New Vocations 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.
The Open Barn & BBQ—held concurrently with the Defender Kentucky Three-Day Event at Kentucky Horse Park—will feature educational seminars, including "Introductory Jumping for OTTBs" by international five-star eventer Allie Knowles, along with the chance to meet adoptable horses while touring the facility.
"We look forward to welcoming guests to New Vocations at Mereworth Farm," said Anna Ford, New Vocations' Thoroughbred Program director. "We're excited to make our Open Barn & BBQ free to the public this year, it's the perfect event for us to showcase our adoptable horses, host inspiring demos, and spread the word about these amazing equine athletes."
Guests can expect an interactive educational program featuring live demos sponsored by Ascend Advisory on the following topics:
- "How Thoroughbreds are Ridden at the Track: A Unique Perspective from a Rider, Owner, and Practitioner," by former exercise rider and the owner of CORE Therapies, Dr. Larkspur Carroll, DVM
- "Essential OTTB Flatwork," by dressage and eventing trainer and competitor Alison O'Dwyer
- "Introductory Jumping for OTTBs," by international five-star eventer Allie Knowles
Jen Roytz—manager of Brownstead Farm, past executive director of the Retired Racehorse Project and an OTTB owner and rider—will moderate the sessions.
In addition, 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, a Maker's Mark Kentucky Gambler's Punch and a Tito's Lily, as well as other selections from Jackson Family Wines.
Guests can bid on a variety of items and experiences, including a polo trip to Argentina, private Thoroughbred farm tours, and horse racing memorabilia in the always popular silent auction, featuring handmade artisan items and a wide variety of equine-themed gifts. The auction is now live and will end at 8 p.m. April 25. All proceeds from the auction will go directly to support New Vocations' mission to rehab, retrain, and rehome retired racehorses.
Gates will open at 4 p.m., with the first demo getting underway at 4:30. The event is free and open to the public, although reservations are recommended and can be made by visiting newvocations.wedoauctions.com.
