Help WAIT FOR IT Compete in the 2024 Thoroughbred Makeover in Kentucky
In 2020, Alan’s Legacy and I participated in a Virtual 5K benefit for the Retired Racehorse Project (RRP). Thanks to the incredible support of family and friends, we raised $1,100 for this fantastic non-profit - all during a year when finances were tight due to Covid-19.
This year, it’s Wait For It’s turn! This time around he will be competing IN PERSON at the RRP’s 2024 Thoroughbred Makeover in Lexington, Kentucky. The event will be at the Kentucky Horse Park from October 9-12, 2024.
This is going to be a much bigger undertaking, with an estimated goal of raising $7,000 for expenses directly related to the competition. This includes pre-Kentucky events such as local horse shows, and of course anyone is welcome to attend! To start, I have already “donated” $600 through photography sessions this year.
Wait For It will be ridden by J.R. McCaulley of Once Upon a Farm. Since a young age, J.R. has trained and ridden internationally, at the highest level. We know that with J.R.’s extensive knowledge, talent and kindness, Wait For It will be prepared to be just as successful over jumps as he was in races!
Approximate expenses include:
$5,500 - Kentucky competition including round-trip shipping, trainer fees, registration and entry fees, stall rental, bedding, hay/feed, and Night Watch, as well as hotels and food
$1,500-2,000 - Preparation near home including local horse show entries/fees, trainer fees, shipping, etc.
Our Story
Two very special horses changed my life and I was lucky enough to meet them in trainer Ed Coletti, Jr.'s barn at Parx Racing in Bensalem, Pennsylvania.
Alan’s Legacy’s lovable and goofy personality drew us together and I treasure every moment with him. In 2018 Alan officially became mine when he retired from racing, thanks to the kind heart of trainer Kate DeMasi.
Wait For It, who we nicknamed “Petey”, was a professional racehorse the second he figured out his job but he also had a loving personality that endeared him to my heart. The barn loved him: from his exercise rider to his groom and everyone in between. During his racing career, I wrote a non-fiction creative piece showcasing our bond, which can be read here.
Petey was an excellent racehorse, tallying 12 victories including multiple stakes races. He raced 40 times from ages 2-7, earning $726,493. He raced through age 7 and in December of 2022 he was responsibly retired by his breeder/owner Uptowncharlybrown Stud LLC. A few days after Christmas, Petey came home to live with Alan forever.
Why Should I Donate?
While our primary goal is to showcase Petey in his second career, a secondary mission is to raise awareness about the healing power of horses.
Horses can sense human emotions and mentally heal them. They can even hear your heartbeat from up to four feet away. Research studies confirm this, and I have experienced it personally. I have diagnosed CPTSD and a multitude of anxiety disorders so the calming effects of horses - specifically Petey and Alan - have helped me rise from some of the darkest days of my life.
In addition to healing humans with their soothing heartbeats, horses also sync their heartbeats when they’re in a herd. Join Wait For It's Herd with a contribution today!
How Can I Help?
You can make direct monetary donations in several ways.
While GoFundMe is the go-to for most fundraisers, they do take a percentage of each transaction; therefore, there are a few other options available:
• GoFundMe
• PayPal
• Venmo
• Cash or Check (contact me for my address, stop by the Track Photographer's office at Parx Racing, or schedule a drop-off at Once Upon a Farm)
A few exciting options are in the works and will be released asap, including:
• Merchandise (apparel, hats and more!)
• Photographic Prints (including canvas and metal)
Get in Touch
Have any ideas for fundraising, donations or other questions? Don't hesitate to contact Nikki through this form!