Sunday, Oct. 25, concluded the third annual Retired Racehorse Project’s Thoroughbred Makeover, which made its Bluegrass debut at the Kentucky Horse Park this past week. No one really knew what the turnout or fanfare would be like, but after spending the better part of three days at the event, I’d wager it was a huge success.

Makeover horses competed in 10 disciplines ranging from show jumping to ranch work.

Photo: Alexandra Beckstett

For those unfamiliar with the Makeover, it’s styled after the Mustang Makeover and is open to registered Thoroughbreds that have recently retired off the track or only had a certain limited amount of training. Competitors compete for a total purse of $100,000 in one of 10 disciplines: show hunter, show jumper, dressage, eventing, fox hunting, polo, barrel racing, competitive trail, ranch work, and freestyle. The overall winner earns the title of “America’s Most Wanted Thoroughbred” as well as big paycheck.

Now, if you’ve read my blogs, you know I own Warmbloods. Other than an Appendix Quarter Horse named Snickers that I had when I was 12, I’ve never owned or sought out a Thoroughbred. Nothing against them Ð they’re beautiful animals Ð it’s just how my horse ownership has played out. But I can’t emphasize enough how cool it was to see one breed performing all these different disciplines at one