The California Retirement Management Account (CARMA) is thrilled to announce the first-ever recipients of the Messineo Makeover Scholarship, a new fund created to help CARMA Placement Program graduates participate in the Retired Racehorse Project’s Thoroughbred Makeover in Kentucky October 8–11, 2025.
While the original intent of the scholarship was to support one or two applicants, the inaugural response far exceeded expectations — in both quantity and heart. Moved by the quality and dedication of this year’s applicants, CARMA has made a one-time decision to increase the number of recipients receiving support. In 2025, six individuals will receive support to fully cover the cost of travel to and from the event for their horses. CARMA has partnered with KC Horse Transportation to provide vanning services for the recipients. KC Horse Transportation also supports CARMA’s Placement Program by assisting with transport for retired racehorses.
“This scholarship is about leveling the playing field,” said Lucinda Lovitt, Executive Director of CARMA. “We know how financially difficult it can be for West Coast competitors to make it to Kentucky. Thanks to Nancy Messineo’s legacy gift, we’re able to honor her love for Thoroughbreds by giving these deserving horse-and-rider teams the boost they need, while showcasing the importance of aftercare and helping more horses find their next chapter.”
The Messineo Makeover Scholarship was established in memory of longtime CARMA supporter Nancy Messineo, whose generous legacy gift allowed the organization to create an annual fund dedicated to supporting West Coast horsemen and women competing in the Retired Racehorse Project’s Thoroughbred Makeover. The scholarship is open to individuals working with Thoroughbreds that graduated from the CARMA Placement Program and are preparing to showcase their retraining journey in new equestrian careers.
Each recipient will also serve as a CARMA ambassador, sharing behind-the-scenes updates in the lead-up to and during the event, giving donors and fans an inside look at the transformation these horses undergo.
2025 Scholarship Recipients and their horses:
- Chanel Minnifield & La Peer
- Johanna Weaver & Levi
- Lillianne Kress & Impressively
- Liz Miller & Logans Red Falcon
- Nathan Bonner & Big Rainbow
- Paisley Phelps & Carmelitas Man