Photo provided courtesy of Erin Gilmore Photography, 2025 Thoroughbred Makeover
CARMA is proud to announce that applications open tomorrow, May 1st, for the 2026 Messineo Makeover Scholarship, supporting Thoroughbred trainers and riders preparing to compete in the Retired Racehorse Project’s Thoroughbred Makeover.
Now entering its second year, the scholarship was established through the generosity and legacy gift of Nancy Messineo, whose passion for Thoroughbred aftercare and retraining continues to impact horses long after their racing careers end.
Nancy Messineo specifically directed her gift to support CARMA’s Placement Program, which helps transition retired California-raced Thoroughbreds into adoptive homes and second careers. Horses selected for the Messineo Makeover Scholarship are graduates of CARMA’s Placement Program, helping showcase the success and long-term potential of these horses beyond the racetrack.
By supporting these horse-and-rider partnerships at the Thoroughbred Makeover, the scholarship not only assists competitors with the costs associated with training and participation but also helps raise awareness for Thoroughbred retraining, adoption, and the life-changing impact of aftercare programs.
“The Thoroughbred Makeover represents everything aftercare is about — opportunity, transition, and the incredible potential these horses have beyond racing,” said Lucinda Lovitt, Executive Director of CARMA. “We are honored to continue this scholarship in Nancy Messineo’s memory while also shining a light on the success stories coming out of CARMA’s Placement Program.”
The inaugural year of the scholarship supported six CARMA-sponsored riders at the 2025 Thoroughbred Makeover, where teams earned top placings and special awards across multiple disciplines, including freestyle, ranch work, competitive trail, jumpers, dressage, and hunters.
The Thoroughbred Makeover, hosted annually by the Retired Racehorse Project, brings together recently retired racehorses from across the country and highlights the athleticism, adaptability, and trainability of Thoroughbreds in second careers.
Eligible applicants for the Messineo Makeover Scholarship must be planning to compete in the 2026 Thoroughbred Makeover with a Thoroughbred sourced through CARMA’s Placement Program and demonstrate a commitment to horsemanship, retraining, and Thoroughbred aftercare.
Applicants can apply here.