Pomegranate Sip and Shop to Benefit Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance

There will be a Sip and Shop to support Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance at the Pomegranate Flagship store on April 17 from 5pm-8pm ET. Angela Vineyard Wines will be available by the glass or bottle, as well as light bites provided by Penny's at Pomegranate by Chef Ouita Michel. Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance is partnering with Pomegranate Inc. to celebrate the 151st running of the Kentucky Derby with their limited-edition Run for the Roses 151 Collection. Pomegranate Inc. offers handcrafted home décor, table linens, and accessories inspired by nature and global artistry, with their unique equestrian designs reflecting this tradition. Pomegranate is donating 15% of sales from the Run for the Roses 151 collection line to Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance, available now through the running of the Kentucky Derby. This exclusive collection commemorates the running of the 151st Kentucky Derby featuring a hand stamped “151” and a special limited edition sewn in label. To ensure timely delivery: Ground shipping orders must be placed by April 24. Two-day shipping orders must be placed by April 28. Overnight shipping orders must be placed by April 29.   Visit the Pomegranate Flagship Store at 700 East Main St., Lexington, Kentucky 40502, (at the corner of Clay Ave. and Main St.), or shop online at: pomegranateinc.com/pages/run-for-the-roses

International Forum for the Aftercare of Racehorses (IFAR)

The 2025 International Forum for the Aftercare of Racehorses (IFAR) will take place April 24-26 in Lexington, Kentucky, and it will focus on aftercare organizations. The three-day event will be comprised of a traditional conference at Spy Coast Farm’s Equine Education Center as well a multitude of on-site visits, which will take place at accredited aftercare facilities in the area, and a social gathering. Aftercare professional Jen Roytz will serve as moderator for its upcoming conference. Speakers from organizations including the American Association of Equine Practitioners (AAEP), American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA), Central Kentucky Riding for Hope (CKRH), Down the Stretch Ranch, Hong Kong Jockey Club (HKJC), Japan Racing Association (JRA), The Jockey Club (US), New Vocations, Old Friends, Queensland Off-The-Track Program (QOTT), RRP, Stable Recovery, Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance (TAA), Thoroughbred Charities of America (TCA), Thoroughbred Retirement Foundation (TRF), Treo Eile, and the United States Polo Association are scheduled to take part. Further details will be released soon. All of the featured aftercare facilities are accredited by Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance (TAA), which accredits, inspects, and awards grants to approved aftercare organizations to retrain, retire, and rehome Thoroughbreds using industry-wide funding. Since 2012, it has granted more than $31.9 million to accredited aftercare organizations, and 16,500 Thoroughbreds have been retrained, rehomed, or retired by accredited organizations. In addition to the traditional conference and on-site visits, a social gathering will be held during the cross country portion of the Defender Kentucky Three-Day Event, one of the world’s premier equestrian 5* events. Although the numbers change year to year, Thoroughbreds routinely feature in the competition. The JRA, which has entered into a multi-year sponsorship agreement to support the activities of IFAR, is the presenting sponsor of the 2025 IFAR Conference. The Jockey Club (US) and the NTA have signed on to be lunch sponsors, while Godolphin is the transportation sponsor. Remaining sponsorship opportunities include tailgate sponsor, welcome bag sponsor, dinner sponsor, session sponsors, and supporting sponsors. Full details can be found HERE. To see the planned schedule of events or to register for the 2025 IFAR Conference, please click HERE. Tickets cost $100 each, plus fees and taxes, and cover outlined transportation and meals along with access to the various venues. A cancellation policy is available. Additionally, registered IFAR attendees have the opportunity to book rooms with an IFAR group rate at two official hotels in the area. Space is limited.

Defender Kentucky Three-Day Event

Kentucky Horse Park 4089 Iron Works Pkwy, Lexington, KY, United States

The Defender Kentucky Three-Day Event is one of the world’s premier equestrian 5* events showcasing the world’s highest level of equestrian eventing. Held the last weekend in April in Lexington, Kentucky, this internationally renowned event draws the best horse and rider combinations worldwide. The weekend attracts people from around the globe to witness leading riders compete in addition to shopping, attractions, and sponsor experiences you can only find here. The Cosequin® Lexington CCI4* and The Kentucky International CSI5* presented by Hagyard Equine Medical Institute are hosted over the same weekend for even more opportunities to see exceptional equestrian competitions. The Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance will have a booth set up during the event, where patrons and riders to stop by and learn more about accredited aftercare 2025 Event Dates are April 24 - 27, 2025

8th Annual Open Barn & BBQ: New Vocations Racehorse Adoption Program

New Vocations 719 Dolan Lane, Lexington, KY, United States

New Vocations' 8th Annual Open Barn & BBQ Thursday, April 24th, 2025 New Vocations' Open Barn & BBQ is FREE to attend!  SUBMIT YOUR FREE RSVP Doors Open: 4:30 PM - 9:00 PM 2 Live Thoroughbred-Focused Demonstrations by Industry Professionals: 5:15 PM - "When is an OTTB Suitable for a Youth Rider?" - by Professional Horse Trainer, Sarah Shade 7:00 PM - "Dos and Don'ts of Starting OTTBs Over Fences" - by professional 3* Event Rider, Maxine Preston Join us for a day of food, fun, and Thoroughbreds! Live Music by The Ranahans Trio BBQ, Mexican, and Dessert Food Trucks Expert Bar Services with Signature Cocktails Exciting Silent Auction Items benefiting New Vocations Vendors Tour Our Barns Full of Adoptable OTTBs To become a sponsor, a vendor, a volunteer, or donate a silent auction item, please email carey@horseadoption.com.

Preston Greens Senior Living Fundraiser: Old Friends

Event Date: April 24; 5:00 pm – 7:00 pm Location: 1825 Little Herb Way, Lexington, KY , A silent auction consisting of hand-crafted horse made by residents and staff will be accompanied by live music, derby inspired drinks, and appetizers. RSVP to Preston Green’s by April 23rd 859-309-1897.

Old Friends Cabin Creek: Annual Boys Birthday Party

Old Friends Cabin Creek\ 483 Sand Hill Road, Greenfield Center, NY, United States

This event is an open house at our farm, offering a chance to celebrate the birthdays of our retired racehorses. Come tour the farm, see the boys and have some birthday cake. We'll have raffle tickets for sale for our popular gift baskets. We always have some terrific baskets thanks to our generous donors. We ask for a $10 donation when you visit. Your donation directly supports the horses' daily needs. This event is a perfect opportunity to reconnect with our friends and supporters who make our mission possible. We warmly invite everyone, both new faces and familiar friends, to join us for a fun afternoon.

Second Stride: Champions Night

Kick off your Derby week in style and join Second Stride on MONDAY, APRIL 28, 2025 at Valhalla Golf Club to support the Thoroughbred athletes who make it all possible! The evening runs 6:30 – 9:30 and will include: ~ Signature cocktail ~ Kentucky-themed heavy hors d’oeuvres + dessert bar ~ Handicapping + celebrity expert panel ~ High-end silent auction ~ Meet-and-greet with Second Stride ambassador horses And much more! Tickets are $150/guest and must be purchased in advance HERE Can’t come but want to support the event?  For more information about sponsorship opportunities, please contact Amy Eirich at amye@secondstride.org. All proceeds from Champions Night Fore the Horses directly benefit the transitioning thoroughbred racehorses in Second Stride’s care.

Stable Suite Aftercare Partner

Churchill Downs 700 Central Ave, Louisville, KY, United States

Join Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance on April 29 from 6:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. in the Stable Suite on the backside of Churchill Downs to learn more about Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance and accredited aftercare!