Riders who compete with Thoroughbreds will have new high-point awards to go after thanks to a new initiative from The Jockey Club. Beginning in 2012, the Thoroughbred Incentive Program (TIP) will provide awards and prize money for horses competing in eventing, dressage, hunter/jumper, and English and western pleasure.
Although the program is unrelated to the Thoroughbred Horse Show Association that HorseChannel.com reported on last week, the two groups are both working toward the same cause: The promotion of Thoroughbreds in new careers after their racing days are over.
Any horse registered with the Jockey Club is eligible to participate. The program will provide prizes and awards at shows as well as high-point awards in various divisions. The program includes two other awards: TIP Thoroughbred of the Year and TIP Young Rider of the Year.
The TIP Thoroughbred of the Year title will be awarded to the Jockey Club registered Thoroughbred that has made exceptional achievements in a non-competitive career. The Jockey Club will award a $5,000 grant to a non-profit affiliated with the winning horse, or another equine charity.
The TIP Young Rider of the Year Award will be given to a rider 18 or younger who owns or leases a Thoroughbred. Interested riders will submit an essay, and the winner will receive a $5,000 scholarship to be used for college or for participation in certain equine events.
The Jockey Club has pledged $100,000 to launch TIP as a pilot program in 2012. Horse show organizers who would like to include TIP classes in their 2012 shows can complete the application at tjctip.com. The site also has information for Thoroughbred owners and riders interested in participating in the program.
Leslie Potter is a graduate of William Woods University where she earned a Bachelor of Science in Equestrian Science with a concentration in saddle seat riding and a minor in Journalism/Mass Communications. She is currently a writer and photographer in Lexington, Ky.Potter worked as a barn manager and riding instructor and was a freelance reporter and photographer for the Horsemen's Yankee Pedlar and Saddle Horse Report before moving to Lexington to join Horse Illustrated as Web Editor from 2008 to 2019. Her current equestrian pursuits include being a grown-up lesson kid at an eventing barn and trail riding with her senior Morgan gelding, Snoopy.
I have a registered Thoroughbred,but I do barrels so this doesn't apply to me -not fair!
Thoroughbreds are the most amazing breed! the best athletes in the world! love them so much!
I love thoroughbreds the are so amazeing i love the world of horse raceing.
I love thoroghbreds they are so amazeing and i love the world of horse raceing.
How wonderful to see these horses being allowed to excel at other sports.
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