Nearly 500 Attend New Vocations Event

[Wandering Eyes]

New Vocations Racehorse Adoption Program hosted nearly 500 fans at its fourth annual Open Barn and BBQ event last Friday in Lexington. Guests toured the facility and met adoptable horses. The event featured live music and dinner, with drinks graciously provided by Jackson Family Wines, Tito’s Handmade Vodka and West Sixth Brewery. After dinner, guests moved to the indoor arena, where they watched adoptable New Vocations horses in hand and under-saddle.

A panel that included Dr. Elizabeth Barrett of Hagyard Equine Medical Institute, Jen Roytz, Executive Director of the Retired Racehorse Project, and Nick Larkin, winner of the inaugural four-star Rolex Kentucky Three-Day Event and the inaugural Adelaide International Horse Trials Three Star spoke, covering everything from past injuries to bloodlines. Larkin spoke on his experiences retraining Thoroughbreds and gave a mini-clinic with four of the New Vocations horses, showing the crowd how he brings along his OTTBs and starts them over fences.

“This event continues to be a testimony of the growing popularity of the Thoroughbred within various equestrian disciplines,” said New Vocations’ Program Director Anna Ford. “We are very thankful for our sponsors who make it possible each year for us to open our doors to hundreds Thoroughbred lovers from all over the country who want to celebrate and learn more about this amazing breed.”

New for the event was a silent auction, with unique items and experiences ranging from autographed whips and a protective Tipperary vest to a safari and exclusive dining and bourbon-tasting options. In total, over $24,000 was raised for equine aftercare, allowing New Vocations to rehab, retrain and rehome retiring Thoroughbred and Standardbred racehorses.

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