Morning Feed from Fleeceworks: Kentucky’s Thoroughbred Horse Show

What do you get when you put hundreds of OTTBs in the same place? Pure awesomeness.

Thoroughbreds in all their glory at Kentucky Horse Park. Photo courtesy of Cannon Photography.

By now, surely we are all aware of the versatile nature of the ever-popular ex-racehorse. These horses have ended their time on the track and gone on to have successful second (or third!) careers in homes all over the country. Each year, the Kentucky Horse Park hosts many of these wonderful horses at their annual Thoroughbred Horse Show, presented by the Thoroughbred Horse Show Association.

All smiles! Photo courtesy of Cannon Photography.

This show is intended for OTTBs who are just getting started in their second careers, putting them all on an even playing field and allowing them to experience a show environment for the first time. Many disciplines are offered for competition, including dressage, hunter/jumper, and in-hand.

The Thoroughbred Horse Show first got started in 2012 and was a rousing success, drawing over 100 entries. From there, the show because an annual staple to the OTTB lover’s show calendar. It’s a great idea, as it gives these young (or at least green) Thoroughbreds a chance to get off the farm and compete in a low pressure but still competitive environment.

One of just 15 registered white Thoroughbreds! Photo courtesy of Cannon Photography.

Even the elusive white Thoroughbred was on hand to take in the sights, and photographer Kaity Buchanan was thrilled to have the opportunity to capture it. There are just 15 registered white Thoroughbreds, so this sighting is truly rare!

And we can’t forget about the many other disciplines in which a Thoroughbred can be successful. While many people automatically think of “eventer” or “jumper,” there are still many more purposes an ex-racehorse can happily serve. We’ve seen them in every discipline imaginable, from endurance to barrel racing and everything in between!

Photo courtesy of Cannon Photography.

We’re thrilled to see opportunities such as these becoming commonplace for OTTBs, and it’s commendable that so many organizations are getting creative in thinking of new ways to promote the breed. Thank you to the Thoroughbred Horse Show Association as well as the Kentucky Horse Park for supporting this great show. If you’re in the area (perhaps suffering from a Rolex or Derby hangover!), be sure to mark this show on your calendar for next year.

Many thanks to Kaity Buchanan and Cannon Photography for providing some of her favorite photos from the weekend. Go OTTBs, and Go Fleeceworks!