Thoroughbred Incentive Program (T.I.P.): Retraining Horse Racing Champions for New Careers
Are you looking for a new horse to compete in equestrian sports? Do you want to train an exceptional equine partner that has already proven itself a champion?
If so, the Thoroughbred Incentive Program (T.I.P.) may be the perfect resource for you. T.I.P. exists to promote retraining and second careers for off-track Thoroughbreds.
The program awards financial incentives and recognition to owners and trainers who demonstrate their horse’s progress in targeted equestrian disciplines. In this article, we will provide you with all the essential information about T.I.P.’s purpose, benefits, and requirements.
We will also describe how to qualify for the T.I.P. Championship and
Thoroughbred Classic, and offer some insights into retraining racing Thoroughbreds. Purpose and Benefits of T.I.P.
T.I.P. was launched in 2011 by the Jockey Club Thoroughbred Retirement Foundation, a non-profit organization that seeks to promote the welfare of retired racehorses.
According to its mission statement, T.I.P. aims to “honour and showcase the Thoroughbred’s versatility and trainability.”
The program achieves its objectives by offering financial rewards and prizes to Thoroughbred owners and trainers who compete with their horses in various non-racing disciplines. T.I.P. is open to all registered Thoroughbreds, regardless of their racing record or age.
Rewards for T.I.P. competitors can include ribbons, trophies, prize money, and championship titles. The program also issues T.I.P. numbers to registered horses and maintains a public database of their achievements.
One of the main benefits of T.I.P. is its emphasis on rehoming and rehabilitating retired racehorses. By encouraging trainers and riders to pursue alternative careers with Thoroughbreds, T.I.P. contributes to the horse industry’s sustainability and diversity, and helps to reduce the number of horses that end up in auctions or slaughterhouses.
Qualification Requirements for T.I.P.
To participate in T.I.P., you must meet some eligibility criteria and follow specific registration procedures. Here are some of the most important qualification requirements:
– Your horse must be a registered Thoroughbred with the Jockey Club or a foreign Thoroughbred stud book recognized by the International Stud Book Committee.
– You must have a T.I.P. number for your horse, which you can obtain by completing an online application and paying the registration fee (currently $40 for adult horses and $25 for young horses). – You must provide proof of ownership or lease of the horse, as well as current health certificates, coggins tests, and vaccinations, depending on the event’s regulations.
– You must agree to comply with T.I.P.’s rules and regulations, which cover topics such as drug testing, sportsmanship, and disqualification.
Retraining of Off-Track Thoroughbreds
Retraining a Thoroughbred from a racing career to another equestrian discipline can be a challenging but rewarding experience. Here are some tips and considerations to keep in mind:
– Start with basic training: Before you can expect your Thoroughbred to excel in dressage, jumping, or eventing, you must give him or her a solid foundation of essential skills such as halting, steering, and transitioning gaits.
Training should be gradual, patient, and positive, using rewards and praise rather than punishment or coercion. – Adjust to the new career: Many off-track Thoroughbreds have spent most of their lives running in straight lines at high speeds, so they may need time to adjust to the demands of other disciplines.
You may need to work on improving your horse’s flexibility, balance, and coordination, as well as his or her ability to take jumps or perform complex movements. – Focus on the potential: Although not all Thoroughbreds are suited to every equestrian sport, many have the intelligence, athleticism, and heart to excel in various areas.
By identifying your horse’s strengths and weaknesses and training accordingly, you can unlock his or her full potential and enjoy a rewarding partnership for years to come. T.I.P. Championship
The T.I.P. Championship is an annual competition that highlights the performance of Thoroughbreds in non-racing disciplines.
Here’s what you need to know about qualifying for and participating in the Championship:
– Qualifying events: To be eligible for the Championship, you must participate in at least two different T.I.P.-sponsored shows or events in the relevant categories during the qualifying period (December 1 of the previous year to November 30 of the current year). You must also declare your horse’s performance awards through your online T.I.P. account by the Declaration Closing Date, which is usually in early December.
– Self-reporting: T.I.P. relies on horse owners and trainers to self-report their horse’s performance awards, including ribbons, trophies, and prize money, earned at T.I.P.-approved competitions. This means that you must keep accurate records of your horse’s achievements and enter them in your online account promptly.
– Qualifications and rules: The Championship has specific requirements and rules, such as the need to have earned a minimum number of performance awards in each discipline and class, and the restriction of professional riders and trainers in some categories. Make sure you read the Championship Handbook carefully and prepare your horse accordingly.
Thoroughbred Classic
The
Thoroughbred Classic is a national competition that showcases the talents of registered Thoroughbreds in various non-racing disciplines. Here’s what you need to know about participating in the Classic:
– True Thoroughbred requirements: Unlike the T.I.P. Championship, which is open to Thoroughbreds and Thoroughbred crosses, the
Thoroughbred Classic only admits horses that have a Jockey Club registration certificate or passport, or a foreign passport from a recognized stud book.
This means that your horse must be a purebred or close to it. – Documentation: You must provide proof of your horse’s eligibility, including a copy of the registration certificate or passport, and other required documents such as health certificates and vaccination records.
You must also pay the entry fee and complete the online entry form by the deadline. – Eligibility: The
Thoroughbred Classic has specific eligibility requirements, such as age, performance awards, and discipline categories.
Make sure you read the Classic Handbook and understand the qualifications for the division you wish to compete in.
Conclusion
The Thoroughbred Incentive Program (T.I.P.) is a valuable resource for owners and trainers who seek to retrain and showcase the talents of retired racehorses. By providing financial incentives, recognition, and competitive opportunities, T.I.P. promotes the versatility and trainability of Thoroughbreds in various equestrian disciplines.
Whether you want to participate in the T.I.P. Championship or the
Thoroughbred Classic, or simply give your horse a second career and a fulfilling life after racing, T.I.P. can help you achieve your goals. Recent T.I.P. Championship Winners: Celebrating the Versatility of Thoroughbreds
For the past decade, the Thoroughbred Incentive Program (T.I.P.) Championship has been showcasing the achievements and potential of off-track Thoroughbreds in various equestrian disciplines.
Every year, horses and riders from across the country compete in the Championship’s English Pleasure, Hunter, and Jumper divisions, hoping to earn high point awards, recognition, and prestige. In this article, we will look at some of the recent T.I.P. Championship winners in each discipline, highlighting their unique qualities, accomplishments, and backgrounds.
We will also provide some insights into their individual performances, including their show names, dates, and division classifications. Let’s celebrate the versatility of Thoroughbreds and their dedicated riders and breeders!
Winners in English Pleasure Discipline
English Pleasure is a discipline that emphasizes the horse’s smoothness, manners, and responsiveness to the rider’s cues. Thoroughbreds that excel in this category are often elegant, balanced, and willing partners.
Here are some recent English Pleasure winners from the T.I.P. Championship:
– Smart Saint: This gorgeous gray Thoroughbred mare won the 2020 T.I.P. Championship’s Open English Pleasure division with rider Kinsey Ruesch. Smart Saint, a 2013 mare by Smart Bid out of Nuke’s Last Chance, is owned by Karen S.
Barber. – Acquisitive: This versatile bay Thoroughbred gelding captured the 2019 T.I.P. Championship’s Adult Amateur English Pleasure division under rider-owner Catherine Sendak.
Acquisitive, a 2012 gelding by Include out of Red Carpet Lady, has also excelled in dressage and eventing.
Winners in Hunters Discipline
The Hunter discipline is a popular and competitive equestrian sport that involves jumping over a series of fences and obstacles in a smooth, flowing manner. Thoroughbreds are often well-suited to this discipline due to their athleticism, bravery, and natural jumping ability.
Here are some noteworthy Hunter winners from recent T.I.P. Championships:
– Ultraslan: This stunning bay Thoroughbred gelding stood out in the 2020 T.I.P. Championship’s Thoroughbred Hunter division, winning the Open Championship with rider-owner Elizabeth L. Merkel.
Ultraslan, a 2014 gelding by Discreet Cat out of Ihtimam, has also shown promise in eventing and dressage. – Gem Twist: This lovely gray Thoroughbred mare impressed the judges in the 2019 T.I.P. Championship’s Non-Pro Hunter division, winning the Championship title with rider-owner Francesca P.
Guggino. Gem Twist, a 2011 mare by Second in Command out of Moonlit Miss, has also competed in thoroughbred-only shows and earned multiple ribbons and awards.
– Meet My Buddy: This handsome chestnut Thoroughbred gelding was a consistent winner in the Hunters at the 2018 T.I.P. Championship, taking home the Non-Pro Championship and the High Point award with rider-owner Addie Jabin. Meet My Buddy, a 2009 gelding by Buddy’s Saint out of Never Enough Time, has also excelled in dressage and show jumping.
Other recent Hunter winners include Erlton Queen (2019), Caught Me Looking (2018), and Felton (2017).
Winners in Jumpers Discipline
Jumpers, also known as Show Jumping, is a thrilling and technical discipline that tests the horse’s speed, agility, and accuracy over a course of jumps and obstacles. Thoroughbreds that excel in this discipline often have a natural talent for galloping, turning, and competing under pressure.
Here are some notable Jumpers from past T.I.P. Championships:
– Milord: This impressive bay Thoroughbred gelding took the Jumper Open Championship at the 2020 T.I.P. Championship with rider-owner Brooke B. Coles.
Milord, a 2014 gelding by Mr. Greeley out of Elegant Designer, has also competed successfully in the 1.30m and 1.35m classes. – Sligovitz: This striking bay Thoroughbred gelding stood out in the 2019 T.I.P. Championship’s Jumper Open Championship, winning with rider- owner Addie Coultas.
Sligovitz, a 2012 gelding by Magna Graduate out of Fine Lunch, has also competed in eventing and dressage. – Sunday Hat: This chestnut Thoroughbred mare impressed the judges at the 2018 T.I.P. Championship’s Jumper Non-Pro Championship, taking home the title with rider-owner Sarah Prantl.
Sunday Hat, a 2013 mare by Hat Trick out of Blue Sunday, has also earned ribbons and awards in the Hunter and Equitation divisions. Other recent Jumper winners include Lu E (2019), A Wild Run (2018), Abounding Angel (2017), and Absolut Monster (2016).
Individual T.I.P. Championship Performances
In addition to the above winners, numerous Thoroughbreds and their riders have demonstrated outstanding performances and achievements in the T.I.P. Championship over the years. Here’s a list of some of the horses and riders who have earned recognition and acclaim across various divisions:
Dressage:
– Wideview Rose PM (2019) with Casandra Rankin
– Crackerjack (2018) with Amanda York
– Smooth Performer (2017) with Amanda Spalding
– Queen’s Dreamer (2016) with Karmen Robles
Hunter:
– Erlton Queen (2019) with Carolyn Cox
– Caught Me Looking (2018) with Ashlea Lounsberry
– Felton (2017) with Danielle Combs
Jumper:
– Lu E (2019) with Blythe Masters
– A Wild Run (2018) with Sarah Laughlin
– Abounding Angel (2017) with Trey Wood
– Absolut Monster (2016) with Tamie Smith
Division classifications and high point awards can vary depending on the year and the show.
However, each performance is notable in showcasing the versatility and adaptability of Thoroughbreds in different equestrian disciplines.
Details of Individual Performances
Here are some additional details and highlights of the individual performances of the above-mentioned horses and riders in their respective shows:
– TJC registration name: All Thoroughbred horses that compete in the T.I.P. Championship must have a valid TJC registration certificate or passport, which allows for traceability and transparency in their racing and non-racing careers. – Sire and dam: The lineage and pedigree of Thoroughbred horses can be a significant indicator of their potential and talent in various sports.
Many Thoroughbred champions in the T.I.P. Championship come from well-known racing families or have distinguished bloodlines. – Show name: Many Thoroughbred horses receive show names that reflect their personalities, histories, or characteristics.
Show names can also help distinguish between horses with similar TJC registration names. – Show date: Each T.I.P. Championship event takes place in the late fall or early winter, often in Kentucky or Ohio, and invites participants from various regions and backgrounds.
Conclusion
The Thoroughbred Incentive Program (T.I.P.) Championship is a unique and meaningful platform that highlights the versatility, adaptability, and success of retired racehorses in various equestrian disciplines. Each year, numerous Thoroughbreds and their riders demonstrate their talents, skills, and determination in English Pleasure, Hunter, and Jumper divisions, showcasing the beauty and potential of this iconic breed.
We celebrate all these winners for their outstanding performances and their contribution to promoting the welfare and sustainability of Thoroughbreds after racing. In summary, the Thoroughbred Incentive Program (T.I.P.) promotes retraining and second careers for off-track Thoroughbreds and awards financial incentives and recognition to owners and trainers who demonstrate their horses’ progress in targeted equestrian disciplines.
The T.I.P. Championship showcases horses’ achievements and potential in English Pleasure, Hunter, and Jumper divisions, and numerous Thoroughbreds and their riders have demonstrated outstanding performances in each discipline. T.I.P. is an essential resource for promoting the welfare, sustainability, and diversity of Thoroughbreds after racing, and for celebrating the breed’s versatility and trainability.
Common questions about T.I.P. include eligibility requirements, qualification procedures, and registration fees.