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Reinventing Racehorses
Trainers Challenge
2025 PLANNING
The Reinventing Racehorses Challenge is back for 2025! This exciting 12-week event, commencing on June 21, 2025, will showcase the versatility and talent of retired Standardbred racehorses as they embark on a transformative journey with five dedicated trainers. The program not only highlights the potential of these incredible horses but also paves the way for their next chapter in life through adoption.
Challenge Format
Five trainers will be paired with five Standardbred horses.
Trainers and horses will compete in a series of challenges designed to demonstrate skill, adaptability, and teamwork.
The event culminates in a virtual finale, where winners will be announced, and prizes awarded.
Adoption Opportunity
At the end of the 12 weeks, all five horses will be available for adoption.
Trainers will have the first option to adopt their assigned horse.
Trainer Benefits
Trainers will be reimbursed up to $300 per month to cover care needs for the horses during their time. (vet and farrier is covered above the $300)
Trainers will also receive a portion of the final winnings based on their performance.
Points System
The Reinventing Racehorses Challenge will operate in 2025 on a dynamic point system designed to motivate trainers to set and achieve meaningful goals with their horses. Points will be earned based on the completion of training milestones, performance in designated challenges, and active participation in providing updates on their progress.
During the finale challenges, bonus points will be awarded for showcasing exceptional skills, creativity, and teamwork, as evaluated by a panel of judges. This system not only encourages goal-setting and accountability but also celebrates the transformative journey of each trainer-horse pair throughout the challenge.
TIMELINE
Trainer Applications Open: Now through February 28, 2025.
Challenge Start Date: June 21, 2025.
Challenge End Date & Virtual Finale: September 13, 2025.
Adoption Process Opens: August 15, 2025.
2025 SPONSORS NEEDED
🌟 Become a Sponsor for the Reinventing Racehorses Challenge! 🌟
Support the transformation of retired Standardbreds as they embark on a new journey! By sponsoring the Reinventing Racehorses Challenge, you’ll not only help showcase the incredible potential of these horses but also gain valuable exposure for your brand.
Whether you become a Champion Sponsor, a Lead Rein Sponsor, or leave your mark as a Hoofprint Sponsor, your contribution makes a difference. Together, we can change lives—one horse and one trainer at a time.
Join us in making this event unforgettable! 🐴💖
📩 Contact us today to secure your sponsorship spot! Email administration@newstartstandardbreds.com
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$1,000 “Champion Sponsor” (2 available)
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Celebrate your brand as the driving force behind the entire challenge, just like a champion leads the race!
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$500 “Lead Rein Sponsor” (5 available)
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Support individual trainers and their transformative work with their Standardbred partner.
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$100 “Stride Sponsor” (12 available)
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Make a lasting impact by sponsoring one of the weeks during the 12-week journey.
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$25 “Hoofprint Sponsor” (60 available)
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Leave your mark by sponsoring an engaging interview question that connects the trainers to the community.
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2025 CONFIRMED SPONSORS:
Champion:
Lead Rein:
Stride:
Hoofprint:
2025 POINTS SYSTEM
To ensure fairness and encourage consistent participation, the challenge will utilize a comprehensive points system. Trainers can earn points throughout the 12-week program by completing weekly requirements and achieving specific milestones. These points will be used in addition to the points earned through the four finale challenges to be completed at the end of the 12 weeks.
Weekly Tasks (Consistent Engagement)
1. Weekly 5-Minute Video Updates (10 points per week)
Trainers must submit a video showing progress, training methods, and interactions with their horse.
2. Weekly Video Interview Question (5 points per week)
Answering a specific question about their experience, challenges, or goals for the week.
Total Points for Weekly Tasks = 180 points
Challenge Milestones
1. Week 2: Show the horse responding reliably to groundwork basics such as leading, flexing, and lunging 2 gaits. (20 points)
2. Week 2: Show the horse adapting to carrying a rider for the first time. (20 points)
3. Week 4: Successfully navigate a short trail ride or simulated trail course. (20 points)
4. Week 4: Showcase the horse participating in a ride with at least one other horse (20 points)
5. Week 6: Smooth transitions between walk, trot, and halt, showing responsiveness and relaxation during each. (20 points)
6. Week 8: Safely navigate basic trail obstacles such as bridges, tarps, or cones, either in-hand or under saddle. (50 points)
7: Week 10: Exhibit the horse competing in an off-property event. (50 points)
8. Week 10: Exhibit the horse taking canter leads under saddle, showing progress even if not yet perfected. (50 points)
Total Points for Challenge Milestones = 250 points
Finale Challenges
1. Dressage Finale (Cadora Walk/Trot Test "A")
2. Obstacle Course (Showcase 10 Obstacles - must include one dismount/mount up, one obstacle walked over, and one obstacle walked through)
3. Hunter/Jumper Course (jumps can be from ground poles up to 2' in height)
4. Freestyle
Points System per finale:
1st Place: 100 points 2nd Place: 80 points 3rd Place: 60 points 4th Place: 40 points 5th Place: 20 points
2025 TRAINERS WINNINGS
Trainers in the Reinventing Racehorses Challenge have the chance to win more than just bragging rights!
At the end of the 12-week journey, trainers will receive:
First Place
75% of the adoption fee for their challenge horse
Jacket or Vest
Champion Cooler
Fun Goodies
Second Place
60% of the adoption fee for their challenge horse
Jacket or Vest
Fun Goodies
Third Place
50% of the adoption fee for their challenge horse
Jacket or Vest
Fun Goodies
Fourth Place
40% of the adoption fee for their challenge horse
Jacket or Vest
Fun Goodies
Fifth Place
30% of the adoption fee for their challenge horse
Jacket or Vest
Fun Goodies
*** If a trainer wishes to adopt their challenge horse, they will only be required to pay the adoption programs portion of the adoption fee at the end of the challenge (i.e.. if the winner adopts, they would only owe the 25% remaining on the adoption fee).
2024 FINAL PLACINGS
Champion: Camelia Cyr-Ouellette & Brookdale Gia
2nd Place: Sarah Cuthbertson & Turbo Timmy
3rd Place: Holly Lacroix & Thee Impressionist
4th Place: Becca Proctor & Roman
5th Place: Jemma Elsdon & Lyons Queen - While they were unable to participate in the finale, this team showed how dedication and commitment can truly bring together a team! We appreciate Jemma, who originally had to step down as a chosen trainer due to life changes, take the chance to try to still participate with her own Standardbred who just retired off the racetrack prior to the start of the challenge.
SPONSORED BY: Manitoulin Resort & CCM Enterprises Ltd.