Sponsored by Thoroughbred Education & Research Foundation (TERF), the 2020 Makeover Master Class took place as a free virtual event, featuring three trainers in three states with three recently-retired prospects as well as commentators to provide additional insight. The TERF Makeover Master Class was presented virtually on www.tbmakeover.org and Retired Racehorse Project's Facebook page.

A new wave of equestrian enthusiasts is trying Thoroughbreds for the first time or returning to the breed after decades away -- but getting started with a new off-track project can be overwhelming. The Makeover Master Class was conceived to give spectators a comprehensive look at what to consider when evaluating prospects and how to approach those early rides off the track.

The Format

Unique for 2020's virtual edition, the TERF Makeover Master Class will be presented as a single video session compiled from three individual training sessions that took place across the country in Maryland, Kentucky and Colorado.

The video will share the trainers' thoughts on their prospects, looking at conformation, way of going, and general attitude and impression. They'll then demonstrate their own individual approaches to a recently-retired horse's early training. Commentators at each location will help narrate the process.

The Makeover Master Class is expected to return to its normal in-person format for 2021: three trainers will assess conformation and movement of three prospects from aftercare organizations, and then break out into individual training sessions with plenty of insight provided by commentators.

Meet the 2020 Makeover Master Class:

Team Maryland:
Hosted by Foxie G Foundation in Union Bridge, MD
Trainer: Charlie Muldoon (professional polo player/trainer, president of US Polo Assocation's Umpires)
Commentator: Neil Agate (past Thoroughbred Makeover trainer, polo enthusiast, and President of the Maryland Horse Council)
Aftercare Organization: Foxie G Foundation via Beyond the Wire
Horse: Valle Luna (Seville [GBR] - Moon Valley, by Malibu Moon), 2017 MD-bred bay filly

Team Kentucky:
Hosted by Liftoff Equestrian in Versailles, KY
Trainer: Ashley Watts (professional hunter/jumper trainer and trainer for CANTER KY)
Commentator: Jenn O'Neill (professional eventing/hunter/jumper trainer through Lucky Dog Eventing)
Aftercare Organization: CANTER KY
Horse: Joker D Lish (Can the Man - Miss Cheektowaga, by Crafty Friend), 2016 IN-bred chestnut gelding

Team Colorado:
Hosted by Super G Sporthorses in Parker, CO
Trainers: Amy Bowers (2019 Freeestyle Champion at the Thoroughbred Makeover) and Ashley Gubich (past Thoroughbred Makeover trainer and current Makeover video producer/announcer)
Commentator: Jonathan Horowitz (Thoroughbred Makeover announcer)
Aftercare Organization: Retired Racehorses of Arapahoe Park
Horse: Mr. Frosty (Grand Minstrel - Our Columbine, by One In A Mil), 2015 CO-bred gray/roan gelding

Special thanks to our 2020 Makeover Master Class sponsors!

Presenting sponsor: Thoroughbred Education and Research Foundation

Supporting sponsor: United States Polo Association

2019 Press

• Chronicle of the Horse: Trainers Demonstrate Three Ways To Restart A Thoroughbred
• Paulick Report: Makeover Master Class: Three Experienced Re-Trainers, Three Off-Track Thoroughbreds