The TAKE2 Second Career Thoroughbred Program anncounced that it will now offer year-end awards for its high-point hunter and high-point jumper of 2013. 

The Kentucky National Horse Show will host the TAKE2 High-Point Jumper Award on Sept. 18-22 at the Kentucky Horse Park in Georgetown. The presentation for the TAKE2 High-Point Hunter Award will be held at the Capital Challenge Horse Show on Oct. 1-6 at the Prince George’s Equestrian Center in Upper Marlboro, Md.

TAKE2 classes, open to raced and unraced Thoroughbreds eligible to be registered with The Jockey Club, will be offered at 50 A- and AA-rated horse shows in 17 states this year. The TAKE2 Hunter and TAKE2 Jumper accumulating the most points will each receive an award of $1,500 and a TAKE2 cooler.

 “We’re excited to have the TAKE2 program as part of our horse show,” said Capital Challenge founder and show manager Billy Glass. “I’m old enough to remember when the Thoroughbred was the vehicle of choice in the hunter/jumper industry. Historically, the Thoroughbred has been the Cadillac in show ring. They can be more difficult in temperament, but when you get a good one, they can turn out to be a great one. It’s great to see them making a comeback at Capital Challenge.”

In an effort to broaden the avenues available to Thoroughbreds after their racing careers are over, the New York Thoroughbred Horsemen’s Association last year partnered with the New York Racing Association and the New York Thoroughbred Breeders Inc. to establish TAKE2. The program is designed to highlight the success of Thoroughbreds as show horses, and to reward those who compete on Thoroughbreds with awards and prize money in restricted divisions.

This month, TAKE2 classes will be offered at HITS Culpeper and the Lexington Spring Premiere Horse Show in Virginia; the Texas Shoot-Out; and the Westbrook Hunt Club Fling in Connecticut. For the complete 2013 schedule, updated year-end standings and more, go to www.take2tbreds.com or follow TAKE2 on Facebook.