Retired Racehorse Project (RRP) and the United States Eventing Association (USEA) announced a collaboration aimed at educating the trainers of young event horses and Thoroughbred ex-racehorses.

RRP’s Thoroughbred Makeover and USEA’s new Young Event Horse Professional Trainer Certification both seek to improve and evaluate the skills of trainers. The largest sport in RRP’s Thoroughbred Makeover is eventing, and the most heavily represented breed in the Young Event Horse program is the Thoroughbred.

According to RRP President Steuart Pittman, “RRP was thrilled to learn that USEA is embarking on a program to educate and certify trainers of young event horses, as well as instructors of those trainers through its highly successful Instructor Certification Program. Young professional trainers in the sport of eventing have always relied on off-track Thoroughbreds as an affordable entry into the business. We want to continue that tradition and strengthen it by driving Thoroughbred Makeover trainers into the new Young Event Horse Professional Trainer Certification.”

USEA’s ICP Symposium in Ocala, Florida next week includes sessions on young event horse training, led by Australia’s Chris Burton. All attendees are invited to a Tuesday evening gathering at Ocala Jockey Club where this collaboration will be discussed further. Tickets may be purchased at this link.

During the Thoroughbred Makeover and National Symposium at Kentucky Horse Park on the first weekend of October, USEA will present a seminar on the Young Event Horse (YEH) Instructor and YEH Professional Trainer Certification. RRP will promote the certification program to its members and acknowledge those who get certified in its Retired Racehorse Resource Directory.

“We have been watching the growth and development of the Retired Racehorse Project with great interest since its creation in 2010,” said USEA CEO Rob Burk. “Thoroughbreds are so integral to success in our sport that all other horses used for eventing are evaluated for how much of their ‘blood’ derives from this important breed. This relationship between the USEA and RRP marks a new step in our mutual efforts to find careers for these amazing retired racehorses and we are extremely excited for the future! We believe that the Young Event Horse program represents a fabulous way to introduce these horses to eventing and evaluate their individual potential in the sport in an educational environment.”

Retired Racehorse Project (RRP) works to facilitate placement of Thoroughbred ex-racehorses in second careers by increasing demand for them in the marketplace and inspiring equestrians to provide the training that secures their futures. RRP offers online directories, educational resources, and publishes Off-Track Thoroughbred Magazine. Its popular Thoroughbred Makeover and National Symposium is scheduled for October 5-8, 2017 at the Kentucky Horse Park in Lexington, Kentucky. Learn more at http://www.retiredracehorseproject.org

The United States Eventing Association (USEA) is a non-profit 501 C (3), educational organization committed to providing eventing enthusiasts with a competitive level suited to their individual skills. By assisting and educating competitors, event organizers and officials; maintaining responsible safety standards; and registering qualified competitions and clinics, the USEA offers a strong and continuous training opportunity for an ever-expanding field of world-class competitors. Just as importantly, the USEA provides a means for all riders, regardless of age or ability, to experience the thrill of eventing. learn more at http://useventing.com/.