ABOUT THE EXPO
The Florida Thoroughbred Transformation Exposition is presented by the charitable organization Run for the Ribbons Inc. whose mission is to continue to improve Thoroughbred aftercare efforts in Florida through our aftercare program in Morriston, FL, while also providing a platform for Thoroughbred enthusiasts to showcase their equine partners annually at this event. Run for the Ribbons dedicates themselves to providing off- track Thoroughbreds the foundation needed to ensure a smooth transition into their next career and home through responsible rehabilitation and retraining. The Florida Thoroughbred Transformation Expo is RFTR’s way of celebrating the amazing breed and giving back to the horses and their riders.
The 8th Florida Thoroughbred Transformation Expo will be held on December 13th-15th, 2024 at the Florida Horse Park in Ocala, Florida. The Expo will now feature competitions in 7 disciplines including Dressage, Working Ranch/Trail Horse, Show Jumper, Show Hunter, Eventing, Freestyle, and the newly added Western Dressage. Competitors will compete for over $15,000 in prize money plus ribbons, and awards, while proudly showing off the versatility of the breed. Each discipline will have a restricted and open division and be composed of Jockey Club registered, tattooed, or microchipped off-track Thoroughbreds. Unraced Thoroughbreds are allowed to compete if microchipped/tattooed.
In honor of the Ring the Bell Initiative at Tampa Bay Downs, the 2024 Expo will feature a new Bell Horse Division, a special division exclusively for horses that had at least one start during the 2023-24 race meet at Tampa Bay Downs. This division will offer 3 classes and participants may choose to enter any or all of them. The classes offered in this division are: in-hand, w/t pleasure, and w/t/c pleasure. Be sure to read the full description of this division below.
The Florida Thoroughbred Transformation Expo will include a vendor fair with shopping and food for exhibitors and the public, and an educational seminar. The Expo is a great opportunity to show your support and get behind local Thoroughbred aftercare efforts while having fun with your equine partner! Sponsorship opportunities are also available for those not able to compete but who want to help make a difference.
MISSION AND GOALS
Run For the Ribbons Inc. hopes that the Florida Thoroughbred Transformation Expo will continue to increase the demand of Thoroughbreds and encourage people to take on a “project horse” or “off-track Thoroughbred” (OTTB). The Expo was created to showcase the trainability and talent of the Thoroughbred and inspire juniors, amateurs and professionals in their respective disciplines. We also want to encourage the community and the Thoroughbred racing industry to further support our efforts, as well as other charitable organizations in Florida who also dedicate their time and resources to positively impact the lives of these horses.
Run for the Ribbons Inc. realizes that horseracing and Thoroughbred sales are a vital part in Florida’s economy, especially Marion County, producing more than 1,500 Thoroughbred foals every year. Our goal is to create an outlet for them post-racing or training to help current racing owners, breeders, and trainers safely retire the equine athlete. We also help to encourage Thoroughbred owners, trainers, and breeders to pave the road to successful futures for these transformation horses through proper training techniques and strong foundations.
We anticipate over 100 horses and aspire to have the Florida Thoroughbred Expo be the biggest and most anticipated off-track Thoroughbred event annually in Florida, proudly showcasing the many talents of Thoroughbreds and increasing their marketability in the Southeast. The Florida Thoroughbred Transformation will strive to provide a competitive, fun, and educational environment to celebrate the Thoroughbred breed that we love.
