Trainer Newsletter: Makeover Webinars Next Week

September 20, 2025

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 may sign up for the mailing list here.

If you missed last week’s newsletter, catch up here.

Upcoming Webinars

The RRP organizes several webinars on key subjects for Makeover trainers throughout the year. Webinars are accessible via Zoom Video Conferencing and are also posted to YouTube for viewing after the fact.

Tuesday, September 23 at 7pm ET: Arrival Exam & Makeover Horse Management
Between the Arrival Exam and the unique challenges of the Thoroughbred Makeover as a competition, managing a happy and healthy Thoroughbred during Makeover week takes a bit of consideration. Join the RRP’s consulting veterinarian and Makeover veteran, Dr. Shannon Reed, for some tips and advice. Access live via Zoom Video Conferencing (passcode:048439).
There will be a Q&A session at the end of each webinar. Cannot attend live? Email secretary@therrp.org with your questions ahead of time.

Thursday, September 25 at 7pm ET: The Makeover is in 11 Days and I’m Freaking Out!
It’s go-time, but there’s no need for panic. Rayna and Molly walk you through everything you need to know to have a great week at the Kentucky Horse Park. Access via Zoom Video Conferencing (passcode:056764).
You can email questions ahead of time to secretary@therrp.org with the subject line “11 days webinar.” These questions can be about all things 2025 Thoroughbred Makeover such as stabling, scheduling, schooling, parking, etc.

Catch Rider and Scratch Forms

The catch rider nomination and scratch forms are available through the portal. Use the dropdown menu in the Actions column next to your horse’s Makeover entry to select “Request a Catch Rider” or “Submit a Scratch Form.”

If you are no longer able to compete your horse in the event and would like to nominate a catch rider, please read the rules for catch riding at the Makeover on page 18 of the rulebook. We have strict rules regarding the use of catch riders and who is considered an eligible catch rider. Make sure you are fully informed on the rules before nominating a catch rider.

Should you need to scratch for any reason or at any time, you must complete the scratch form via the Trainer Portal. Failure to properly scratch your horse’s entry will result in a $100 no show fee. If you are withdrawing during the refund period, you must submit the scratch form before requesting the refund.

Final Entry Refunds

Refunds are not automatically processed or issued. Refund requests must be made in writing to secretary@therrp.org. In order for the refund request to be considered, it must be received by 5 PM EST on the corresponding deadline, and the trainer must have already withdrawn or scratched the entry and horse registration through the Trainer Portal. Ride times will be released soon and your window to receive a partial refund is closing. Requests for a refund of Final Entry fees may be made on the following schedule:

Marketplace fees may be refunded if the horse is withdrawn from the Marketplace prior to August 29, 2025. Marketplace fees are non-refundable after August 29, 2025.
Clinic fees are refundable minus a $15 processing fee if withdrawn prior to September 5, 2025. Clinic fees are non-refundable after September 5, 2025, unless the spot can be filled from the waitlist, or the horse or rider has qualified for the championships.
100% of stabling and discipline fees if prior to September 5, 2025
100% of stabling and discipline fees minus a $75 processing fee per horse if after September 5, 2025, and prior to when stall assignments and ride times are published (approximately 10 business days prior to the start of competition)
- Ride times are likely to be released by the end of next week, refunds will not be available once ride times are published.
No refunds on stabling and discipline fees will be considered after ride times and stall assignments are published.
This refund schedule does not apply to registration fees, which are non-refundable

Time is Ticking: Earn back your Makeover Fees

We get it: everything feels really expensive right now (we’re feeling the pinch too!). Let us help: through our Make the Makeover fundraiser drive, any individual trainer or team captain that raises $1000 for the Retired Racehorse Project through their personal networks will have their $350 registration fee for the 2025 Makeover refunded.

There are also some awesome additional prizes for our top fundraisers, including a brand-new zero turn lawn mower, a PEMF machine, and cash! Get started now at Give Lively.

Important to note: Only those entered as team captains or individuals are eligible to create a Make the Makeover fundraising page; team members are encouraged to share their team captain’s fundraiser to help achieve the team’s fundraising goal. Additionally, fundraising for Make the Makeover MUST be done through Give Lively.

Volunteer Sign-Ups Open

Our volunteer sign-up is live! The Makeover has always run off a small but dedicated army of volunteers; will you be one of them? Shift and positions are available to suit all schedules and experience levels. Please encourage any friends or family members that are coming to cheer you on to pick up a shift. Volunteer shifts can be scheduled around your ride times too!

All volunteers receive a hat, t-shirt, refreshments, lunch for all-day shifts, a discount in the RRP booth, and more! Sign up for your shift here.

Silent Auction Donations Needed

Do you have something you would be willing to donate to the silent auction? Our Makeover silent auction has become a meaningful fundraiser for the RRP and each year it has expanded its unique and diverse offerings of gifts, experiences, art, memorabilia, and more. We very much appreciate any donations you can offer or solicit from your community. More details about the silent auction are available here.

The Retired Racehorse Project staff is here to help you have a successful and positive experience preparing your horse for the Thoroughbred Makeover and beyond. If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to reach out by emailing secretary@therrp.org.

All the best,

Rayna