The TAKE2 Second Career Thoroughbred Program and Thoroughbred Charities of America announced Thursday the formation of a new award, the TAKE2 High-Score Junior Rider Award, presented by the TCA. The award will recognize junior riders competing on Thoroughbreds in nationwide TAKE2-affiliated Hunter and Jumper Classes. The champion will receive a trophy, while the top five in each division will receive TAKE2/TCA saddle pads. Additionally, all junior riders who are enrolled for the award and compete in TAKE2 classes will be eligible for a $1,000 scholarship grant (drawing at the Skidmore College Saratoga Summer Horse Show).
“Generations of horsemen and women grew up competing on Thoroughbreds,” said TAKE2 president Rick Violette, Jr. “When the breed fell out of favor, a lot of our younger riders drifted to the Warmbloods, but we see that trend changing, and that's a change we strongly encourage. We want to reintroduce the junior riders and the Pony Clubbers to Thoroughbreds, so they can experience their intelligence and athleticism and willingness to learn firsthand. The challenge of working with Thoroughbreds will produce new generations of top equestrians, and those Thoroughbred enthusiasts will create even more second career opportunities for retired racehorses.”
Riders can register for free for the TAKE2 High-Score Junior Rider Award here: take2tbreds.com/take2-junior-rider-award/.
Not a subscriber? Click here to sign up for the daily PDF or alerts.
