One Big Thing: Retired Racehorse Project Announces Charity Polo Match for 2026 Thoroughbred Makeover
The Retired Racehorse Project (RRP) recently announced the addition of a charity polo match to the 2026 Thoroughbred Makeover and National Symposium, presented by Thoroughbred Charities of America. The match will take place Friday, October 9 at the Man O’ War Polo Field at the Kentucky Horse Park in Lexington, with proceeds benefiting the RRP.
Gates will open at 3:30 PM. The Cadillac Cowgirls, a professional equestrian drill team, will perform at 4:30 PM, followed by the polo match at 5 PM.
Tailgating admission is $150 per vehicle, with one ticket covering the vehicle and all occupants. Walk-in admission is free. Food trucks will be on site, and attendees are invited to participate in a tailgating competition, with prizes and additional competition details to be announced.
“Polo is such a natural fit for a Friday evening at the Kentucky Horse Park, and we’re excited to add something to Makeover week that competitors, spectators and members of the Lexington community can enjoy together,” said RRP Individual Giving Manager, Brittney Atras. “The charity polo match gives people another way to experience the event while helping support the RRP’s work on behalf of Thoroughbreds transitioning to careers beyond racing, and we look forward to working with sponsors who want to help make the inaugural event a success.”
The 2026 Thoroughbred Makeover takes place October 7-10 at the Kentucky Horse Park and showcases the athleticism and trainability of recently retired racehorses and former broodmares in ten disciplines of competition. The event also includes the Makeover Marketplace, clinics, demonstrations, and a vendor fair.
Don’t forget! [The final entry period for the 2026 Thoroughbred Makeover closes TODAY — Friday, August 28 at 5:00 p.m. ET]
[Volunteer sign-ups are also now LIVE — register here]
Tailgating tickets for the charity polo match will be available on EventBrite. Additional details, including tailgating competition prizes, will be announced on the Retired Racehorse Project website.
Activities Today at the AEC:
- Starter Cross-Country Course Walk with Julie Wolfert | 11:00 a.m. | Please meet at the Starter start box
- What’s Your Horse’s Heart Trying to Tell You? with Dr. Amy Polkes DACVIM of Equine Imed | 12:30 p.m. | First temporary barn by Main Vendor Row
- Beginner Novice Cross-Country Course Walk with Martin Douzant | 5:00 p.m. | Please meet at the Beginner Novice start box
- Adult Rider Program Beginner Novice Course Walk with Ashley Trier | 4:00 p.m. | Please meet at the Beginner Novice start box
- Adult Rider Program Starter Course Walk with Woodge Fulton | 1:00 p.m. | Please meet at the Starter start box
- Tacky Tourist Competitor Party | VIP Hospitality Tent by the Rolex Arena | 6:30 p.m. | Tickets required
- ATC Team Meetup, hosted by USEA Area VIII & IX | 3:30 p.m. – 5:30 p.m. | Adams Horse Supply Adult Rider Lounge on Main Vendor Row | Snacks and beverages provided.
USEA American Eventing Championships, $60,000 Adequan Advanced Final, and ATC Finals (KY): [Website] [Schedule] [Program] [Entries/Ride Times] [Scoring] [USEA AEC App] [Volunteer] [CrossCountry App XC Map] [Live Stream] [EN’s Coverage]
Major International Events This Weekend
Scone Palace International HT CCI4* (GBR): [Website] [Tickets] [Schedule] [Entries/Ride Times/Scoring] [Volunteer] [CrossCountry App XC Map] [Live Stream]
FEI Eventing European Championship for Young Riders & Juniors (SWE): [Website] [Schedule] [Entries] [Ride Times/Scoring] [CrossCountry App XC Map] [Live Stream]
US Events This Weekend
USEA American Eventing Championships, $60,000 Adequan Advanced Final, and ATC Finals (KY): [Website] [Schedule] [Program] [Entries/Ride Times] [Scoring] [USEA AEC App] [Volunteer] [CrossCountry App XC Map] [Live Stream] [EN’s Coverage]
Equestrians’ Institute HT & Area VII Championships (WA): [Website] [Entries/Ride Times] [Scoring] [Volunteer] [CrossCountry App XC Map]
Seneca Valley PC HT (MD): [Website] [Entries] [Scoring] [Volunteer]
Bucks County Horse Park HT and YEH Qualifier (PA): [Website] [Entries/Ride Times/Scoring] [Volunteer]
Stories from the AEC
Other Links and Reading
Sponsor Corner: Stable View
As we approach the Stable View Oktoberfest $60,000 FEI CCI-S 1/2/3/4* & USEF/USEA Horse Trials on September 25-27, you might consider bringing your horse to school at the venue in preparation — especially if you are based nearby. Rather than just riding about the grounds, however, take advantage of the full roster of schooling series hosted at Stable View for the month of September!
Wed, Sep 9: Hunter/Jumper Institute
The Hunter/Jumper Institute at Stable View is a schooling opportunity for riders and horses to gain valuable experience in a relaxed, supportive environment. Designed with training and education in mind, it offers the perfect setting to school courses, refine technique, and build confidence while preparing for future competitions at your own pace.
- 0.65m – 1.25m+ Schooling Jumper
Fri, Sep 11 – Sun, Sep 13: $5000 Hunter/Jumper In & Out Series
Join Stable View for a fun, welcoming hunter/jumper show offering quality courses, a friendly atmosphere, and a great chance for riders to gain experience at every level.
- 2’6 – 3’3 Jumper
- 1.05-1.30 Open Jumper
- .65m – 1.0m Jumper Classic
- $800 Stable View Welcome Stakes
- $1600 1.25m Stable View Grand Prix
Sat, Sep 12: Schooling Dressage Collection
The Schooling Dressage Show at Stable View provides riders and horses with a low-pressure environment to gain experience and build confidence. Designed for training and preparation, it’s an ideal opportunity to practice tests, receive constructive feedback, and refine performance before recognized competition — all in a calm, supportive setting.
- USEA, USDF, & FEI tests of choice (all levels)
Sun, Sep 13: USEF/USDF “Fall Frenzy” Dressage
Join Stable View for a USEF/USDF recognized dressage show offering top-quality judging, a calm atmosphere, and a great opportunity for riders to showcase training and progress.
- USDF/FEI tests of choice
- Options for Freestyle, Junior, Young Horse, & para-equestrian classes
Entries for Oktoberfest close on September 8, so make sure to sign up for this iconic season closer!
Training Tip of the Day
Today we’re on Episode 4 in Noelle Floyd’s OTTB series, where Tik Maynard and FEI veterinarian Dr. Yates discuss the gastric ulcers we find so frequently in off-the-track Thoroughbreds — including symptoms owners may overlook and why gastroscopy can be an important part of reaching an accurate diagnosis:
Go Eventing
Join us and Cosby Green in wishing her long-time 5* partner Jos UFO de Quidam the happiest of retirements:
