February 24, 2014-Lexington, Kentucky- This year’s Thoroughbreds For All event star line up will include: Olympic dressage rider Linda Zang, Pan American Games eventing gold medalist Lynn Symansky, and Kentucky Oaks winning jockey Rosie Napravnik.  All three will share their experience in working with retired racehorses to an expected crowd of over 600 Thoroughbred enthusiasts. The evening event begins at 5:30pm, following the Rolex cross country on Friday, April 25, just fifteen miles from the Kentucky Horse Park in the covered arena at New Vocation’s Lexington facility, West Wind Farm.  A southern style dinner and cash bar will be included in the evening festivities.

This year’s event will focus on the versatility of the Thoroughbred by incorporating a variety of riding disciplines throughout the evening. Linda Zang, who is best known as America’s most respected international dressage judge and a veteran of the 1980 Olympics, will lead a session on retraining the Thoroughbred for dressage. During her session Nuno Santos will ride one of America’s most promising and best-bred dressage horses, Ken’s Kitten, by leading sire Kitten’s Joy.

Rosie Napravnik, who currently sits at the top of the jockey standings at Fair Grounds Race Course, is ranked fifth on the North American leader board. She became the first woman in history to win the Kentucky Oaks in 2012 and broke Hall of Fame jockey, Julie Krone’s 20 year standing yearend earnings record that same year.  She will not only share her experience but will also demonstrate it with her own retired racehorse, “Sugar”. Napravnik’s demonstration will include a tack change to showcase the versatility and athletic ability of the Thoroughbred.

Lastly, Lynn Symansky, who with her retired racehorse Donner, helped the United States win gold at the  2011 Pan American Games Eventing Competition and placed fifth at last year’s Rolex CCI**** will share her experience in retraining Thoroughbreds for eventing. Lynn will use one of New Vocations’ horses during her session as well as an advanced horse to demonstrate different training tips.

“We are thrilled to host this wonderful event again which has been so well received by both the equestrian and racing communities,” says New Vocations Program Director Anna Ford. “Having highly respected equestrians under one roof, who truly love Thoroughbreds, creates a dynamic educational opportunity.”

“Our lineup this year is as good as it gets,” said RRTP’s Steuart Pittman. “Lynne, Linda, and Rosie are all superheroes to their fans. Their insights will inspire us with an even greater respect for Kentucky’s greatest product: the Thoroughbred horse.”

All sessions will be moderated by Steuart Pittman of RRTP and Anna Ford of New Vocations.The event will run from 5:30pm to 9pm and will include a southern style dinner and cash bar. Tickets are available for purchase online at http://thoroughbredsforall.eventbrite.com for $35 each. Proceeds from the event will benefit New Vocations Racehorse Adoption Program and Retired Racehorse Training Project; both are 501(c) 3 charitable organizations.

New Vocations Racehorse Adoption Program

Founded in 1992, New Vocations has become the largest racehorse adoption program in the country and has facilities in Ohio, Michigan, Pennsylvania, and Kentucky. The program’s mission is to rehab, retrain, and rehome retired racehorses. In 2013 the program took in over 400 retired racehorses. Working directly with owners and trainers who need aftercare for horses leaving the track, the program currently receives horses from more than 30 racetracks. New Vocations has a sound adoption system that is proven to move a large number of horses in a relatively short period of time. The program focuses on adoption rather than retirement, believing that each horse deserves to have an individual home and purpose. www.newvocations.org

Retired Racehorse Training Project

RRTP works to facilitate placement of Thoroughbred ex-racehorses in second careers by increasing demand for them in the marketplace and inspiring an army of equestrians to provide the training that secures their future. RRTP offers online directories, educational resources, and public events. Its popular Thoroughbred Makeover and National Symposium at Pimlico last fall will be expanded on the first weekend of October this year and include a Marketplace of horses and an Invitational Team Challenge.www.retiredracehorsetraining.org.