Photo: Eliza Cart and Ho Hum Ho competing in the jumpers at a horse in Bel Air, Maryland.
By T.I.P. Youth Ambassador Eliza Cart
The Thoroughbred Recreational Riding Incentive Program (TRRIP) is designed to recognize and award riders and Thoroughbreds that excel outside the show arena. By submitting your hours, you become able to receive awards such as T.I.P. Thoroughbred of the Year and T.I.P. Young Rider of the Year. Thoroughbreds are incredibly versatile animals, and by creating this program, the Thoroughbred Incentive Program is expanding upon their ability to celebrate all off-the-track Thoroughbred careers.
When a horse is taken off the track, many assume that his or her role will be to become a hunter, jumper, or eventer. The T.I.P. Thoroughbred of the Year Award is designed to reward Thoroughbreds whose paths have led them to non-competitive careers. These careers include therapy horses and the mounted police. Thoroughbreds are out in the world helping people and this program allows them to be recognized. When given this award, you are also given a $5,000 grant to the non-profit organization associated with the horse. Anyone is able to apply for this award and those who succeed in winning are always deserving. The Thoroughbred Recreational Riding Program was created to inspire people to not only retrain Thoroughbreds in other disciplines, but to take them into non-competitive careers. Thoroughbreds who are retrained to be therapy horses and the mounts of police officers are making a difference in our world. Owners of Thoroughbreds deserving recognition for their non-competitive careers should submit their applications to the Thoroughbred Incentive Program.
The Thoroughbred Recreational Riding Incentive Program also includes the T.I.P Young Rider of the Year Award. This award is specifically for those under the age of eighteen and who own or lease a Thoroughbred. Young Rider of the Year invites all young riders from all over the country to participate in an essay contest. This award encourages young riders to become involved in the Thoroughbred Incentive Program. The winner is given $5000 to be used either for college tuition or the continuation of the youth’s riding career. Pursuing a career in riding at a young age, especially when you are involved with the Thoroughbred Incentive Program, is extremely rewarding for of those involved.
The Jockey Club created this program to further their mission of encouraging people to retrain Thoroughbreds when their time on the track has come to an end. The Thoroughbred Recreational Riding Incentive Program is a prime example of the Thoroughbred Incentive Program’s ability to innovate and tailor their programs to the needs of all of those involved with Thoroughbreds. Thoroughbreds are incredibly courageous, resilient and affectionate animals who all deserve to be put on paths that guide them to careers of success.
Pat Robinson and Pal’s First Lady- Pat Robinson and Pal’s First Lady (aka Lady) earned the first twenty-five-hour patch in the Thoroughbred Recreational Riding Incentive Program. Pat and Lady earned many of these hours on the Ozark National Scenic Riverways and chose to share some beautiful photos of their adventures. Pal’s First Lady is a New York-bred mare by Judge T C out of Miss Bernstein. Pal’s First Lady earned $46,728 and had twenty-one starts before being adopted by Pat Robinson from New Vocations Racehorse Adoption Program.
Agnieszka O and Dippity- Agnieszka Orzechowska and Dippity (aka Sara) earned their twenty-five-hour patch from the Thoroughbred Recreational Riding Incentive Program. They earned their hours on trails of Maryland’s State Parks. Aggie and Sara are currently training for an endurance ride at Foxcatcher Endurance. Aggie shared this about her OTTB mare: “I couldn’t find a better-suited horse for me even if I tried. She’s everything I have ever dreamed of in a horse and more. She gave me a new passion, new friends, she is my therapist, my personal trainer, my meditation guru, and a great big sister to my Rhodesian Ridgeback.” Dippity is a 2006 Maryland-bred mare by Same Day Delivery out of Love the ‘do, who raced 41 times and earned $19,645.
Additional Information: Riders are able to track their hours electronically using the Kentucky Equine Research ClockIt Sport App. This free app allows riders to log their time and mileage for the Thoroughbred Recreational Riding Incentive Program.
