TIP’s Youth Ambassadors Accepting Applications

Are you a youth rider who loves their Thoroughbred? Do you participate in Thoroughbred Incentive Program (TIP) competitions? Apply now for the TIP Youth Ambassador Program!

TIP Youth Ambassador Ella Sciog (June’s Ambassador of the Month). Photo by Nancy Sciog.

The TIP’s mission is to encourage the retraining of retiring racehorses into successful second or third careers through sponsorship of Thoroughbred-only classes and divisions at horse shows and events, as well as promoting the Thoroughbred in non-competitive careers. As of September 1st, the Jockey Club’s Thoroughbred Incentive Program (TIP) is accepting applications from young riders who love their Thoroughbreds and wish to serve as ambassadors for the breed to help further the TIP’s mission.

As stated on the TIP’s Youth Ambassador Program’s application page, the TIP is seeking the following:

The T.I.P. Youth Ambassador Program is offered on an annual basis to twelve young riders who own or lease a Thoroughbred and have actively participated in T.I.P. sponsored shows, classes or award programs. The goal of the T.I.P. YAP is to promote participation in T.I.P. with the mission to encourage retraining of Thoroughbreds into other disciplines upon completion of careers in racing or breeding. A Youth Ambassador’s role is to positively represent T.I.P. and the Thoroughbred breed at his or her local barn, shows, competitions, or any other activities he or she may participate in.

The twelve selected Youth Ambassadors represent the TIP for a full calendar year. The Youth Ambassador Program is separate from the TIP’s annual Young Rider and performance programs, but past Ambassadors have won these titles as well.

The application to the Youth Ambassador Program includes basic information about the applying rider as well as the rider’s horse(s) and a few short answer questions. A second application phase for selected participants requires an essay and recommendation letter among other requirements.

To apply to be a TIP Youth Ambassador you must meet the following criteria:

• Age: 18 years old or younger
• Reside in the US or Canada
• Own or lease a Thoroughbred with a registered TIP number
• Participate in TIP (non-competition award applicant or participation in TIP sponsored shows or classes)

If this sounds like something you or a young rider in your life is interested in pursuing, don’t wait — applications are due October 1! Click here to open a separate window at the TIP website with all the links and documents you’ll need to apply.