About Us
Run for the Ribbons Inc. (RFTR) is a volunteer-driven 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization devoted to giving retired Thoroughbred racehorses the second chances they deserve. Through expert rehabilitation, thoughtful retraining, and carefully matched adoptions, we help these versatile equine athletes transition into new careers, and new beginnings.
Our Mission
To create a safe and secure future for retiring racehorses through rehabilitation, retraining, rehoming, retirement, and education, while showcasing the value and abilities of the Thoroughbred breed.
A Vision Fueled by Purpose
At RFTR, we envision a world where every Thoroughbred has a fulfilling life beyond the finish line. We work to spark ongoing demand for Off-Track Thoroughbreds (OTTBs) as sport, work, and pleasure horses, and to elevate public appreciation for these powerful, intelligent, and sensitive athletes. By changing the narrative around racehorse retirement, we strive to create a culture of lifelong care and respect for Thoroughbreds.
Who We Are
Founded in 2014, RFTR began as a grassroots effort inspired by the deep love and respect our founders have for Thoroughbreds. What started as a small, local horse show series quickly grew into a powerful platform for change. In 2017, we launched the Florida Thoroughbred Transformation Expo, a multi-discipline, prize-money competition held annually at the Florida Horse Park. This unique event celebrates the adaptability and brilliance of Thoroughbreds in second careers, from dressage to jumping to western disciplines and more.
Where We Call Home
Our aftercare and retraining program is proudly based at Cedar Lock Farm in Morriston, Florida, a 64-acre haven located between the World Equestrian Center and HITS, in the heart of Florida’s farmland preservation area. Here, each horse receives tailored care and professional retraining to prepare for life after the track. We carefully screen adopters to ensure each horse is placed in the right home, and we remain committed to their lifelong welfare.
A Forever Commitment
Some horses may never be rideable again, but that doesn’t mean their journey ends. Our beloved “pasture pros,” retirees with limited physical ability, are given lifelong sanctuary at Cedar Lock Farm. These gentle souls take on new roles as stars of our upcoming equine-assisted learning program, helping and inspiring people to grow through the power of the horse-human connection.
Bridging the Gap
RFTR is powered by a team of passionate, experienced horsewomen, many of whom began their careers on the racetrack. With one foot in the racing world and the other in the show ring, we understand the challenges and opportunities at both ends of the spectrum. Our events, educational programs, and outreach efforts are designed to build bridges between industries, disciplines, and communities, all in service of the horse.
Why it Matters
Every Thoroughbred deserves to be seen not just as a racehorse, but as a partner, a teacher, a friend. At Run for the Ribbons, we don’t just give horses a new job, we give them a voice, a purpose, and a future. It is our hope that through advocacy we will also inspire the love for the breed to carry on for generations.
