Race Horse to Sport Horse

The BEYOND the backstretch Horse Show (BtbHS), sponsored by the Robyn’s Nest Farm celebrates the Thoroughbreds’ versatility, talent, athleticism and most of all their huge hearts. This event is the first of what BtbHS hopes will grown to annual horse shows offering various disciplines.

Held at If Only Farm Equestrian Center, Freeville, New York, the show will offer competitors the opportunity to compete in Hunters, Jumpers, and Derby Classes. The horse show will welcome all breeds, but will showcase Thoroughbreds by offering Thoroughbred Incentive Program awards. The show will be judged by a United States Equestrian Federation recognized judge.

There will be educational opportunities for attendees to learn about nutrition, adoption opportunities, general aftercare and overall care of Thoroughbreds. The BEYOND the backstretch Horse Show will provide something for everyone—both competitive for the experienced sporthorse contender as well as accessible for the rider just starting out.

We will also throw in a few “Fun” classes to be sure there is truly something for everyone. We want to encourage everyone that owns an off the track thoroughbred to come and join the fun –regardless of show experience.

Visiting the backside of Finger Lakes Racetrack a few years ago ignited a passion to help provide these athletic Thoroughbreds retiring from their racing career an opportunity for a life long career. Sitting on the board of Second Chance Thoroughbreds Inc gave me insight and knowledge of the challenges aftercare organizations face with funding.

I want to make a difference for the Thoroughbreds themselves and the industry as a whole and this was how the BEYOND the backstretch Horse Show was born. Along with helping to fund aftercare, my hopes are this show will generate more interest in the off the track Thoroughbred and Thoroughbreds in general and in turn fill our barns and show arenas across America with Thoroughbreds.

BEYOND the backstretch supports the Aftercare Organizations and will donate the proceeds of this horse show to Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance accredited aftercare in New York State. Aftercare organizations are instrumental in transitioning horses from racehorse into second careers.