Florida Thoroughbred Transformation Expo
ABOUT THE EXPO
The Florida Thoroughbred Transformation Exposition is presented by the charitable organization Run for the Ribbons Inc. whose mission is to provide secure futures for retiring Thoroughbred racehorses through rehabilitation, retraining, and rehoming, and showcases the value and versatility of Thoroughbreds. Run for the Ribbons, Inc.’s vision is to ensure a safe future for every Thoroughbred racehorse through creating an ongoing demand for Off-Track Thoroughbreds (OTTBs) as sport, work, and pleasure horses, while building a positive public perception of Thoroughbred racing. The Florida Thoroughbred Transformation Expo is RFTR’s way of celebrating the amazing breed and giving back to the horses and their riders.
The 9th Florida Thoroughbred Transformation Expo will be held on December 12th-14th, 2025 at the Florida Horse Park in Ocala, Florida. The Expo will now feature competitions in 8 disciplines including Dressage, Working Ranch/Trail Horse, Show Jumper, Show Hunter, Eventing, Freestyle, Western Dressage and the newly added Barrel Racing. Competitors will compete for over $25,000 in prize money, awards, and ribbons, 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 if microchipped/tattooed.
In honor of the Ring the Bell Initiative at Tampa Bay Downs, the 2025 Expo will feature a new Bell Horse In-Hand class. Be sure to read the full description of this class in the Expo rules.
The Florida Thoroughbred Transformation Expo will include a vendor fair with shopping and food for exhibitors and the public, and an educational seminar. The Expo is a great opportunity to show your support and get behind local Thoroughbred aftercare efforts while having fun with your equine partner! Sponsorship opportunities are also available for those not able to compete but who want to help make a difference.
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 “off-track Thoroughbred” (OTTB). 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 1,000 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-track Thoroughbred event annually 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.