Increasing demand for thoroughbreds beyond racing
General Event Information
October 8th–11th, 2025
Kentucky Horse Park: 4089 Iron Works Parkway, Lexington, KY 40511
Parking: Parking is assessed by the Horse Park at the main entrance guard shack
Stabling: Stalls are reserved via the RRP in August. Stalls are 10X10’ with wooden walls, concrete floors, and full-height permanent doors. Stalls may be bedded with biodegradable materials such as shavings, straw, pellets, etc. Stripping of stalls is not required. Participants are responsible for supplying their own stabling supplies and equipment and inspecting their stall upon arrival for any safety hazards.
Bedding & Stall Mats: Dever, Inc. 859-233-9702
The Kentucky Horse Park prohibits the use of full-size off-road vehicles (ATVs, mules, 4-wheelers, 3-wheelers, and dirt bikes). Self-owned mini-dirt bikes, golf carts, bikes (including electric bikes), Segways, and scooters, etc. are permitted.
ASPCA Right Horse Doughnut Breakfast - Thursday, October 12 at ASPCA Right Horse Adoption Barn at Barn 5, 10:00 AM. Stop by the ASPCA Right Horse Adoption Barn for complimentary coffee and doughnuts! Meet the ASPCA Right Horse team, learn more about horse adoption, and visit some adoptable Thoroughbreds.
Aftercare Afterhours - Wednesday, October 11 - Secretariat Center at 5:00 PM
Co-hosted by New Vocations and Secretariat Center. All working in the aftercare industry, whether for or non-profit, are invited to attend this casual cocktail hour. Take advantage of this unique opportunity to visit and network with colleagues from across the industry. Drinks and light snacks will be served. RSVP required. Click HERE to RSVP.
Barrels & Brews - Thursday, October 12th - 5:00pm
Tip your glass, not your barrel! Join us in the TCA Covered Arena for our new event: Barrels & Brews. Grab a drink in the biergarten, shop extended hours in the Vendor Fair, and cheer on Makeover and TIP Barrel Racing competitors. West Sixth Brewery and local food trucks will be in attendance, and all are invited. No Tickets Required
Stall Decorating Contest - Friday, October 13th - 2:00pm
All are invited to walk the barns to take a look at stall displays and meet this year's competitors. For more information about stall decorating guidelines, please see the Stall Decorating tab.
Thoroughbred Makeover Awards Party - Friday, October 13th -- Doors Open 5:00pm -- The Competitor Party party will include an awards ceremony recognizing special awards winners along with preliminary discipline winners, top juniors, top amateurs, and top teams. Join us in Kentucky Horse Park’s Big Barn for an evening of celebration with great local food trucks and live music. Tickets Required. Click HERE to purchase tickets.
Thoroughbred Makeover Finale VIP – Saturday, October 14th – Doors Open 8:00am – Take a whole new look at the Thoroughbred Makeover Finale! Join us in the Club Lounge overlooking the Covered Arena and watch the Finale competition from the best seats in the house. Tickets include continental breakfast, buffet lunch and a drink ticket. Tickets Required. Click HERE to purchase tickets.
Many aspects of the 2023 Thoroughbred Makeover and T.I.P. Championships are free, including shopping the vendor fair, browsing the Makeover Marketplace, attending preliminary competition and the Finale Championships. Select portions of the event, the Awards Party and Finale VIP, require tickets.
Click HERE to purchase tickets.
Accommodations
Spectators, vendors, and competitors should not wait until the last minute to book their accommodations. October is a busy time in Lexington other major events put pressure on hotel room and AirBnB inventory.
Host Hotel: Fairfield Inn & Suites Lexington Georgetown/College Inn
200 Tiger Way Georgetown, KY 40324 (p) 502-868-9955
Rate: $129/ night
BOOK HOTEL Booking deadline September 15th
Kentucky Horse Park Campground: The Kentucky Horse Park Campground has 260 campsites with electrical and water hookups, paved pads, fire rings, and picnic tables. A full-service facility, the campground has a grocery store and gift shop, two bathhouses with modern conveniences, laundromats, and two dump stations.
BOOK CAMPING
Visit Lexington
Known for fast horses and smooth bourbon, Lexington is excited to once again welcome attendees of the Retired Racehorse Project’s Thoroughbred Makeover to the Bluegrass!
Horse Country Tours: Horse Country is your gateway to exploring the legendary breeding farms and other aspects of the Thoroughbred industry in the Bluegrass. Book your tours now.
Keeneland: Visitors are welcome to schedule tours, watch morning workouts, and visit the Keeneland Shop or Keeneland Library.
Woodford Reserve: Learn about the history of bourbon at the famous Woodford Reserve Distillery. Book your tours now.
Thoroughbred Makeover Seminars
Murphy Arena Pavilion
Makeover attendees will have the opportunity to sit in on the following
educational seminars and demos dedicated to the care and condition of
off-track Thoroughbred. Seminars will be free and open to all.
Details on individual sessions are below:
Wednesday October, 11th: Neurological Exam Demo & Discussion
presented by: Boehringer Ingelheim
Thursday October 12th: Body Condition Scoring Hands-On Demo
presented by: Rood & Riddle Equine Hospital
The ever-popular Stall Decorating Contest returns for 2023! Judging will begin at 2:00 PM on Friday, October 13th in the barns, and all are invited to walk the barns to view the creative displays and enjoy the festive atmosphere as competitors kick back after preliminary competition.
This year’s theme is "Your Makeover Movie": trainers are invited to decorate in the theme of a movie that sums up their Makeover journey.
A sign-up form will be distributed once stall assignments are posted.
Stall Decorating Contest rules:
- The Stall Decorating Contest will be judged by a traveling group of judges.
- Stall decorations may NOT impede access to stalls. Stalls must remain functional and be able to be fully opened and closed. Horses must be able to get in and out of stalls safely. RRP event staff reserves the right to request removal of decorations that are impeding safe access for horses and people.
- JUDGED stall decorations are limited to the stall front and shed row. Decorations MAY NOT block/impede roads between barns for emergency access. If you are stabled on an end barn or end stall with access to grass or extended parking, extra decorations beyond roofline will not be considered for judging. RRP event staff reserves the right to request removal of decorations that are impeding safe access for horses and people.
- Anything applied to the stall must be safe, removable and not result in any permanent damage to the barn facilities. All decorations must be in compliance with fire codes; two wire extension cords, light duty cords for indoor use and any cut or damaged cords are prohibited. The use of open flames and/or pyrotechnics is strictly prohibited and will result in immediate disqualification.
Kentucky Horse Park: 4089 Iron Works Parkway, Lexington, KY 40511
Parking: Parking is assessed by the Horse Park at the main entrance guard shack
Stabling: Stalls are reserved via the RRP in August. Stalls are 10X10’ with wooden walls, concrete floors, and full-height permanent doors. Stalls may be bedded with biodegradable materials such as shavings, straw, pellets, etc. Stripping of stalls is not required. Participants are responsible for supplying their own stabling supplies and equipment and inspecting their stall upon arrival for any safety hazards.
Bedding & Stall Mats: Dever, Inc. 859-233-9702
The Kentucky Horse Park prohibits the use of full-size off-road vehicles (ATVs, mules, 4-wheelers, 3-wheelers, and dirt bikes). Self-owned mini-dirt bikes, golf carts, bikes (including electric bikes), Segways, and scooters, etc. are permitted.
Aftercare Afterhours
Wednesday, Oct. 8 at 5:00 p.m., The Secretariat Center
Co-hosted by New Vocations Racehorse Adoption Program, Mareworthy Charities and the Secretariat Center
All who are working in the aftercare industry, whether for or nonprofit, are invited to attend this casual cocktail hour. Take advantage of this unique opportunity to visit and network with colleagues from across the industry. Drinks and light snacks will be served. RSVP required; see TheRRP.org/general-event-information.
ASPCA Right Horse Doughnut Breakfast
Thursday, Oct. 9 at 10:00 a.m., ASPCA Vendor Booth
Stop by the ASPCA Vendor Booth for complimentary coffee and doughnuts! Meet the ASPCA Right Horse team and learn more about horse adoption and Right Horse Scholarships.
Movie Night at The Secretariat Center
Thursday, Oct. 9 at 6:00 p.m., The Secretariat Center
Join us at 6 pm for a guided tour of Secretariat Center, followed by a special showing of Secretariat on the lawn at 7 pm. Please bring blankets and/or chairs for the movie! Trainers may bring a picnic dinner; popcorn and light refreshments will be provided.
Keeneland Tours and Race Day
Friday, Oct. 10 , 7:00 a.m., Keeneland
Sponsored by Keeneland in partnership with Amplify Horse Racing
A bucket list activity for the Thoroughbred lover, Makeover trainers and supporters are invited to join for an exciting morning at Keeneland. Coffee and doughnuts will be served on the Club Lawn at 7 am, where trainers will have the opportunity to hear from Vice President of Equine Safety, Dr. Stuart Brown, while watching morning training, followed by a tour of the sale grounds. All trainers are invited to attend live racing at Keeneland in the afternoon (see trainer newsletter for more information). If you attend training and tours, please park in the Green Lot.
Championships Jogs
Friday, Oct. 10 at 12:00 p.m., TCA Covered Arena - C
With support from Hagyard Equine Medical Institute
The top 10 horses in each discipline at the conclusion of preliminary competition will present before a panel of veterinarians to ensure each horse is ready to advance to the Championships competition.
Barn Night & Stall Decorating Contest
Friday, Oct. 10 at 5:00 p.m.
Potluck dinner and judging to begin at 5 pm at the barns
Celebrate the week with a community-focused evening! A beloved Makeover tradition, the Stall Decorating Contest returns for 2025. Bring a potluck dish for your stall, walk the barns, check out the imaginative displays and join Makeover competitors for what is sure to be a festive atmosphere at the conclusion of preliminary competition days and clinics. With no set theme, trainers are encouraged to decorate their stalls as creatively as they wish! Winner will be announced at the Competitor Awards Party on Saturday evening
“The Bond” Monument Dedication
Saturday, October 11 at 9:00 a.m., behind barn block 1-4 and adjacent to the Big Barn
Hosted by Angels Without Wings
"The Bond: Two Hearts - One Spirit" by sculpture artist Jocelyn Russell celebrates the very special bond between Cody Dorman, a young man born with a genetic condition that confined him to a wheelchair, and 2023 Eclipse Awards Horse of the Year, Cody's Wish. This monument dedication is being held independently of the Thoroughbred Makeover and is open to the public.
Barrels & Brews
Saturday, Oct. 11 at 3:30 p.m., TCA Covered Arena
Presented by 1/ST Racing
Tip your glass, not your barrel! Kick off the evening’s activities by grabbing a drink in the biergarten and cheering on Barrel Racing Championships competitors. West Sixth Brewery will be in attendance with beverages available for purchase.
Competitor Awards Party
Saturday, Oct. 11 at 6:00 p.m., TCA Covered Arena
Sponsored by University of Louisville Equine Industry Program, the McIntosh Group and Wasabi Aftercare Fund
The Competitor Party will include a ceremony recognizing special award winners and preliminary discipline winners, top juniors, top amateurs and top teams. Join us in the TCA Covered Arena for an evening of celebration, with local food trucks and drinks available for purchase. No tickets are required.
Accommodations
Spectators, vendors, and competitors should not wait until the last minute to book their accommodations. October is a busy time in Lexington other major events put pressure on hotel room and AirBnB inventory.
Host Hotel: Fairfield Inn & Suites Lexington Georgetown/College Inn
200 Tiger Way | Georgetown, KY 40324 (p) 502-868-9955
Rate: $129/night
BOOK GROUP RATE NOW
Booking deadline September 21st
Kentucky Horse Park Campground: The Kentucky Horse Park Campground has 260 campsites with electrical and water hookups, paved pads, fire rings, and picnic tables. A full-service facility, the campground has a grocery store and gift shop, two bathhouses with modern conveniences, laundromats, and two dump stations.
BOOK CAMPING
Visit Lexington
Known for fast horses and smooth bourbon, Lexington is excited to once again welcome attendees of the Retired Racehorse Project’s Thoroughbred Makeover to the Bluegrass!
Horse Country Tours: Horse Country is your gateway to exploring the legendary breeding farms and other aspects of the Thoroughbred industry in the Bluegrass. Book your tours now.
Keeneland: Visitors are welcome to schedule tours, watch morning workouts, and visit the Keeneland Shop or Keeneland Library.
Woodford Reserve: Learn about the history of bourbon at the famous Woodford Reserve Distillery. Book your tours now.
Sponsored by Rood & Riddle Equine Hospital
Friday, Oct. 10 at Murphy Pavilion, 1:00 pm
Presented by Dr. Hannah Weinberg, Hagyard Equine Medical Institute
“PPEs: What is the purpose? The practicality? The potential problems?”
Pre-purchase examinations can be daunting for both buyers and sellers. Join us to break down all aspects of the process from start to finish to make this common practice a comfortable part of equine medicine for everyone involved.
Friday, Oct. 10 at Murphy Pavilion, 3:00pm
Presented by Dr. Ali Broyles, Rood & Riddle Equine Hospital
“Racing Injuries and their Prognosis for a Second Career”
Attend a discussion of common injuries that a racehorse may face and the potential implications, if any, on their post-racing management or success in off-the track careers.
About Dr. Hannah Weinberg, Hagyard Equine Medical Institute
Dr. Weinberg is originally from southeastern Ohio, raised around corn, 4-H animals, and a small-town community. She has always loved horses, but her original career path was marine biology, where she received a Bachelor's of Science in Marine Science from Coastal Carolina University. After spending 6 months working with sea turtles at the South Carolina Aquarium, she returned to Ohio to attend veterinary school at THE Ohio State University where she fell in love with equine medicine. After graduating, Dr. Weinberg stayed at Ohio State for an equine rotating internship, where her passion for lameness and sport horses grew. This passion took her to sunny California, where she spent the last year as the Equine Integrative Sports Medicine Intern at UC Davis, working alongside boarded ACVSMR-boarded clinicians, surgeons, and skilled diagnostic imaging clinicians before joining the Hagyard team. Her interests include sports medicine for all disciplines, integrative treatment modalities, podiatry/therapeutic shoeing, and the axial skeleton.
About Dr. Ali Broyles, Rood & Riddle Equine Hospital
Dr. Broyles obtained her undergraduate degree at Middle Tennessee State University and then her DVM degree from Texas A&M University in 2010. She completed an internship at Rood and Riddle Equine Hospital in 2011. Dr. Broyles then worked with her husband at their practice in Texas while also working part time for the Weatherford, Texas based practice Equine Sports Medicine & Surgery through 2014. Dr. Broyles returned to Rood and Riddle Equine Hospital for a surgical residency from 2014 – 2017, and upon completion, worked at our hospital in Saratoga. In 2018, she joined Equine Sports Medicine & Surgery again as one of their surgeons, where she worked until she returned to Rood & Riddle Equine Hospital in June 2024. Dr. Broyles became a Diplomate of the American College of Veterinary Surgeons (DACVS) in 2019.
Makeover Clinics
Friday, Oct. 10
Clinics will return in 2025! Designed to offer the opportunity for additional education and a route to end the week on a positive note for horses whose preliminary rounds may not have gone to plan, clinics will be offered at the conclusion of preliminary competition for horses and their trainers that did not qualify for the Championships. All clinics are free to audit by the general public.
New for 2025: There will be a limited number of spots open to Makeover graduate horses in each clinic.
Registrations: Sign up by selecting “New Clinic Registration” through the Trainer Portal. Registrations open at 10 AM EST on August 5 and close at 5 PM EST on September 5. Spots are limited and will be awarded on a first come, first served basis. A waitlist will be kept once as spots fill.
Clinicians: All clinics will be taught by the discipline’s 2025 Thoroughbred Makeover judge(s). An official list of the judges and stewards will be posted closer to the event. Contact secretary@therrp.org now for the unofficial list of clinicians.
Venue: Clinics will be taught at the Kentucky Horse Park in their respective venues from the 2025 preliminary competition.
Clinic Options and Pricing
Competitive Trail Obstacle Schooling:
- $40/horse and rider combination
- Held on the Three Day X-Country Field
- Groups of 3 will have 30 minutes to school elements of the Competitive Trail course at their own pace with the clinicians available for instruction
- This clinic is a great option for those looking to focus on schooling particular obstacles with feedback or overall give their horse a positive schooling experience at the end of the week.
Introduction to Competitive Trail Clinic:
- $100/horse and rider combination
- Held on the Three Day X-Country Field
- Traditional 60-minute-long group style clinic (maximum group size of 6)
- This clinic is geared towards those that are interested in introducing their horses to obstacle work.
Dressage Mini Lesson/Fix-a-Test:
- $60/horse and rider combination
- Held in the
Walnut RingAnnex Lunging Ring - Each horse and rider combination will have 30 minutes in the Dressage court with one of the Dressage clinicians- this time can be spent going over a specific test in a Fix-a-Test style format OR can simply be treated as a 30-minute private Dressage lesson. Riders may work with the clinician to determine how they wish to utilize their time.
- This clinic option is appropriate for Eventing Dressage, English Dressage, Western Dressage, or even those looking for a basic introduction to the discipline.
Show Hunter Clinic:
- $150/horse and rider combination
- Held in the Stonelea Ring
- Traditional 90-minute-long group style clinic (maximum group size of 6)
- The clinician(s) will use exercises, including elements from the preliminary competition course, to help participants build on their horse’s education in the Show Hunter discipline.
Show Jumper Clinic:
- $150/horse and rider combination
- Held in the Claiborne Ring
- Traditional 90-minute-long group style clinic (maximum group size of 6)
- The clinician(s) will use exercises, including elements from the preliminary competition course, to help participants build on their horse’s education in the Show Jumper discipline.
Stabling and other fees for Graduate horses:
- $20 grounds fee assessed for every graduate or non-compete horse
- $255/stall for the whole week (move-in starting at 12pm on October 6 and move-out by 8am on October 12)
- $130/stall for partial week (move-in starting at 12pm on October 9 and move-out by 8am on October 12)
- $60 Trailer-In Fee for those not stabling on-site
Note: All horses must meet the health documentation requirements found on pages 38 and 39 of the 2025 Rulebook. Though graduate horses will not go through the arrival exam process, they must meet the soundness and body condition score standards.
*Disclaimer: Read the Rules and Expectations on the registration form for more information.
Saturday, Oct. 11, 8:00am – 5:30pm
New for 2025, the RRP is replacing the old Finale format with a new “Discipline Championships” format which will allow for more horses to compete for the core prize money. Under this new format, the top ten retiring racehorses from each discipline in the preliminary competition will compete in the discipline championships on a clean slate, competing for new scores.
Please see the Event Schedule for discipline venues and times coming soon.
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