The Heritage Horse Show series and Gulfstream Park Thoroughbred Aftercare Program have teamed up to create a season-long program to reward retired Thoroughbreds and their owners.

The Gulfstream Thoroughbred Challenge kicks off at the Heritage Horse Show, Sept. 15-16 at the Plantation Equestrian Center (Fla.) and continues through the end of the show series next June. 

Throughout the season, the rider or owner will select any two classes from each show to earn points toward year-end prizes and awards.

“This is just one of the many ways we can showcase our retired Thoroughbreds and let the public see the wonderful things our equine athletes can do once they leave the racetrack,” said Tim Ritvo, Gulfstream Park President and general manager. “Gulfstream and its chairman, Mr. Frank Stronach, will continue to support aftercare programs. We are confident this is the first of many shows and challenges featuring Thoroughbreds in South Florida.”

Select shows throughout the season will offer Thoroughbred-only classes, in which competitors can earn double points. The first of these shows is scheduled for Dec. 8-9, and the show will offer 16 hunter and jumper classes for all levels.

A one-time $25 registration fee to participate in the challenge and a $5 entry fee for each show will help benefit the Gulfstream Park Thoroughbred Aftercare Program.

Stronach founded the Gulfstream Park Aftercare Program in 2011 to ensure retired Thoroughbreds are matched with loving owners.

For more information, contact Heritage Horse Shows at heritagehorsesho@aol.com or call Butch Medlin at 954-347-1799.