The TAKE2 Second Career Thoroughbred Program Inc., unveiled in 2012 at just eight horse shows in three states, has quickly taken off in the sport horse community. Offering prize money in hunter and jumper classes restricted to Thoroughbreds, TAKE2 will highlight the prize lists at more than 90 top-level shows in 21 states this year. The program added awards for the High-Point Hunter and High-Point Jumper in 2013, and those awards have been increased, with the point leaders from each division earning $2,500, a dress sheet and a tri-color sash.
The 2014 schedule kicks off at the Wellington Equestrian Festival and HITS Ocala in Florida, and will be featured at horse shows in Arizona, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Georgia, Illinois, Iowa, Kentucky, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, New Jersey, New York, Oregon, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Texas, Vermont, Virginia and Washington. For the updated schedule, go to www.take2tbreds.com.
“We were told by those involved in the show horse world that it might take three years before people bought into the TAKE2 concept, but we are well ahead of schedule,” said New York Thoroughbred Horsemen’s Association President Rick Violette Jr., co-founder of TAKE2. “With the support of horse show managers, members of the racing community and the owners, trainers and riders of Thoroughbred hunters and jumpers, the TAKE2 program flourished in 2013, and we are still building on its success. TAKE2 puts the spotlight on the Thoroughbred at many of the most prestigious events in the country, proving time and again that our retired racehorses can go on to happy and productive lives when they leave the track.”
The New York Thoroughbred Horsemen’s Association (NYTHA) partnered with the New York Racing Association (NYRA) and the New York Thoroughbred Breeders Inc. (NYTB) in 2012 to establish TAKE2. The program is designed to highlight the success of Thoroughbreds as show horses, creating more opportunities for retiring racehorses in need of second careers. It is supported by Thoroughbred organizations across the U.S.
The Thoroughbred Horsemen’s Associations in Illinois, New Jersey and Pennsylvania, as well as the Florida Horsemen’s Benevolent and Protective Association, sponsored the TAKE2 classes in their home states last year. This year, the Ocala Breeders’ Sales Company joined the TAKE2 team, helping to fund the program at the HITS Ocala Horse Show.
“Ocala Breeders’ Sales Company is delighted to support TAKE2 with their efforts to help showcase the versatility and talent of Thoroughbreds in our own backyard,” said OBS President Tom Ventura.
