Run for the Ribbons Inc. is a passion-driven Thoroughbred aftercare organization that rescues, rehabilitates, re-trains, re-homes, and offers lifetime retirement to Thoroughbreds in need. RFTR’s mission is to provide responsible aftercare, educate equine communities on the breed, as well as provide a platform in which to not only display the versatile abilities of these horses outside of racing but also to incentivize their adoption and create a demand for them within the recreational riding and show world. RFTR works to bridge the gap between the racing industry, the show world, and the public.

With over 90 horses retrained and rehomed, Run for the Ribbons has many success stories, as well as a list of ‘lifers’ who will live out of their days in retirement at the organization’s 65-acre home base Cedar Lock Farm.

In addition to taking in OTTBs and teaching them to excel in new disciplines, Run for the Ribbons has had a long-standing annual circuit of hunter/jumper schooling shows open to all breeds; all proceeds benefit the program horses. Most notably, RFTR is known nationwide for the annual Florida Thoroughbred Transformation Expo, a 3-day, 6-discipline event boasting 2 divisions so ANY Jockey Club registered Thoroughbred can partake in a gratifying competition, supported by industry and local leaders. Over 100 Thoroughbreds are expected to compete at the 2023 Expo where $10,000 will be given away along with TIP Incentive Junior Awards.

RFTR plans to continue growing while leading Florida Thoroughbred aftercare efforts and reaching more people through their monthly newsletter the Ribbon Report. Further endeavors include launching an equine-assisted youth program called Full Strides, where children will get the opportunity to learn horsemanship, ride, and eventually show free of charge to them, encouraging the next generation of Thoroughbred enthusiasts and reinforcing the breed’s importance in the community.