Standing Ovation by Ovation Riding: TAKE2 Second Career Thoroughbred Program

Today, we’re spotlighting the TAKE2 Second Career Thoroughbred Program, which promotes second careers for Thoroughbreds retiring off the race track. TAKE2 recently announced a deeper show schedule for 2016.

Photo courtesy of TAKE2 Second Career Thoroughbred Program Inc.

Last year, the TAKE2 Second Career Thoroughbred Program Inc. announced a preliminary schedule that included more than 120 affiliated horse shows nationwide. This year, there are already more than 240 horse shows in 23 states committed to hosting TAKE2 Thoroughbred Hunter and Jumper divisions, and that number is expected to increase.

Two major Florida circuits, the Winter Equestrian Festival in Wellington and HITS in Ocala, have expanded their partnership and will offer TAKE2 classes every week of the 2016 12-week winter season. TAKE2 Thoroughbreds have also been in the spotlight in Illinois, Maryland, Missouri, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Texas and Virginia this month. Click here for the up-to-date schedule.

The success of the TAKE2 program was given a huge boost by the introduction of the new USEF-approved C-rated Thoroughbred Hunter and Jumper Divisions in 2015. Last year also marked the unveiling of the TAKE2 Thoroughbred League, a member-based initiative that rewards participating Hunters and Jumpers with the chance to win a total of $30,000 in year-end awards, with prize money paid out to 10th place in each division.  More than 160 Thoroughbreds were enrolled in the League in its first season, and the award winners hailed from 13 different states.

League members earn points in affiliated USEF Thoroughbred Hunter and Jumper Divisions. The membership fee for the 2016 season is $50 per registered Thoroughbred. To sign up, go to www.take2tbreds.com/become-a-member/. The deadline for enrollment is one week following the final day of the horse show where points are earned.

The New York Thoroughbred Horsemen’s Association (NYTHA) partnered with the New York Racing Association (NYRA) and the New York Thoroughbred Breeders Inc. (NYTB) in 2012 to establish TAKE2. The program highlights the success of Thoroughbreds as show horses, creating more opportunities for retiring racehorses in need of second careers.

Now a 501 (c)(3) nonprofit organization, it is co-funded by members of the Thoroughbred industry around the country, including New York Breeding and Development Fund; Thoroughbred Horsemen’s Associations in Illinois (through Galloping Out), Maryland, New Jersey and Pennsylvania (through Turning for Home); Ocala Breeders’ Sales Company; and Florida Thoroughbred Farm Managers.

“It’s hard to believe that just four years ago, TAKE2 was a fledgling program offered at just eight horse shows in three states,” TAKE2 President Rick Violette Jr. said. “The support from both the Thoroughbred industry and the hunter/jumper community has been overwhelming. More horse shows have signed on, more Thoroughbreds are competing. Most important, because the popularity of the Thoroughbred in the show ring is growing with professionals and amateurs alike, it’s becoming easier to find good homes for retired racehorses, and that has been our goal since day one.”

For more information about TAKE2, please visit the organization’s website and “like” them on Facebook.

Go Thoroughbreds, and go riding!

Press release courtesy of TAKE2.

Many thanks thanks to Ovation Riding for their support of both Horse Nation and individuals and organizations that are doing good work in the horse world. If you know someone who deserves a Standing Ovation, we would love to recognize them in a future post. Email the name of the person or organization along with a message about the good work they do to [email protected]. Photos/videos are always welcome, and include a link to their website if applicable.