New Vocations' 6th Annual Open Barn & BBQ a Big Success!

Pictured: Emily Maron (New Vocations), International Eventer Sara Kozumplik, Kirsten Green (Retired Racehorse Project) and Julie Dettman (New Vocations)

Photo courtesy of L'Arte Photography
(View more photos in our Facebook album!)

New Vocations’ 6th Annual Open Barn & BBQ was a huge success with the largest silent auction to date! Thanks to our guests, bidders, donors, sponsors and speakers this year’s Open Barn & BBQ raised a record breaking $44,843 for retired racehorse aftercare! Over 300 individuals bid on 102 fabulous items ranging from priceless art and hard to find bourbon bottles to the big ticket Exmark S-Series Zero Turn Mower donated by Exmark and Equine Equipment. 

Kids and adults alike took their turn on our first ever mechanical bull while visitors from around the country enjoyed signature cocktails and live music. Our many guests met the adoptable Thoroughbreds as they toured our barns - some of whom successfully adopted the one that caught their eye in our new adopter consult sessions!

Our three live demonstrations proved very educational. Dr. Rhodes Bell discussed how to navigate old injuries to set your OTTB up for success alongside our very own Thoroughbred trainer and Kentucky Facility Director, Leandra Cooper. Leandra also led the discussion on “Common Challenges with Your OTTB” and how to overcome them.

The main event to conclude the evening was presented by the Retired Racehorse Project, as International Eventer Sara Kozumplik (who was also competing at the Land Rover Kentucky 3-Day Event that weekend) led a fantastic MasterClass on “Introductory Jumping Exercises for OTTBs”. Two New Vocations Graduates and one adoptable Thoroughbred, Central Parking (adopted later that weekend), were guided by Sara with members of the New Vocations team in the stirrups. Navigating from ground poles up to small jumps with success and confidence, we couldn’t have been more proud of our horses as they demonstrated the versatility and athleticism of retired racehorses.

Photos courtesy of L'Arte Photography