CARMA's Messineo Makeover Scholarship recipient Allie Silvera and Pacific Tide had plenty to celebrate at the Retired Racehorse Project's Thoroughbred Makeover in Kentucky! The young California-bred Thoroughbred delivered three outstanding dressage performances, earning a Top 5 dressage score in Eventing and placing among the Top 10 combined Dressage scores over two days! While the show jumping and cross-country challenges proved a little too demanding at this stage of his education, Pacific Tide showed nothing but heart, willingness, and an incredible attitude throughout the competition. Foaled in 2022, Pacific Tide is a son of West Coast out of V J's Bet, by Into Mischief. After just one career start, his journey as a racehorse came to an end, but his next chapter is already showing tremendous promise. For Allie, who previously competed at the 2024 Thoroughbred Makeover, returning to Kentucky with the support of CARMA's Messineo Makeover Scholarship was another opportunity to grow as a horsewoman while helping a deserving Thoroughbred develop the skills for a successful second career. Congratulations to Allie and Pacific Tide! We can't wait to see what the future holds for this talented young horse. ❤️ #TeamCARMA #ThoroughbredMakeover #MessineoMakeoverScholarship #ThoroughbredAftercare Photo Credit: Erin Gilmore Photography

From stakes winner to Thoroughbred Makeover standout! 🏆🐎 Classical Cat certainly lived up to his name at the 2026 Retired Racehorse Project Thoroughbred Makeover, earning 2nd place in the Competitive Trail Finals and 5th place in the Freestyle Finals! Partnered with Kiersti Wylie, Classical Cat (affectionately known as Classic) approached the competition with the same confidence, curiosity, and heart that made him such a special partner throughout his preparation. In fact, Kiersti shared that he was the only horse to complete the Competitive Trail course without hesitation! But Classic's journey to Kentucky began long before the competition. The Kentucky-bred son of Mendelssohn out of Conquest Strate Up, by Not Bourbon, enjoyed a successful racing career, winning three of his five starts and earning $166,300, including a stakes victory. His next chapter began at Sandia Creek Ranch, where he was originally intended for a young participant in the Training-to-Train program. When plans changed, Classic made his own intentions known, calling out to Kiersti whenever she entered the barn and eagerly watching her every move. What began with a few enthusiastic bucks during his early training quickly developed into a remarkable partnership, helped along by plenty of cookies! Today, Classic is an adventurous, willing partner who seems ready to tackle just about anything. Through the Sandia Creek Ranch Auxiliary Foundation (SCRAF), Kiersti helps mentor the next generation of horsemen and horsewomen. Her work with Pony Club riders through SCRAF's program gives young equestrians hands-on experience developing off-the-track Thoroughbreds. Thanks to CARMA's Messineo Makeover Scholarship, Kiersti and Classic made the journey from California to Kentucky. Congratulations to Kiersti, Classic, and the entire team behind this incredible accomplishment! 💙 #teamCARMA @RRP_TBMakeover

From California to Kentucky, Beach Hero is making waves! 🐎🌊🦈 Team CARMA's Teegan Carthew and Beach Hero brought a little California beach fun to the 2026 Retired Racehorse Project Thoroughbred Makeover, and it paid off with a 6th-place finish in the Freestyle Championships! Leaning into Beach Hero's name, Teegan went all out with a beach-themed performance, complete with a shark, lifeguard attire, and plenty of personality! But beyond the fun costumes and props, this talented four-year-old Thoroughbred showed just how much confidence and versatility he's developed in his new career. After earning a spot among the top ten Freestyle competitors, the pair returned for Saturday's championship round, ultimately finishing sixth! As Teegan shared, "He has a way of saying 'Don't worry, I got this!' and goes on to exceed my expectations every time." A dark bay gelding by Omaha Beach out of Mundy Road, by Lonhro (AUS), Beach Hero made just one career start before beginning his second career at Sandia Creek Ranch. Under the mentorship of fellow #teamCARMA rider and trainer Kiersti Wylie, Teegan has been helping this promising youngster discover his talents beyond the racetrack. Congratulations to Teegan and Beach Hero on a fin-tastic championship finish! 🦈💙 We're so proud of this pair and can't wait to see what adventures await them next! #TeamCARMA #ThoroughbredMakeover #ThoroughbredAftercare #MessineoMakeoverScholarship #BeachHero #OTTB