New Vocations’ Open Barn and BBQ to be Held Apr. 24

[Wandering Eyes]

New Vocations will host its 8th Annual Open Barn & BBQ, presented by Seidman Stables, on Thursday, Apr. 24 from 4:40 pm to 9pm. The event, which will be held at the program's Lexington, Kentucky facility at Mereworth Farm, will again be free and open to the public.

The Open Barn & BBQ–held concurrently with the Defender Kentucky Three-Day Event, taking place at the Kentucky Horse Park–will feature educational seminars along with the chance to meet adoptable horses while touring the facility.

“We look forward to welcoming guests to New Vocations at Mereworth Farm,” said Anna Ford, New Vocations' Thoroughbred Program Director. “We're excited to host our Open Barn & BBQ, free and open to the public again this year. It's the perfect event for us to showcase our adoptable horses, host inspiring demos and spread the word about these amazing equine athletes.”

Guests can expect an interactive educational program featuring live demos on the following topics:

• “When is an OTTB Suitable for a Youth Rider?” – by Professional Horse Trainer, Sarah Shade
• “Dos and Don'ts of Starting OTTBs Over Fences” – by Professional 3* Event Rider, Maxine Preston

Jen Roytz–manager of Brownstead Farm, past executive director of the Retired Racehorse Project and an OTTB owner and rider–will moderate the sessions.

In addition, guests will enjoy live music from The Ranahans, a variety of food and dessert trucks and a boutique cash bar featuring the event's signature cocktails, a Maker's Mark Strawberry & Maple Brown and a Tito's Blackberry Mule, as well as other selections from Jackson Family Wines.

Guests can also bid on a variety of items and experiences including an Arizona ranch riding trip, private Thoroughbred horse farm tours, and horse racing memorabilia in the always-popular silent auction, featuring handmade artisan items and a wide variety of equine-themed gifts. The auction is now live and will end at 8:30 PM on April 24th. All proceeds from the auction will go directly to support New Vocations' mission to rehab, retrain and rehome retired racehorses.

Gates will open at 4:30 p.m. with the first demo getting underway at 5:15 p.m.

The event is free and open to the public, although reservations are recommended and can be made by visiting https://newvocations.wedoauctions.com. Proceeds from the event will benefit New Vocations Racehorse Adoption Program.

 

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