Florida Thoroughbred Transformation Expo
ABOUT THE EXPO
The Florida Thoroughbred Transformation Exposition is presented by the charitable organization Run For The Ribbons Inc. who dedicates themselves to providing off- track Thoroughbreds the foundation needed to ensure a smooth transition into their next career and home.
The 7th Florida Thoroughbred Transformation Expo will be held on December 8th-10th, 2023 at the Florida Horse Park in Ocala, Florida. The Expo will feature competitions in 6 disciplines including Dressage, Working Ranch/Trail Horse, Show Jumper, Show Hunter, Eventing, and Freestyle. Competitors will compete for ribbons, awards, and prize money, while proudly showing off the versatility of the breed. Each discipline will have a restricted and open division and be composed of Jockey Club registered, tattooed, or microchipped off-track Thoroughbreds. Unraced Thoroughbreds are allowed to compete is microchipped/tattooed. (Thoroughbreds not tattooed or microchipped may still compete if they are identifiable through marking descriptions from legible Jockey Club registration papers)
The Florida Thoroughbred Transformation will also have a vendor fair to include shopping and food for exhibitors and the public, as well as an educational seminar and a leadline class in honor of active U.S Military and Veterans.
MISSION AND GOALS
Run For the Ribbons Inc. hopes that the Florida Thoroughbred Transformation Expo will continue to increase the demand of Thoroughbreds and encourage people to take on a “project horse” or “ex-racehorse”. The Expo was created to showcase the trainability and talent of the Thoroughbred and inspire juniors, amateurs and professionals in their respective disciplines. We also want to encourage the community and the Thoroughbred racing industry to further support our efforts, as well as other charitable organizations in Florida who also dedicate their time and resources to positively impact the lives of these horses.
Run for the Ribbons Inc. realizes that horseracing and Thoroughbred sales are a vital part in Florida’s economy, especially Marion County, producing more than 1,500 Thoroughbred foals every year. Our goal is to create an outlet for them post racing or training to help current racing owners, breeders, and trainers safely retire the equine athlete. We also help to encourage Thoroughbred owners, trainers, and breeders to pave the road to successful futures for these transformation horses through proper training techniques and strong foundations.
We anticipate over 100 horses and aspire to have the Florida Thoroughbred Expo be the biggest and most anticipated Off The Track Thoroughbred annual event in Florida, proudly showcasing the many talents of Thoroughbreds and increasing their marketability in the Southeast. The Florida Thoroughbred Transformation will strive to provide a competitive, fun, and educational environment to celebrate the Thoroughbred breed that we love.
