Buck Davidson and Jak My Style. Photo courtesy of Eventing Nation.

The 2020 LiftMaster Grand-Prix Eventing at Bruce’s Field in Aiken, SC will host a Retired Racehorse Project (RRP) Master Class on Friday, February 28. Taking place in Jumper Ring 1, the RRP Master Class will begin immediately following the end of dressage at approximately 2:00 PM, featuring nationally-ranked five-star eventers Buck Davidson and Phillip Dutton.

The RRP Master Class was created as an educational demonstration, giving spectators a comprehensive look at what to consider when evaluating an off-the-track prospect and how to approach a retired racehorse’s early rides in the second career. Inspired by colt starting competitions but with a non-competitive focus, the Master Class brings together experienced professionals who analyze conformation and movement, then demonstrate their process in approaching the first ride with commentary and opportunity for audience questions.

Buck Davidson and Phillip Dutton will serve as the featured trainers, presenting this Master Class in a unique format: Dutton will ride his prospect and narrate his process, while Davidson will coach two professional riders (Jordan Pruiksma and Brit Vegas Gengenbach, both past top five finishers at the RRP’s Thoroughbred Makeover) from the ground. This format will offer keen insight from these experienced trainers both from the riding and coaching perspectives. Both Davidson and Dutton have produced Thoroughbreds to the highest levels of eventing.

Horses are provided by Equine Rescue of Aiken. The RRP’s executive director Jen Roytz will emcee the Master Class, with additional commentary and insight provided by professional eventing coach Richard Lamb. The RRP Master Class is a free event within the LiftMaster Grand-Prix Eventing; ticketing information can be found at https://aikenhorsepark.charityproud.org/EventRegistration/Index/3016.

Phillip Dutton at the 2014 Thoroughbred Makeover with Ichabad Crane. Photo courtesy of Rough Coat Photography