Thoroughbreds: Beyond the racetrack
Texas A&M College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences faculty member wins award for philanthropic equine career contributions
Shannon Reed, DVM, veterinary surgeon, clinical associate professor of large animal surgery in the Texas A&M College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences Department of Large Animal Clinical Sciences, has been awarded the American College of Veterinary Surgeons Foundation Lynn Wheaton Philanthropy Award, for her contributions to the Retired Racehorse Project.
The Retired Racehorse Project is a non-profit organization dedicated to increasing the demand for off-track Thoroughbreds in second careers through equestrian sports and serving the farms, trainers and organizations that transition them.
The project’s flagship event is the Thoroughbred Makeover, where retired racehorses compete in 10 different disciplines, showcasing their athleticism beyond the racetrack.
“Dr. Reed’s work exemplifies the profound impact individuals can have on animal welfare and industry practices,” said Jennifer Schleining, Ph.D., clinical professor and head of the Department of Large Animal Clinical Sciences. “Through her dedication to the Thoroughbred Makeover in establishing the innovative arrival exam, she has championed the well-being of these remarkable horses while inspiring future generations of equine veterinarians.”
The arrival exam: A groundbreaking initiative
Reed has been involved with retraining Thoroughbreds since her residency in large animal surgery at Oregon State University. In 2015, she deepened her commitment by attending her first Thoroughbred Makeover, initially working for a friend participating, and then returning as a competitor herself.
Through these experiences, she identified opportunities to elevate the standards of horse welfare at the makeover, and she accepted a challenge to join the project as its consulting veterinarian.
Her vision materialized into the arrival exam program implemented by the Thoroughbred Makeover in 2019. The exam, conducted on every horse before they participate, ensures they meet certain health and body condition requirements.
“This evaluation aids in dispelling one of the greatest misconceptions that all Thoroughbreds are skinny,” Reed said. “By demonstrating most horses that arrive at the makeover exhibit a healthy body condition, it challenges this stereotype and emphasizes the importance of proper care and nutrition for these athletes.”
The arrival exam sets a precedent for equine health expectations at horse shows. It encourages trainers to prioritize their horses’ well-being and has motivated other organizations to adopt similar protocols, ultimately improving horse welfare across the industry.
“Dr. Reed’s unwavering dedication and support for second career opportunities for off-the-track Thoroughbreds has been a game-changer for the industry,” said Craig Huffhines, director of the Texas A&M Institute for Equine Sciences. “Through her innovative approach to veterinary inspections, she has set a new standard for ensuring the soundness and overall health of these remarkable athletes as they transition into their new roles, paving the way for brighter futures for both horses and their handlers.”
Inspiring the next generation of equine veterinarians
“It’s no secret that there is a shortage of equine veterinarians in the United States, so I saw the opportunity to use the arrival exam as a platform for student engagement,” Reed said.
She established a student volunteer program that welcomes veterinary students from across the U.S. and Canada to participate in the Thoroughbred Makeover by helping conduct arrival exams of over 400 horses, providing them with valuable hands-on experience and mentorship.
The program has flourished, with over 80 alumni who have participated on the arrival exam team. It has become a highly sought-after experience, attracting 200-300 applications annually for just 20 spots. Since 2019, Reed has raised over $60,000 to provide a travel stipend to students accepted into the program.
“The program’s welcoming atmosphere creates a space where students, regardless of their background, can explore the possibilities in equine veterinary medicine through a hands-on learning experience,” Reed said. “The students shadow experienced equine veterinarians who volunteer their time to help cultivate the next generation of equine veterinarians.”
Positive change in the equine industry
Beyond the immediate benefits of the arrival exam, Reed’s contributions to the Thoroughbred Makeover have broader implications for the equine industry. The arrival exam has led to peer-reviewed research that looks at what happens to Thoroughbred racehorses after they leave the track.
“The average lifespan of a Thoroughbred horse is between 25 and 30 years, and they will typically stop racing at 4 to 6 years of age, so that leaves about 20 years of opportunity for a second career,” Reed said.
This exposure expands their marketability beyond racing, offering them a chance at a fulfilling life after their racing days are over.
“By promoting the American Thoroughbred as a capable and adaptable horse, the program contributes to the overall health and vitality of the U.S. horse industry,” Reed said.
