New Vocations Show Raises More Than $175,000

The New Vocations All-Thoroughbred Charity Horse Show presented by Heider Family Stables June 2-4 raised more than $175,000, with proceeds going directly to support New Vocations’ efforts to rehab, retrain and rehome retiring racehorses.

Held at Highfields Event Center in Aiken, South Carolina, New Vocations’ 20th annual show brought together more than 150 retired Thoroughbred racehorses from nine states, showcasing the versatility of the breed. Excited exhibitors, familiar and new, competed in a variety of classes including dressage, hunter, jumper, in-hand, western and pleasure.

“To say we like to support New Vocations and their work with retired racehorses would be a big understatement,” said Scott and Cindy Heider of Heider Family Stables. “Seeing these beautiful animals repurposed is the right and responsible next step. To the dedicated New Vocations staff and all the volunteers, we say a heartfelt thank you for your amazing work. We’re already looking forward to next year’s charity show.”

“I’ll never forget our first show two decades ago, which was the first of its kind,” said Anna Ford, New Vocations’ Thoroughbred program director. “It’s been wonderful to see the event grow and play a large role in our efforts to spotlight the Thoroughbred’s versatility while raising much-needed funds for our program. We are very grateful for the continued support from our sponsors, many of which are Thoroughbred owners, breeders and industry organizations. It is through their support that we are able to put on such a first-class show year after year.”

The show’s highlights included Open Hunter Derby winner Atticus, who reclaimed his title this year. Shown again by Mandy Lynch, the 2003 Indianabred gelding by Bates Motel, registered with The Jockey Club as Sir Hector, had two starts in his racing career.

Winner of the Open Jumper Stake was Sky Full of Stars, shown by Brayden Gault. Registered with The Jockey Club as Platinum of Course, this 2014 Floridabred mare by Awesome of Course had five starts in her career.

Mind Magic, shown by Julie Goodell, won the War Horse In-Hand class. The 2012 New York-bred gelding by Freud had four wins in 58 starts in his career and $107,817 in earnings.

At the show’s exhibitor party, New Vocations also presented several special awards recognizing the following entrants:

• The youngest Thoroughbred competing (Keen Not Mean, foaled March 19, 2020)

• The oldest Thoroughbred competing (Bold Esteta, foaled March 22, 1994)

• The Thoroughbred who sold for the highest price at auction (New Vocations graduate Diamond Bachelor,

• The Thoroughbred with the most career starts (Pharaoh’s City, 80 starts)

• The Thoroughbred with the highest earnings (Gottcha Gold, $933,570)

• The most recently raced Thoroughbred (New Vocations graduate Igottahaveit, January 21, 2023) HJ

What is it?

A program to protect your assets in case of an injury or damage to property arising from your equine activities (breeding, racing, sales, training). This is not a substitute for workers’ compensation coverage.

What Does It Cover?

• Liability claims arising from injuries to participants (non-employee jockeys and exercise riders)

• Contractual liability (i.e. hold harmless in Race Track Stall Agreements)

• Premises and Operations liability coverage for all equine operations including breeding, boarding, training, and racing.

How Much Does It Cover?

Each member additional insured has their own $1,000,000 coverage for each occurrence or offense and $2,000,000 general aggregate. Damage to premises rented to you or occupied by you with the permission of the owner is provided with a limit of $50,000. Medical payments coverage applies as well in the amount of $5,000 per person.