The brainchild of Anita Motion, the Real Rider Cup is a charity show jumping event that invites racing industry personalities to team up with an off-track Thoroughbred and compete over a course of jumps, while raising funds to benefit Thoroughbred aftercare. Each rider — employees of breeding farms and racing stables, trainers, jockeys, owners, members of racing media, and more — pledges to raise a minimum of $1,000, which directly supports Real Rider Cup beneficiaries: Fair Hill Thoroughbred Show, New Vocations Racehorse Adoption Program, and the Retired Racehorse Project. Since its inception in 2017, the Real Rider Cup has raised more than $410,000 for these organizations.

The Elkton, Maryland leg of the 2023 Real Rider Cup will take place as a kick-off to the Fair Hill Thoroughbred Horse Show on Friday, September 15th, 2023. Join us for a spirited evening of live music and thrilling competition! Free to attend (RSVP appreciated); live music and cash food and drink will be on hand for your enjoyment. Rain or shine.

Saturday, September 23rd

Join us at RRP HQ in Edgewater, Maryland to help our team complete final preparations prior to leaving for the Thoroughbred Makeover. Tasks to be completed include folding t-shirts, organizing ribbons and prizes, photographing and cataloging silent auction donations, stuffing competitor packets, and more.

Lunch and volunteer t-shirts will be provided for all attendees. While a variety of tasks are available for any ability, the office building is in a split level building and is not handicap accessible.

Check back in September for a sign-up!

Hundreds of off-track Thoroughbreds, each with 10 months or less of retraining. Three days of competition in 10 different disciplines, vying for a share of over $135,000 in prize money. Thousands of spectators watching online and in person. And at the end, one overall winner, crowned Thoroughbred Makeover Champion. Presented by Thoroughbred Charities of America.

Kentucky Championships include divisions in Barrel Racing, Competitive Trail, Dressage, Ranch Riding, Western Dressage, Western Halter, Western Pleasure

Declaration Closing and Hardship Request Closing Date: August 31, 2023
Entries Open: Tuesday, August 1, 2023
Entries Close: Friday, September 8, 2023

Kentucky TIP Championships Prize List