casamigos margarita

JR: Go-to karaoke song
RM: Whatever song my 10-month-old daughter has been listening to

JR: What sports teams do you follow
RM: Kentucky Wildcats basketball/football. Cam Smith is my favorite golfer.

JR: What was the last show you binge watched
RM: Too embarrassed to say

JR: If you could have one super power, what would it be?
RM: Teleport

JR: What is the worst fashion (or hair) decision you've ever made?
RM: Middle school: surfer hair. Polo shirt with gym shorts.

Follow Riley on Twitter: @Riley_Mott

The post Q&A with Riley Mott appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions.

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Unfortunately, things don't always go as planned. Whether due to dystocia, a lack of milk production or a mare who is simply not the motherly type and rejects the foal, scenarios may play out that prevent a foal's biological dam to adequately care for it, necessitating the immediate need for a surrogate mare to step in and take the place of the foal's actual mother.

For decades, the nursemare business has been a vital part of the breeding industry, proving a life-saving service at a critical time. But, it has also been rife with controversy.

Traditionally, in order to bring the nursemare into lactation, the mare was bred and its biological foal was taken away so the mare could care for the newborn in need. In the best-case scenarios, these foals were bottle fed and raised as orphans, however many were simply thought of as a byproduct of the business and ended up neglected or killed.

Hormonally Induced Lactation

In recent years, an alternative to traditional nursemare practices has been developed; one that allows the mare to be brought into lactation without having to produce a foal as a byproduct of the process. In its simplest sense, hormonally induced lactation tricks a mare's body into producing milk without the mare having to be pregnant.

Lauren Phoenix, owner of Nursemares of the Northeast and Nursemares of Kentucky, provides hormonally induced nursemares for Kentucky, Ohio, West Virginia, Tennessee, North Carolina, South Carolina, Indiana, Illinois and Missouri. They can also make special accommodations for needs outside of their regular service area or can refer people to other such providers throughout the country.

“Typically, through hormonally induced lactation, we can get a mare to produce really good milk within 11 to 14 days,” said Phoenix. “Every mare is different and it's a very regimented process to get them induced to lactate and often we need to adapt to the individual and think outside of the box.”

Phoenix and her team take a hands-on approach, managing and overseeing the introduction of the foal to the nursemare and troubleshooting any potential issues.

“We go through the same procedures and precautions for each mare, whether it's her first time being a nursemare or she's been doing it for years. It's an intricate process and we wait for certain signs and signals at every step of the introduction before proceeding,” said Phenix. “Thanks to these decisions made in the moment based on what I've learned over the years, we can pretty much get any mare to not just take a baby, but to love, protect and care for it as if it's truly their own.”

According to Phoenix, she and her team have a near 98-percent success rate. In the event that issues arise, they work with the foal owner to either work through the challenges or deliver a replacement mare from their herd.

What Makes a Good Nursemare

Being a nursemare isn't a role for which all mares are well suited. It takes a kind and adaptable mare to take on another's foal and raise it as her own.

Phoenix looks for mares that have had a few foals in the past and have proven to be a good mother and seemed to enjoy raising a foal.

“We look for mares who are kind, easy to handle and don't have any major bad habits or dangerous behaviors,” said Phoenix. “While we serve major breeding operations, we also provide mares to private people as well, so it is important for the mares to be safe and easy for anyone to handle.”

The majority of the mares in Phoenix's herd are adopted from previous clients or from rescues or Thoroughbred aftercare organizations, offering such horses a unique opportunity for a second, third or even fourth career.

“The business of providing nursemares used to be rather secretive due to what happened with the nursemares' biological foals. They often weren't cared for very well and there was no honor being given to these mares who were literally saving lives,” said Phoenix. “We take very good care of our mares. They're vaccinated, well-handled and loved, and it shows.”

A New Age of Nursemares

Phoenix originally started her groundbreaking approach with Nursemares of the Northeast, a New York-based farm that serves as her homebase to this day. As demand grew and she was getting more calls from breeders in Kentucky and the surrounding states, she decided to expand and opened up a second facility, Nursemares of Kentucky.

“When I started in New York, my goal was to perfect the practice of hormonally inducing mares to lactate and over the years we've perfected how we introduce the mares and foals,” she said.

One of many farms that has utilized Phoenix's services this season is Win-Mick Farm in Versailles, Kentucky. After seeing several posts about people utilizing the services of hormonally-induced nursemares, farm manager Justina Severni reached out to Phoenix about reserving a nursemare to step in for one of their mares who has a history of rejecting her foals. Little did she know, that would be one of two nursemares she would need this season.

“We made plans to have a nursemare on hold for a mare we have who is aggressive toward her foals, but then we had a second mare whose uterus tore during delivery and needed surgery. With the trauma and recovery, she was not producing enough milk, so after five days we went ahead and got a nursemare for her foal.”

Severni said Phoenix's staff at Nursemares of Kentucky were extremely responsive and attentive, managing the bonding process between the mares and their adopted foals.

“They came out and stayed with the mare and foal until they were fully bonded and the foals were nursing. It took a bit longer with the five-day-old foal, but they knew exactly how to handle it,” said Severni. “Their approach is a much more ethical way to produce a nursemare and their customer service was incredibly helpful. They followed up numerous times afterward to make sure things were continuing to go smoothly and to answer any questions we might have.”

Phoenix says she and other hormonally induced nursemare providers have seen a steady uptick in their business in recent years. People are eager to learn more about her approach and, when the unfortunate need arises, utilize a nursemare option that is more ethical.

“One day I was in the stall with one of our mares and was thinking about that saying, 'Blessed are the broodmares,'” she recalled. “Then it hit me, and in that moment I thought about the follow-up, 'but heaven-sent are the nursemares.'”

The post Evolution of the Nursemare Business appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions.

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“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.”

The post Kirsten Green Named RRP Executive Director appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions.

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Amplify Horse Racing, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit promoting education and careers in the Thoroughbred industry to youth and young adults, has reopened its mentorship program application for 2022. The program formalizes the process of pairing young adults interested in pursuing a Thoroughbred industry career, with experienced industry professionals who can offer guidance.

The initial pilot program, launched in 2021, matched 12 individuals from eight different states with industry mentors. The pairs worked together for three months to develop their knowledge of the Thoroughbred industry, and create an educational plan that included tailoring resumes to be applicable to the industry, shadowing mentors at industry events, and applying for jobs and training programs.

Nearly all mentees from 2021 have since taken steps toward pursuing a career in the industry by enrolling in college equine programs, being hired for industry internships and jobs, or targeting vet school.

The objectives of the program are:

• Improve accessibility of the Thoroughbred industry
• Develop newcomers' understanding of the industry by leveraging the passion, knowledge and experience of industry professionals
• Facilitate meaningful conversations between young adults and industry professionals about employment expectations
• Create a pathway to employment by connecting education and workforce

Mentee candidates should demonstrate a strong interest to learn and desire to work in the Thoroughbred industry. The suggested age range is 18-25, and there are no restrictions based on academic achievement. Amplify prioritizes applicants with little to no industry work experience, and they must be residents of the United States or Canada. The 2022 program application timeline is Jan. 10 through Aug. 12, and the program duration for each mentor-mentee pair is three months, as determined by acceptance and start date. Eligible mentors can apply at any time.

Amplify Horse Racing is driven by Annise Montplaisir, the organization's Co-Founder and President, and Equine Education Coordinator for the Kentucky Equine Education Project (KEEP) Foundation.

“I am pumped for Amplify Horse Racing to resume offering this mentorship program,” said Montplaisir. “It is an amazing inlet for young adults to take their first steps into the industry with the guidance of someone who has already navigated that path. Additionally, it's a great way for industry employers to positively educate about the sport, the jobs that are in high demand, and the best way to prepare for a career.”

“The Amplify Mentorship Program is a fantastic way for students with an interest in exploring careers in the Thoroughbred industry to make connections and develop a professional network,” said Jen Roytz, who served as a mentor in 2021. “Amplify does a fantastic job of laying out a framework for the mentors and mentees to follow, allowing students to gain an appreciation for the array of career opportunities that may be complementary to their college major, work experience, strengths and interests.”

“The Amplify Horse Racing Mentorship is an amazing way to make connections and network within the industry,” said Trisha Smith, a 2021 mentee. “I do not come from an industry background, and feel that programs like this are crucial to help new people get into the sport. Everyone I met as a result of the program was so helpful during my job search. [Program coordinator] Annise Montplaisir was very supportive throughout the program, and because of various job posts she sent me, I am now living my dream and working in the Thoroughbred industry.”

To learn more about the program and apply today, visit amplifyhorseracing.org/mentorship, and contact info@amplifyhorseracing.org for more information.

The post Amplify Reopens Mentorship Program Application appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions.

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“Understanding and embracing the true nature of the Thoroughbred means that events like the Retired Racehorse Project Thoroughbred Makeover, programs like The Jockey Club Thoroughbred Incentive Program, and retired racehorses competing at horse shows can be appreciated as representations of the strengths of the breed, and not just something different that happens after a racing career ends.”

Now, I'd like to explore “nurture” and how the ability for Thoroughbreds to excel in new sports after racing is actually honed by what they learn on the racetrack.

The Thoroughbred breed was developed with the primary goal of being an elite racehorse. Certain key skills learned through racing and the racetrack serve these horses well for future endeavors. Plus, we're at the stage in the breed's evolution where racing can be seen as a first discipline in which Thoroughbreds will compete but will not necessarily be the end game.

There is still a learning curve to go from horse racing to, say, jumping or polo, but there would also be a learning curve with similar amplitude for a horse going from being a show hunter to an eventer. The foundations of being an equine athlete are similar across all disciplines, and the racetrack does a great job of instilling those foundations.

“The training that a horse gets before the track, like when they're being started under saddle, is like someone going through kindergarten and elementary school in their formative years,” said Jen Roytz, the outgoing executive director of the Retired Racehorse Project who is heavily involved in understanding and promoting the successes of Thoroughbreds both on and off the racetrack. “It's like the most basic building blocks of how to be a riding horse. Then, they get to the track, and that's kind of like their high school education. They start to do several things at once, and they're faster and responding to cues faster. Then, they get off the track where they're going to do other equestrian sports, and people have more time to hone those skills.”

By the time racehorses finish their racing careers, they will likely have travelled by trailer to multiple locations, been handled by many people, and been exposed to high-stimulation environments. They will have been ridden many times by different riders and, in the process, been asked to go through the different gaits of walk, trot, and canter and change leads.

Perhaps of most benefit, a career in horse racing instills a mindset that a horse should go forward.

“You want the horse's answer to always be forward,” Roytz said. “Like, if you're jumping, you want the horse to go forward over the jump and not spook and shy away. People try to train a 'yes' horse. I think racing does them such a benefit in that way because they come off the track eager to go forward.”

The forward-thinking nurturing of Thoroughbreds matches with their forward-thinking nature. It's worth repeating what Chris Ryan, the subject of my “nature” article about the Thoroughbred breed last month, said, “The Thoroughbred looks out into the far distance. His horizon is way out there and he feels he can get there whenever he wishes. This gives him tremendous forward thinking. A horse thinking forward is going forward. Watch his ears!”

The Thoroughbred often knows where he will go before we do. That makes the journey and the possibilities of destinations incredibly exciting.

To be fair, there are certain areas that horse racing does not emphasize or emphasizes in a different way, but most of those things shouldn't be seen as a knock against racing. A British literature class will emphasize different material than a course in American literature. But a student going from one of these classes to the other does not need to reinvent the wheel, and neither does a Thoroughbred when going from a racehorse to a sport horse career.

Roytz gives a specific example, saying when it comes to changing leads: “Horses at the track know how to change leads, going from their right lead on straightaways to their left lead going around the turns. They learn how to do it at speed based off the riders' weight distribution and a cue on the reins usually. Then, they get off the track, and they learn to do it in a slower, more proper way, balancing themselves differently, pushing off from behind, making a much more purposeful change of lead with a more subtle, nuanced cue.”

And, yes, there are certain areas that horse racing in the United States can improve upon for the future well-being of the horse, like instilling good ground manners, offering turnout, and simply giving horses more opportunities to stand still to get used to high-stimulation settings.

However, at the end of the day, horse racing should not be seen as an outlier for Thoroughbreds nor should an appearance in another sport be a novelty for Thoroughbreds.

As we wrap up a roller coaster 2021, I'm not saying that the horse racing industry is free from criticism. This year will very well be remembered as the year that a Kentucky Derby winner tested positive for betamethasone and that prominent trainers who had made a mockery of fair play were finally brought to justice.

However, we should celebrate that, through trying to prepare horses for their racing careers, many racing connections are giving their horses the skills they need for whatever lies ahead. And that gives me hope for the Thoroughbred industry in 2022.

The post Horowitz On OTTBs: Looking Forward To 2022 With Hope For Ex-Racehorses appeared first on Horse Racing News | Paulick Report.

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The Allaire du Pont Leadership Award is presented annually to an organization or individual whose philanthropic endeavors are consistent with TCA's mission. Past award winners include LNJ Foxwoods, Dan Rosenberg, Barbara Banke, Bourbon Lane Stable, Graham and Anita Motion, Frank Stronach, Fasig-Tipton, Darley, Todd Pletcher, Roy and Gretchen Jackson, and Madeline Auerbach.

A native of Cleveland, Ohio, Jen Roytz is a marketing and communications specialist based in Central Kentucky with a professional background in Thoroughbred racing, breeding and aftercare. Over the past 10 years, Roytz served in the capacities of board member, marketing consultant, and executive director of the Retired Racehorse Project. Roytz is a partner in Topline Communications and was previously marketing director for Three Chimneys Farm. Roytz is a passionate advocate for Thoroughbred aftercare and regularly speaks on the topic at both the national and local levels. She and her husband, Dr. Stuart Brown, own and operate Brownstead Farm, a breeding, sales, racing and sport horse facility in Versailles, KY. Her dedication to the well-being of Thoroughbreds during and after their racing careers exemplify the spirit of the Allaire du Pont Leadership Award.

The Ellen and Herb Moelis Industry Service Award is presented annually to an organization that works to uphold TCA's mission. Past award winners include the TAKE2 Second Career Thoroughbred Program, Caribbean Thoroughbred Aftercare, Backstretch Employee Service Team (B.E.S.T.), The Jockey Club's Thoroughbred Incentive Program, CANTER USA, Retired Racehorse Project, Belmont Child Care Association, Old Friends, and New York Race Track Chaplaincy.

Founded in 2007 by Jeanne Mirabito, Our Mims Retirement Haven is the only Thoroughbred aftercare organization in the U.S. dedicated solely to caring for retired broodmares. The organization's namesake is the 1977 Champion Three-Year Old filly who Mirabito adopted in 1997. As a tribute to the mare, Our Mims Retirement Haven was created to help many more broodmares at the conclusion of their breeding careers. Sadly, in 2020, Mirabito passed away however her husband, Pete Mirabito, and the organization's board of directors proudly carry on the organization's vision and mission.

The Stallion Season Auction opens with an online auction of stallion seasons at 9 a.m. on Wednesday, January 5 and continues through 4:30 p.m. EST on Friday, January 7. Over 150 seasons will be available in the online auction including Audible, Basin, Candy Ride, McKinzie, More Than Ready, Speightstown, and Volatile. A full list of seasons is available here.

Most of the seasons will sell during the online auction however select seasons to Bolt d'Oro, Charlatan, City of Light, Constitution, Liam's Map, Maxfield (with 2023 breed back), Nyquist (with 2023 breed back), Quality Road, and Yaupon (with 2023 breed back) will be sold at the 'Tis the Seasons Celebration on Sunday, January 9. Bidders or their authorized agents may bid on select seasons by attending the event in-person or they may email ecrady@tca.org to register to bid online. Non-season items including a John Deere Gator, accommodations at the Hill 'n' Dale Farms at Xalapa “tree house”, a wall box and stall webbing from Charlie Whittingham's barn, and more will also be offered in the live auction. Tickets can be purchased here.

An online silent auction of non-season items including halters worn by Life is Good, Curlin, Charlatan, Tapit, Knicks Go and more will be offered. A list of silent auction items is available here. More items will be added.

The auction is generously sponsored by Limestone Bank, Coolmore America, Equine Medical Associates, Bourbon Lane Stable, L.V. Harkness & Co., BloodHorse, Paulick Report, and Thoroughbred Daily News. For further information regarding the TCA Stallion Season Auction please visit tca.org or call (859) 276-4989.

The post Thoroughbred Charities Of America To Honor Jen Roytz, Our Mims Retirement Haven appeared first on Horse Racing News | Paulick Report.

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The Allaire du Pont Leadership Award is presented annually to an organization or individual whose philanthropic endeavors are consistent with TCA's mission.

A native of Cleveland, Roytz is a marketing and communications specialist based in Central Kentucky. Over the past 10 years, Roytz served in the capacities of board member, marketing consultant, and executive director of the Retired Racehorse Project. Roytz is a partner in Topline Communications and was previously marketing director for Three Chimneys Farm. She and her husband, Dr. Stuart Brown, own and operate Brownstead Farm, a breeding, sales, racing and sport horse facility in Versailles, Ky.

The Ellen and Herb Moelis Industry Service Award is presented annually to an organization that works to uphold TCA's mission. Founded in 2007 by Jeanne Mirabito, Our Mims Retirement Haven is the only Thoroughbred aftercare organization in the U.S. dedicated solely to caring for retired broodmares. Sadly, in 2020, Mirabito passed away, however her husband, Pete Mirabito, and the organization's board of directors proudly carry on the organization's vision and mission.

The Stallion Season Auction opens with an online auction of stallion seasons at 9 a.m. Wednesday, Jan. 5 and continues through 4:30 p.m. ET Friday, Jan. 7. Over 150 seasons will be available in the online auction. A full list of seasons is available here.

Most of the seasons will sell during the online auction however select seasons to Bolt d'Oro, Charlatan, City of Light, Constitution, Liam's Map, Maxfield (with 2023 breed back), Nyquist (with 2023 breed back), Quality Road, and Yaupon (with 2023 breed back) will be sold at the 'Tis the Seasons Celebration Jan. 9.

The post TCA to Honor Roytz and Our Mims Retirement Haven appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions.

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Under Roytz's leadership the Retired Racehorse Project (RRP) has expanded in both size and scope. The Thoroughbred Makeover and National Symposium has become the largest and most lucrative retraining competition for off-track Thoroughbreds in the world.

“It has been one of my life's greatest honors to head up an organization that is making such a profound difference in how Thoroughbreds are received and repurposed by the equestrian community. In my opinion, the RRP's focus on expanding the market of equestrians who are willing and able to transition racehorses to sport horses is a critical part of the aftercare equation,” said Roytz. “As someone who is active in both the racing and equestrian worlds, this organization is close to my heart, and its mission speaks to my soul. I look forward to staying engaged with the organization and its leadership team and supporting them in whatever ways I can.”

In addition to serving as the executive director for the RRP, Roytz is a partner in Topline Communications, a marketing and communications agency based in Lexington, Kentucky. She and her fiancee also own and operate Brownstead Farm, where they focus on Thoroughbred breeding, selling, breaking of young horses and post-racing retraining. Roytz's board affiliations include the Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance's Advisory Board, the Kentucky Horse Council, the National HBPA's Aftercare Committee and Saddle Up Safely, among others.

The post Roytz to Step Back from RRP appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions.

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Under Roytz's leadership the Retired Racehorse Project (RRP) has expanded in both size and scope. The organization's flagship event, the Thoroughbred Makeover and National Symposium, has grown into the largest and most lucrative retraining competition for off-track Thoroughbreds in the world, hosting hundreds of equestrians competing on Thoroughbreds in their first year of retraining after racing for well over $100,000 in prize money. The event also includes a robust vendor fair, racehorse retraining clinic, seminars, health and soundness exams for all horses competing and more. Since 2019 the event has also played host to the Thoroughbred Aftercare Summit, a joint effort between the RRP, Thoroughbred Charities of America, Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance and The Jockey Club's Thoroughbred Incentive Program (T.I.P.).

In 2018, the RRP launched its now-popular Master Class series. These clinics, held throughout the country, showcase the various approaches professional trainers from various equestrian backgrounds take when working with Thoroughbreds transitioning to new careers after racing. This past year, the RRP partnered with OTTB United to create a mobile app specializing in the adoption and sale of off-track Thoroughbreds.

“It has been one of my life's greatest honors to head up an organization that is making such a profound difference in how Thoroughbreds are received and repurposed by the equestrian community. In my opinion, the RRP's focus on expanding the market of equestrians who are willing and able to transition racehorses to sport horses is a critical part of the aftercare equation,” said Roytz. “As someone who is active in both the racing and equestrian worlds, this organization is close to my heart, and its mission speaks to my soul. I look forward to staying engaged with the organization and its leadership team and supporting them in whatever ways I can.”

In addition to serving as the executive director for the RRP, Roytz is a partner in Topline Communications, a marketing and communications agency based in Lexington, Kentucky. She and her fiancé also own and operate Brownstead Farm, where they focus on Thoroughbred breeding, selling, breaking of young horses and post-racing retraining. Roytz's board affiliations include the Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance's Advisory Board, the Kentucky Horse Council, the National HBPA's Aftercare Committee and Saddle Up Safely, among others.

This past October, the RRP hosted the largest event in its organization's history. When the 2020 Thoroughbred Makeover was forced to postpone due to COVID19 restrictions, the organization made a commitment to its competitors that the time and investment they had made into the hundreds of horses pointing to that year's competition would be rewarded and that they would have the opportunity to compete once pandemic-related restrictions were lifted. This year, the RRP hosted the “Mega-Makeover,” which hosted both the 2020 and 2021 classes of competitors and offered more than $135,000 in prize money for each year's entries.

The week-long event, held at the Kentucky Horse Park on October 12 through 17, also included the inaugural T.I.P. Barrel Racing Championship, one of several collaborations between the two organizations in recent years.

“Jen's efforts on behalf of the RRP over the term of her leadership have continued the organization's remarkable growth trajectory and expanded its network, opening doors that have created strong working relationships with racing institutions and aftercare organizations alike,” said Green. “We're so thankful for Jen's tireless enthusiasm, collaborative spirit, and thoughtful stewardship of our charitable mission and I look forward to supporting the board in their search as we transition into the next chapter in the RRP's work.”

Founded in 2010 by Steuart Pittman in response to the Thoroughbred breed's decline in popularity in the sport horse world and residual adverse impact on viable homes and career opportunities for them after racing, the RRP set out to shine a spotlight on the breed for new and old audiences alike. The organization began by putting on demonstrations at equine expos and equestrian events that showcased off-track Thoroughbreds in various equestrian disciplines. In 2011 the RRP hosted the 100-Day Trainer Challenge, an invitational retraining competition. The following year, thanks to seed money from longtime supporter, lead benefactor and current board president, Dr. Carolyn Karlson, the organization hosted the inaugural Thoroughbred Makeover the following year with 26 competitors.

“It's been the greatest honor to support RRP and the Makeover from its infancy to where it stands today as a nationally-recognized brand of excellence for Thoroughbred aftercare,” said Karlson. “Working alongside both Jen and Steuart to facilitate this growth over the last decade has been a true privilege. The RRP Board extends their profound thanks for Jen's leadership and commitment to the RRP mission.”

The RRP has gained national recognition in recent years for increasing demand and value for Thoroughbreds after racing and helping them regain their prominence in the sport horse world. The RRP was the recipient of the ASPCA's Equine Welfare Award in 2021 and previously has been similarly honored by the Equus Foundation. Roytz has represented the RRP on stages throughout the racing and equestrian world, including as the keynote speaker at the 2018 United States Hunter/Jumper Association Annual Convention. She has also been a featured speaker and/or panelist at the University of Arizona Racetrack Industry Program's Global Symposium on Racing, the Grayson Jockey Club's Welfare and Safety of the Racehorse Summit, the ASPCA's The Right Horse Summit, Equestricon, the National Conference on Equine Law, U. S. Pony Club Festival, Equitana and more.

“The team behind the RRP is the reason this effort has been so successful. Their loyalty to the organization, its mission and to each other are why the RRP has accomplished all it has in a relatively short period of time,” said Roytz. “Kirsten Green, the RRP's longest-serving employee, has played a pivotal role in both the RRP's evolution and my success at its helm. I'm incredibly grateful to her, and to the staff and board, for their support and excited for what the organization's future holds, as it is surely bright.”

The RRP board of directors is conducting a national search for Roytz's successor. Interested candidates are invited to send their resume and cover letter to rrpapplications@gmail.com. A full job description can be found here.

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Don't get me wrong: as the announcer of the Thoroughbred Makeover since the annual marquee event for OTTBs was first held at the Kentucky Horse Park in 2015, I've been blown away by the talent that Thoroughbred sporthorses can show in new sports with less than a year of retraining after a racing career.

Like when Rosie Napravnik went into a gallop after a flawless jumping round in the eventing finale aboard Sanimo at the 2019 Thoroughbred Makeover to win the discipline. It was reminiscent of the jockey-turned-eventer galloping out after a flawless ride aboard Untapable in the 2014 Breeders' Cup Distaff, after which Napravnik announced her retirement from racing, only to embark on a new equine career, much like the OTTBs that she now rides.

Sanimo and Napravnik moved up to the Prelim level of eventing in 2021 with two top-three finishes that qualified them for the American Eventing Championships and a return to the Kentucky Horse Park.

Or when Carleigh Fedorka had a breathtaking dressage test to win the discipline at the 2015 Thoroughbred Makeover aboard Called to Serve, a horse ESPN's Gary West once described as “a bull in perpetual search of a china shop” because of his naughtiness during race training.

There have been countless other performances that bring out the immense talent of OTTBs, and I'm looking forward to more when I announce the 2021 Mega Makeover from Oct. 12 to 17.

However, at least as valuable to the goal the RRP has that the Thoroughbred Makeover is “intended to inspire good trainers to become involved in transitioning these horses to second careers” is seeing the rounds in each discipline where trainers create a positive experience for their horses based on where their training is, rather than pushing things to the max.

I smile when I see the barrel racer that trots the barrel pattern rather than sprinting all out. The rider pats the horse on the neck afterward. They both leave the TCA Covered Arena proud of their accomplishment.

I smile when I see the freestyle competitor recognize that their horse is overwhelmed by the atmosphere, adjust their routine, and the horse picks up confidence as a result.

I smile every time riders show gratitude for themselves and their horses that just making it to the Kentucky Horse Park is an accomplishment, regardless of where the horses are at in their retraining, because the Thoroughbred Makeover is only part of a long journey that the horse will hopefully embark on in a new life after racing.

Jonathan and Ashley Horowitz announce the finale of the 2018 Thoroughbred Makeover.

There is no doubt that the Thoroughbred Makeover is an elite competition, with $100,000 in prize money and top-level riders competing across ten disciplines on horses that will go on to be leaders in their new sport. In addition, what makes the Thoroughbred Makeover so special and important is that it is also addresses a cause that all professional sports now have to reckon with — the welfare of their elite athletes after they retire. Thanks to the RRP and the Thoroughbred Makeover, horse racing is moving in the right direction with this.

“Since 2015, the Thoroughbred Makeover has steadily grown into not only the largest Thoroughbred retraining competition in the world, but also the largest gathering of people with a professional interest in Thoroughbred aftercare,” RRP executive director Jen Roytz said. “Since then, we've seen more than 3,000 horses go through the process of transitioning from racing to their sport horse careers by preparing for this unique competition, and now we're seeing our Makeover graduates from years past starting to perform at the upper levels in their new equestrian disciplines.”

After coming together for a memorable week at the Kentucky Horse Park, the Makeover trainers, who have represented 46 states and four Canadian provinces, as well as England, can return to their hometowns and inspire others with what OTTBs can achieve.

“That's what works so well with the Makeover,” RRP program manager Kristen Kovatch Bentley said. “It manages to cater to not only the trainers who use the structure of that first year to prepare horses for careers in the upper levels, or take advantage of the visibility to market a horse for sale at the event, but for the one-time 'bucket list' trainers who are entering this competition with their forever horse. It's rare for one event to be able to bring together so many different facets of the industry in one week, but because everyone has had that same incredible experience of partnering with these amazing horses to undertake this transformative 10-month journey together, the competition becomes a celebration.”

The Thoroughbred Makeover inspired me to learn to ride, and my work with OTTBs has changed my life. My wife, Ashley Horowitz, and I currently run the Super G Sporthorses farm in Parker, Colo., where ten of the 16 horses on the farm are Thoroughbreds. Those ten were bred in seven different states.

“For those who don't have a background in or natural connection to equestrian sports outside of horse racing,” Roytz said, “this allows them to gain a deeper appreciation of not only what these horses can go onto accomplish after racing, but how much time, skill, effort, money and more goes into their care and training as they make this life-altering transition from racehorse to sport horse.”

I'm one of those people and appreciate that I now have gone from “talking the talk” as a broadcaster to “walking the walk” as an eventer on OTTBs thanks to what has inspired me at the Thoroughbred Makeover.

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