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All Posts & News Press Releases Success Stories Aftercare Editorials Retraining Tips Supporter Features Equine-Assisted Learning Inspector Spotlights Hamburger Toggle Menu Previous Post The Horse Who Stole Her Heart: Diamond Bachelor’s Journey Home The Horse Who Stole Her Heart: Diamond Bachelor’s Journey Home By: Alexis Arbaugh April 14, 2025 Success Stories Tags:Breeders’ Cup, dressage, Eventing, New Vocations, New Vocations Racehorse Adoption Program, Success story, T.I.P. Awards, T.I.P. Championships, Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance, TIP, TIP Championship Horse Show Allison Andrews wasn’t actively searching for a second horse, but she often found herself browsing the New Vocations Racehorse Adoption Program website, just in case something special caught her eye. During one of those casual scrolls, she came across Diamond Bachelor. A seasoned war horse with a unique facial marking, he stood out from the rest. Diamond Bachelor, “Maverick”, raced a total of 62 times, in his career and earned close to $445,000. He even ran in the 2013 Breeders’ Cup Juvenile. Allison watched the videos of Maverick and loved his movement and presence. Allison remembered, “I read his description and it was clear that he had a very strong personality that may not be for everyone.” However, Allison felt an undeniable connection and decided to call New Vocations’ trainer, Erin McDonald, to learn more. Erin explained that Maverick needed firm boundaries and a strong relationship on the ground, but under saddle, he was a gentleman. “Something in my gut told me that he was just going to be a super cool horse and just the right challenge for me,” Allison recalled. She adopted him that very day. When Maverick arrived at her farm a few days later, it was clear that his personality matched his profile. “I never went to see him in person before adopting him, but I was familiar with how New Vocations listed their horses,” Allison said. “I had adopted another horse from them the year prior who was sweet and easygoing. Maverick was probably the complete opposite. But I’ve always had a connection with the ‘hard’ horses.” The first three months were all about building trust. Allison focused on groundwork and relationship-building, often riding only occasionally. “There were some challenging days where I questioned if maybe we weren’t the best match, but then he would show the slightest bit of progress — standing quietly on the cross ties, not kicking out at the brush, and turning in immediately when asked on the line. And I just knew I had to stick with him,” said Allison. By the three-and-a-half-month mark, something shifted. Maverick began seeking out Allison’s attention, following her around the farm, watching her work with other horses, and leaning in for the occasional scratch. “For all the fight he put up, he really is just a soft marshmallow on the inside,” Allison shared. “And if I’m being honest, he reminds me a bit of myself.” As their partnership deepened, so did Maverick’s under-saddle work. “Once we got things sorted out on the ground, everything under saddle just clicked,” Allison said. “He’s eager to please, has great movement, and took to the dressage work beautifully.” Though cautious by nature, Maverick grew more confident with jumping and has since become a force in cross-country. Together, the pair successfully competed in Beginner Novice Eventing, First Level Dressage, Western Dressage, and trail riding—showcasing their versatility and trust in one another. At the 2024 Thoroughbred Incentive Program (T.I.P.) Championships in Aiken, Maverick and Allison had a standout performance. They won the Beginner Novice Combined Test out of 18 entries, placed third in both First Level and Western Dressage, and claimed the Thoroughbred Charities of America / Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance Geldings Halter Class. They also earned the Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance High-Score Award across all Dressage divisions. “It’s hard to believe everything we’ve accomplished together, especially considering where we started,” Allison said. “He’s become the best partner I could ask for. I truly believe he would do anything for me.” Maverick continues to delight both in and out of the ring. “He absolutely loves to play in the hose—he’ll interrupt another horse’s bath just to splash around,” Allison laughed. “And he always knows where the show photographers are. He strikes a pose every time.” Looking ahead, Allison and Maverick aim to continue competing in Dressage and Eventing with hopes of moving up the levels. “He’s truly stolen my heart, and I can’t wait to see where our journey takes us next.” She also offered heartfelt gratitude to those who made Maverick’s second career possible. “Special thank you to Andie Biancone and Amy Dunne for getting him to New Vocations and ensuring he had a great start in retirement. It’s been so rewarding to connect with others who’ve loved this incredible horse along the way.” Share This Article   Do you have a success story that you would like to share? Submit your experience with an accredited organization here: Success Story Submission

All Posts & News Press Releases Success Stories Aftercare Editorials Retraining Tips Supporter Features Inspector Spotlights Humberger Toggle Menu Previous Post Taking a Leap of Faith Taking a Leap of Faith By: Alexis Arbaugh September 26, 2024 Success Stories Tags:Blue Bloods Thoroughbred Adoption and Placement, Georgia Hunter Jumper Association, hunter jumper, Success story, Thoroughbred Aftercare Allince, Thoroughbred Incentive Program, TIP Photo Credit: Joy Nakrin Joy Nakrin took a huge leap of faith when she adopted a horse sight unseen from Blue Bloods Thoroughbred Adoption and Placement, located in Blanch, North Carolina. Blue Bloods is a 501(c)(3) volunteer-run organization whose mission is to help transition former racehorses from the track to their new homes. One of the organization’s unique qualities is its collaboration with the Equestrian Studies program at Averett University to help market the horses. In 2021, Joy was searching for a trail riding horse who could also be a companion for her “bossy older mare.” She shared with Elizabeth MacDonald, founder of Blue Bloods, that she wanted a horse to enjoy on the farm, one that would get along with her dogs and pig, and, most importantly, be safe for her elderly relatives to handle. “I had no plans or expectations to do more, let alone compete (or win),” Joy wrote. Elizabeth believed that despite Enduring Honor’s two previous failed adoptions, he would be the perfect partner for Joy. “It was worth a try,” Joy wrote when she learned of his story. Enduring Honor, an 8-year-old war horse gelding, had raced 52 times across the United States, earning $156,233 over his career. Joy decided to adopt him sight unseen—without a visit, trial, or video. She “took a leap of faith” and told Elizabeth to “send him to me.” Joy recalls eagerly waiting to meet Enduring Honor as he traveled from North Carolina to Georgia. When the trailer arrived late at night, Joy led him off, and he was calm and gentle, soon becoming the center of her attention. Not long after his arrival, Joy became “completely obsessed” with Enduring Honor, who seemed to thrive on the attention. Enduring Honor quickly won her over with his affectionate personality, enjoying hugs and kisses and always eager to please. He would constantly “ask” what he could do next to earn more praise from Joy. Photo Credit: Hallie Burden Photo Credit: Hallie Burden Photo Credit: Hallie Burden Photo Credit: Hallie Burden Their bond led them to try jumping, which soon progressed to entire courses, bigger jumps, and eventually, competing in shows. In just two years together, Joy and Enduring Honor have earned numerous championships, even against “imported warmbloods that cost twenty times or more than his price, and some piloted by professional riders,” Joy wrote. In 2022, their success included winning the Georgia Hunter Jumper Finals Green Hunter Championship, the Derby, and the Top Amateur Rider award. They also claimed The Jockey Club’s Thoroughbred Incentive Program (T.I.P.) Championship in the 2’ division and the Reserve Championship in the 2’3 division. Joy and Enduring Honor received the Top Amateur Rider award in both T.I.P. Championship divisions. The year 2023 brought even more impressive achievements. They moved up to the 2’9″ division at the T.I.P. Championship and brought home third overall, once again earning the Top Amateur Rider award. They finished the year as champions in mulT.I.P.le divisions, including the Georgia Hunter Jumper Association 2023 Year-End Champion in both the Green Hunter and Thoroughbred Hunter categories. They also won the Georgia Hunter Jumper Association Year-End Reserve Champion Low Adult Hunter title and the United States Hunter Jumper Association Zone 4 Channel 2 Year-End Reserve Champion Low Adult Hunter title. Despite their incredible success in the show ring, Joy is most proud of the bond she shares with Enduring Honor. “He’s always going the extra mile to perform his best and keep me safe,” she wrote. Enduring Honor constantly proves that “Thoroughbred former racehorses can hang with the best.” Joy couldn’t be happier with Enduring Honor as her heart horse and is proud to show the world that off-the-track Thoroughbreds (OTTBs) deserve a second chance Share This Article Do you have a success story that you would like to share? Submit your experience with an accredited organization here: Success Story Submission

All Posts & News Press Releases Success Stories Aftercare Editorials Supporter Features Inspector Spotlights Previous Post The Jockey Club’s Key Role in Industry Initiatives for Thoroughbred Aftercare The Jockey Club’s Key Role in Industry Initiatives for Thoroughbred Aftercare By: Samantha Smith March 22, 2024 Supporter Feature Tags:supporter, Supporter Feature, The Jockey Club, Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance Supporter, TIP, TJC TIP The Jockey Club is the non-profit Thoroughbred breed registry for the United States, Canada, and Puerto Rico, with the primary responsibility of maintaining The American Stud Book. Its mission is being dedicated to the improvement of Thoroughbred breeding and racing. The Jockey Club also has several commercial businesses and partnerships whose profits are regularly invested back into the Thoroughbred industry. Each of these businesses touches a point in the life of a horse, from the breeding shed, to the sales ring, to the racetrack, to careers beyond. As a founding member and one of the three industry stakeholders that provided Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance with initial seed funding and ongoing support, The Jockey Club recognizes aftercare as an integral industry initiative that requires sustainable backing. “The Jockey Club believes that the horses come first and that the industry has a commitment to its horses throughout their life cycles,” said James L. Gagliano, president and COO, The Jockey Club. “Supporting Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance is in line with our mission and our other efforts toward Thoroughbred aftercare.” What makes Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance stand out among other aftercare organizations is that it accredits the facilities it funds. Supporters of Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance know that its facilities meet high standards each year and that the horses are receiving the best care possible under the best conditions. James L. Gagliano President and COO, The Jockey Club The Jockey Club demonstrates its support through various methods. Funds from nearly every registry-related transaction are allocated to Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance, and The Jockey Club provides housing and administrative support for Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance in its Lexington office, free of charge. “What makes Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance stand out among other aftercare organizations is that it accredits the facilities it funds,” said Gagliano. “Supporters of Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance know that its facilities meet high standards each year and that the horses are receiving the best care possible under the best conditions.” The Jockey Club Thoroughbred Incentive Program (T.I.P.) is one of many industry initiatives spearheaded by The Jockey Club to support aftercare. In addition to supporting Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance, The Jockey Club has significant involvement in aftercare through numerous avenues. Within the Registry, there are a few ways aftercare is supported: The Jockey Club’s Checkoff Program The Jockey Club’s checkoff program enables owners and breeders to financially assist five charities by selecting one of the designated amounts or an amount of their choice on the Application for Foal Registration form or during the payment process on Interactive Registration. Thoroughbred Connect Thoroughbred Connect is a resource for horse owners who are looking to rehome a Thoroughbred when its racing or breeding career comes to an end. It is voluntary and is provided free of charge to Interactive Registration users through The Jockey Club Registry. The platform enables people to sign up to provide aftercare assistance for specific horses, while enabling the person assigned a horse’s digital certificate to see if anyone signed up to provide support for that horse. Sold as Retired from Racing Sold as Retired from Racing enables a horse to be listed with The Jockey Club as permanently retired from racing without affecting the horse’s use as a broodmare or stallion. The form can be filled out on paper, notarized, and sent to The Jockey Club or it can be completed digitally. The buyer and seller of the horse must sign the form, and current photos of the horse must be provided for identification purposes. In addition to the Registry, The Jockey Club has aftercare touchpoints through some of its industry initiatives. The Jockey Club Thoroughbred Incentive Program (T.I.P.) was created to encourage the retraining of Thoroughbreds into other disciplines upon completion of careers in racing or breeding. Launched in 2011, T.I.P. offers Thoroughbred awards at open horse shows and competitions, a championship horse show, year-end Performance Awards, a recreational riding program, a Thoroughbred of the Year Award, and a Young Rider of the Year Award. The Jockey Club is also involved with other aftercare initiatives, including the International Forum for the Aftercare of Racehorses and United Horse Coalition. “To ensure the future of our sport, we must ensure its horses have a future after racing,” said Gagliano. “Each of us, whether owners, breeders, trainers, jockeys, fans, or executives, must contribute to Thoroughbred aftercare if we want Thoroughbred racing to thrive.”   To learn more about The Jockey Club and its supported aftercare initiatives you can visit their website here. THE JOCKEY CLUB’s AFTERCARE INITIATIVES Learn more about Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance’s supporters: Industry Stakeholders Share This Article

The Jockey Club Thoroughbred Incentive Program announced Sir Gus, of TAA-accredited Brook Hill Retirement Center for Horses, as the winner of its Thoroughbred of the Year Award.

The well-bred gelding found his calling off the racetrack in the dressage arena thanks to TAA-accredited New Vocations.

Nina Neumann found herself drawn to the string of newly arrived OTTBs in her barn from TAA-accredited CANTER Michigan, especially one in particular named Green Mouse.

The Jockey Club Thoroughbred Incentive Program (T.I.P.) announced the winners and other placings from its 2019 performance awards program April 16. 

A strong showing of horses from TAA-accredited organizations will be making their way to the Kentucky Horse Park Sept. 6-8 for the 2019 New Vocations All-Thoroughbred Benefit Show and Thoroughbred Incentive Program Championships.

Mister Foster was orphaned at just three days old. The Kentucky-bred son of Rocking Trick never made it to the track, but has since found his place with adopter Sara Gatchell.

Sunny Aftermoon made eight starts as a 3-year-old, never breaking his maiden. He retired from the track after one season with earnings of $4,820.

Currently, the pair is competing in first level dressage while schooling second level at home.