2025 Retired Racehorse Project Strategic Planning Thoroughbred Makeover Trainer Survey

Thank you for taking the time to share your feedback. Your insights will help the Retired Racehorse Project (RRP) better understand participation trends in the Thoroughbred Makeover and how we can better serve our community. Please respond to the questions below. Your responses will be anonymous unless you choose to identify yourself. The survey will close on July 23, 2025.

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Section One: About You & Your Current Involvement With Horses

What best describes your current role in the equine world?*

Professional trainer/rider (equestrian)

Non-professional rider/owner (equestrian)

Representative of an aftercare organization

Thoroughbred breeding and/or racing

Other

Are you currently working with Thoroughbreds?*

Yes

Occasionally

Why are you not currently working with Thoroughbreds?*

How many horses of any breed are currently in your program or under your care/ownership?*

How does this number compare to five years ago?*

More horses now

About the same

Fewer horses now

What is the average length of time horses of any breed stay in your program or under your care/ownership?*

Less than three months

Three to six months

Six to twelve months

More than one year

I generally keep horses for long-term partnership

How does this length of time compare to five years ago?*

Shorter length of time

About the same

Longer length of time

Are you a resident of the United States or Canada?*

United States

Canada

US State of Residence*

Canadian Province of Residence*

Section Two: Your Makeover Participation

How many times have you participated in the Thoroughbred Makeover?*

None yet, but I’m accepted for 2025

Once

Two to three times

Four or more times

In which disicplines have you competed in the Makeover? Check all that apply.*

What was the most recent year you participated in the Makeover?*

As of your last year participating, did you intend to do the Makover again in the future?*

No, I only planned to do it that year (horse was intended as long-term partner)

I was/am open to doing it again in the future if the circumstances were right (came across a good prospect, for example)

I generally plan to do it annually to promote my sales program or aftercare organization

Never had a definitive plan

I was not interested in doing it again

What factors have contributed to deciding not to enter again since your last year participating? Select all that apply.*

Time commitment

Cost of participation (entry fees, travel, stabling, etc.)

Changes to competition format or rules

Personal life changes

I no longer train or ride Thoroughbreds

I have less Thoroughbreds in my program

My past experience with the Makeover did not inspire me to participate again

Other

Please expand on what other factors have influenced your participation:*

What would make you more likely to participate again? Select all that apply.*

More accessible location

Lower cost

Changes to competition format or judging

Greater visibility/promotion for participants

More prize money

Alumni class offering

Nothing- No longer interested

Other

Please expand on what other factors would make you more likely to participate again:*

How likely are you to participate in the Makeover again in the next two years?*

Very likely

Somewhat likely

Not likely

Definitely not

Unsure

What would be your TOP reason for not participating again?*

Time commitment

Cost of participation (entry fees, travel, stabling, etc.)

Changes to competition format or rules

Personal life changes

I no longer train or ride Thoroughbreds

I have less Thoroughbreds in my program

My past experience with the Makeover did not inspire me to participate again

Other

What value did you gain from participating in the Makeover previously?*

Community and connection

Professional advancement/visibility for my program

Clear training goals

Support and structure for transitioning my Thoroughbred

I did not gain value

Other

Please expand on what other value you got from participating in the Makeover:*

Is there anything else you want to share about why you haven't returned to participate again? Has anything changed for you? Was it a single factor or a gradual shift?

Section Three: Views on the RRP and the Thoroughbred Makeover

In your own words, what do you believe is the mission or primary focus of the Retired Racehorse Project?*

How well do you feel the Thoroughbred Makeover advances that mission?*

Do you feel the expectations of Thoroughbred Makeover participants (horsemanship, training progression) are realistic and aligned with the RRP's mission?*

Yes

Unsure

Did you feel welcome and supported as a Makeover participant?*

Have you recommended the Makeover to others in the past?*

Yes

I used to, but not recently

Do you feel the RRP has evolved the Makeover or other programs to keep past participants engaged?*

Yes

Unsure

Please share any comments you have on keeping prior participants engaged with the RRP or the Makeover:

How connected do you currently feel to the RRP as an organization?*

Very connected: I follow updates and feel like part of the community

Somewhat connected: I stay informed but I’m not currently involved

Not very well connected: I don’t feel engaged anymore

Not at all connected: I’ve disengaged entirely

How well do you understand the RRP’s programs outside of the Thoroughbred Makeover (e.g., clinics, resources, media, advocacy)?*

Very well

Somewhat

Not very well

I didn’t know the RRP did anything other than the Thoroughbred Makeover

Have you accessed or used any RRP programs, resources, or media besides the Makeover? Check all that apply.*

Educational library (or the former Off-Track Thoroughbred Magazine)

Other educational content/resources such as seminars/webinars, demos, clinics

Horse Listings

Social media or email content

Original trainer directory (2015)

Thoroughbred Sport Tracker FKA Bloodline Brag (prior to 2022)

I have not utilized any other resources