Increasing demand for thoroughbreds beyond racing

ImageImageImage

Erin Gilmore Photography Returns as Official Show Photographer of 2025 Thoroughbred Makeover

March 06, 2025

Photo courtesy Erin Gilmore Photography

The Retired Racehorse Project (RRP) announced today that Erin Gilmore Photography will return as the Official Show Photographer of the 2025 Thoroughbred Makeover and National Symposium, presented by Thoroughbred Charities of America. The 2025 competition takes place on October 8-11 at the Kentucky Horse Park in Lexington, and features competition in ten equestrian sports for recently-retired Thoroughbred racehorses in their first year of life beyond racing. In response to many requests, official photography will also be available during Friday’s clinic day events.

“I speak for my whole team when I say that photographing the dedication and hard work that Makeover trainers and riders put in to form partnerships with their Thoroughbreds is one of the highlights of our whole year,” said Erin Gilmore. “When you see us ringside during your ride, know that we are with you every step of the way as we photograph each round of this special week.”

“We’re thrilled to welcome Erin Gilmore and her team back to the 2025 Thoroughbred Makeover,” said Kristen Kovatch Bentley, RRP managing director. “The Erin Gilmore Photography team’s passion for what they do is evident in their work, and we’re confident that our competitors as well as former connections of the horses will cherish their images.”

Erin Gilmore Photography covers internationally rated equestrian events as official photographer in the Northeast USA and beyond. Prior to establishing EG Photos, Erin Gilmore covered top level equestrian sport around the world, with career highlights that range from the Olympic Games to working with international equestrian brands and clients. In addition to managing large events and teams, Erin Gilmore mentors up and coming photographers, and works to build community among equestrian photography enthusiasts.

Photography Policy

Out of respect for the Official Show Photography, the RRP will be implementing the following photography protocols during the 2025 Thoroughbred Makeover, which can be read in full on the RRP website. Only the Official Show Photographers are permitted to take competitor images and sell them to the public; visitors, spectator and exhibitors are permitted to take photographs and record video for personal use only.

Professional photography equipment, including but not limited to cameras with lenses longer than 4 inches, tripods, monopods, or any video camera mounted on a tripod or other stabilizing devices are not permitted under any circumstances. Media representatives with approved credentials are the only exception; media representative applications will open on June 2, 2025. No private photography credentials will be issued.

In Other News

November 3, 2025

Enrichment Ideas for Busy OTTBs

Here’s how to reduce boredom when stall confinement is necessary.…
Read More
Featured image for “Enrichment Ideas for Busy OTTBs”
October 22, 2025

2025 Real Rider Cup Events Conclude During the Maryland 5 Star at Fair Hill, Over $130,000 Raised

The Fair Hill leg of the Real Rider Cup enjoyed its new home on the schedule of events at the MARS Maryland 5 Star at Fair Hill presented by Brown Advisory, concluding a gorgeous day of cross country where the…
Read More
Featured image for “2025 Real Rider Cup Events Conclude During the Maryland 5 Star at Fair Hill, Over $130,000 Raised”
October 21, 2025

From the Ground Up: Improving Hoof Quality in Off-Track Thoroughbreds

With consistent care, teamwork, and proper nutrition, most OTTBs can develop strong, balanced hooves that support soundness and success in a second career.…
Read More
Featured image for “From the Ground Up: Improving Hoof Quality in Off-Track Thoroughbreds”
October 14, 2025

2025 Thoroughbred Makeover Marks Ten Years of Largest Thoroughbred Retraining Competition

Taking place October 8-11 at the Kentucky Horse Park, the 2025 Thoroughbred Makeover and National Symposium, presented by Thoroughbred Charities of America, celebrated its tenth anniversary in its current location and overall format.…
Read More
Featured image for “2025 Thoroughbred Makeover Marks Ten Years of Largest Thoroughbred Retraining Competition”
October 13, 2025

2025 Makeover Event Survey

No excerpt…
Read More
October 11, 2025

Championship Winners Crowned at 2025 Thoroughbred Makeover

Ten champions were crowned today at the 2025 Thoroughbred Makeover and National Symposium, presented by Thoroughbred Charities of America.…
Read More
Featured image for “Championship Winners Crowned at 2025 Thoroughbred Makeover”
October 10, 2025

Preliminary Competition Wraps at the 2025 Thoroughbred Makeover

Preliminary competition has wrapped at the 2025 Thoroughbred Makeover and National Symposium, presented by Thoroughbred Charities of America.…
Read More
Featured image for “Preliminary Competition Wraps at the 2025 Thoroughbred Makeover”
October 8, 2025

First Day of Preliminary Competition Concludes at 2025 Thoroughbred Makeover

The first day of preliminary competition at the 2025 Thoroughbred Makeover and National Symposium, presented by Thoroughbred Charities of America, has concluded and scores are now posted.…
Read More
Featured image for “First Day of Preliminary Competition Concludes at 2025 Thoroughbred Makeover”
October 2, 2025

Clinic Schedule and Final Updates

Hello 2025 Makeover Trainers and clinic participants! There are a few announcements and loose ends to tie up before we all hit the road. Please read this email in full. If you missed the Competitors’ Final Newsletter last week, read…
Read More
Featured image for “Clinic Schedule and Final Updates”
October 1, 2025

RRP Announces 2025 Makeover Champions Participants

The Retired Racehorse Project (RRP) announced today the list of former breeders, owners, trainers, stallion farms and other connections participating in Makeover Champions, the RRP’s initiative to encourage more public support of Thoroughbreds in careers beyond racing via the Thoroughbred…
Read More
Featured image for “RRP Announces 2025 Makeover Champions Participants”
September 30, 2025

Final Trainer Newsletter: Everything and Anything

This email is EVERYTHING. Please read it in its entirety. This email is your key to a successful Makeover week. Save it to reference later. 11 days to go…we are totally calm. No panic detected here. If you missed yesterday’s…
Read More
Featured image for “Final Trainer Newsletter: Everything and Anything”
September 29, 2025

Experience the 2025 Thoroughbred Makeover

Coming to the Kentucky Horse Park on October 8-11!…
Read More
Featured image for “Experience the 2025 Thoroughbred Makeover”
September 26, 2025

Trainer Newsletter: Ride Times and Stabling

Drumroll please…. Your ride times and stall assignments are here! Keep an eye on your inbox for a lengthier email tomorrow and do not forget to join us for tomorrow evening’s webinar. If your coach, parent/guardian, horse’s owner, etc. wishes…
Read More
Featured image for “Trainer Newsletter: Ride Times and Stabling”
September 26, 2025

2025 Bill Kraatz Thoroughbred Makeover Ambassador Award: Drafted

Selected by a committee of Makeover officials, this year’s winner of the Bill Kraatz Thoroughbred Makeover Ambassador Award is Drafted!…
Read More
Featured image for “2025 Bill Kraatz Thoroughbred Makeover Ambassador Award: Drafted”
September 20, 2025

Trainer Newsletter: Makeover Webinars Next Week

We are less than three weeks away from the start of the 2025 Thoroughbred Makeover! Tune in to next week’s webinars to ensure you are prepared. If your coach, parent/guardian, horse’s owner, etc. wishes to receive the trainer newsletters, they…
Read More
Featured image for “Trainer Newsletter: Makeover Webinars Next Week”
September 9, 2025

Trainer Newsletter: Special Awards, Freestyle Music, Scheduling, etc.

Hi all! It is crunch time for everyone so I will keep this newsletter as brief as possible. Please ensure you check your horse’s special award nominations and send in scheduling requests before Friday. Read the rest of this email…
Read More
Featured image for “Trainer Newsletter: Special Awards, Freestyle Music, Scheduling, etc.”
September 9, 2025

September Trainer Newsletter: Edits and Clinics CLOSING

Final Entry edits and clinic registrations close TOMORROW, September 5th, at 5pm EST. Do not miss out on the opportunity to participate in clinics whether it is with your 2025 horse or a Makeover graduate! Now is the time to…
Read More
Featured image for “September Trainer Newsletter: Edits and Clinics CLOSING”
September 8, 2025

Ask a Trainer: Introducing Turnout

Bridget Heasley answers: “How do I safely introduce turnout to a recently-retired racehorse?”…
Read More
Featured image for “Ask a Trainer: Introducing Turnout”
September 1, 2025

Final Entry Trainer Newsletter: CLOSING NOW

Final Entry submissions close TODAY, August 29th, at 5pm eastern time. If you do not submit this form, your entry will be WITHDRAWN. This is not to be confused with the application submission or horse registration process. This is the…
Read More
Featured image for “Final Entry Trainer Newsletter: CLOSING NOW”
August 25, 2025

Picking Prospects: Summer 2025

Makeover staff evaluate sport horse potential based on conformation shots.…
Read More
Featured image for “Picking Prospects: Summer 2025”
August 22, 2025

Thoroughbred Charities of America Returns as Presenting Sponsor of 2025 Thoroughbred Makeover and National Symposium

The Retired Racehorse Project (RRP) and Thoroughbred Charities of America (TCA) jointly announced today that TCA has returned as the title sponsor of the Thoroughbred Makeover and National Symposium, the banner event of the RRP.…
Read More
Featured image for “Thoroughbred Charities of America Returns as Presenting Sponsor of 2025 Thoroughbred Makeover and National Symposium”
August 11, 2025

A Day in the Life of a Racehorse: Racing Day

Follow along as a 3-year-old Thoroughbred filly captures her first win.…
Read More
Featured image for “A Day in the Life of a Racehorse: Racing Day”
August 8, 2025

Makeover Champions Program Returns to Retired Racehorse Project’s Thoroughbred Makeover 

Makeover Champions invites members of the Thoroughbred racing industry to demonstrate public support for former connected horses who are headed to the 2025 retraining competition, the largest and most lucrative of its kind in North America. …
Read More
Featured image for “Makeover Champions Program Returns to Retired Racehorse Project’s Thoroughbred Makeover ”
August 6, 2025

Final Entry Trainer Newsletter: OPEN NOW!

Discipline selections, stabling reservations, and clinic registrations are open NOW! Log into the Trainer Portal now to complete your form. The Final Entry form will close at 5pm EST on Friday, August 29th. If you do not submit the final…
Read More
Featured image for “Final Entry Trainer Newsletter: OPEN NOW!”