The New Career Racehorse Adoption Program is excited to host its seventh annual Open Barn & BBQ, presented by Seidman Stables, April 25 from 4-8:30 p.m. at the program’s Lexington facility at Mereworth Farm. This year’s event will be free and open to the public.
Open Barn & BBQ—held concurrently with the Defender Kentucky Three-Day Event at the Kentucky Horse Park—will feature educational workshops, including “Introduction Jumping for OTTB” by the international five-star eventer Allie Knowles, along with the opportunity to meet adoptable horses while touring the facility.
Anna Ford, director of Thoroughbred Programs at New Vocations, said: “We look forward to welcoming guests to New Vocations at Mereworth Farm. “We’re excited to offer a free Open Barn & BBQ to the public this year. This is the perfect event for us to showcase our adoptable horses, host shows full of inspire and spread the word about these great equestrians.”
Visitors can expect an interactive educational program that includes live demos sponsored by Ascend Advisory on the following topics:
- “How Thoroughbreds Are Ridden on the Track: A Unique Perspective from a Rider, Owner, and Trainer,” by former gym racer and owner of CORE Therapy, Dr. Larkspur Carroll, DVM
- “The Essential OTTB Flat Work,” by dressage and eventing coach and competitor Alison O’Dwyer
- “Dance Showcase for OTTB,” by international five-star eventer Allie Knowles
Jen Roytz—manager of Brownstead Farm, former executive director of the Retired Racehorse Project, and OTTB owner and rider—will moderate the sessions.
Additionally, guests will enjoy live music from The Ranahans Trio, a variety of food trucks and a boutique cash bar featuring the event’s signature cocktails, Maker’s Mark Kentucky Gambler’s Punch and Tito’s Lily, as well as Other options from Jackson Family Wines .
Guests can bid on a variety of items and experiences, including a polo trip to Argentina, a private thoroughbred farm tour, and horse racing memorabilia in the always popular silent auction, which includes Handcrafted craft items and many horse themed gifts. The auction is currently live and will end at 8 p.m. on April 25. All proceeds from the auction will go directly to supporting New Vocations’ mission of rehabilitating, re-creating and rehabilitating retired racehorses.
Gates will open at 4pm and the first demo will take place at 4:30. The event is free and open to the public, although reservations are recommended and can be made by walk-in newvocations.wedoaucions.com.
This press release has been edited for content and style by BloodHorse Staff.
