About the Messineo Makeover Scholarship:
The Messineo Makeover Scholarship was created to support West Coast CARMA Placement Program graduates competing in the Thoroughbred Makeover in Kentucky. Made possible by a generous legacy gift from Nancy Messineo, the scholarship is designed to help offset the significant travel costs that often limit West Coast participation.
Rather than a flat monetary award, the scholarship focuses on coordinated travel support. CARMA will organize round-trip group transportation via chartered van for selected recipients. Selected riders who choose to travel independently will receive reimbursement up to a designated travel stipend or cap, determined based on prevailing transportation costs at the time.
At its heart, the scholarship honors Nancy Messineo’s commitment to the Placement Program by creating meaningful second-career opportunities for horses after racing. By supporting CARMA graduates at the Thoroughbred Makeover — widely recognized as a premier marketplace for retired racehorses — the scholarship elevates the visibility of the Placement Program and Thoroughbred aftercare on a national stage, increasing awareness and inspiring greater adoption of Placement Program graduates within the equestrian community.
Eligibility Requirements:
- Must be attending the Thoroughbred Makeover with a CARMA Placement Program graduate*
- Must reside or operate on the West Coast (California, Oregon, Washington, Arizona, Nevada, Idaho)
- Must be willing to provide CARMA with regular content updates (including images/videos and captions) to be used for social media, marketing, and PR purposes before and during the event
- Participants are expected to take part in scheduled onsite group photos and media moments to help showcase CARMA graduates and the event (as their RRP event scheduling allows)
Application Timeline
- Applications Open: May 1st, 2026
- Applications Close: June 1st, 2026
- Recipients Announced: July, 1st 2026
Scholarship Policy and Guidelines
How Scholarship Travel Is Arranged:
CARMA coordinates travel directly for selected recipients.
- Round-trip group transportation will be provided via chartered van.
- Riders who choose to travel independently will receive reimbursement up to a designated travel stipend or cap, determined based on prevailing transportation costs at the time.
- All travel arrangements and reimbursements are coordinated in advance through CARMA.
Content & Media Participation Requirements
To help showcase CARMA Placement Program graduates and elevate awareness of Thoroughbred aftercare, scholarship recipients agree to the following:
- Provide 5–7 social media content updates (photos and/or videos with captions) to CARMA for marketing use.
Content should be shared at designated milestones, including:
- Selection announcement
- Pre-event preparation
- Travel to Kentucky
- During the Thoroughbred Makeover (at least 2 updates)
- Post-event reflection or results
Applicants must maintain a public social media presence documenting their horse’s journey and participation in the Thoroughbred Makeover. Required updates must be posted through the rider’s personal account or an account dedicated solely to the horse, and all posts must be publicly accessible so they can be shared and amplified by CARMA. CARMA must be tagged in these posts. Applicants who are unwilling to meet these visibility requirements will not be prioritized for selection.
CARMA reserves the right to republish, edit, and use all submitted tagged content for promotional purposes.
Social image/video examples:
Onsite Participation Requirement:
Participants are expected to take part in scheduled onsite group photos and media moments to help showcase CARMA graduates and the event.
Participation is expected as scheduling with RRP obligations allows.
Withdrawals or Cancellations:
If a recipient is unable to participate in the Thoroughbred Makeover due to injury (horse or rider) or other extenuating circumstances:
- CARMA must be notified immediately in writing.
- Any prepaid travel arrangements made on the recipient’s behalf may be canceled or adjusted at CARMA’s discretion.
- Any prepaid funds not yet used for approved travel expenses must be returned, unless otherwise waived in writing by CARMA.
- CARMA reserves the right to reallocate travel support to a waitlisted applicant or retain the funds for future scholarship use.
Additional Notes:
Recipients are expected to represent CARMA positively and must portray a positive outlook on thoroughbred aftercare and the racing industry in any media provided to CARMA, or posted to personal channels in relation to this scholarship. Any misuse of funds or breach of agreement may result in disqualification from future CARMA grants or programs.
Program Adjustments:
CARMA may revise program details from time to time as reasonably necessary to address travel costs, event logistics, scheduling issues, or other unforeseen circumstances. CARMA will provide notice of any material changes and will make every effort to ensure recipients continue to receive the core intended benefit of the scholarship.
*CARMA Placement Program Graduate:
A CARMA Placement Program Graduate is a thoroughbred horse who was received into the CARMA Placement Program from their racing connections, was rehabilitated, and then placed with an aftercare organization or directly to an individual. If you are not sure if your horse is a CARMA Placement Program Graduate, please contact us for verification.