The new Oakmont Ranch Thoroughbred Awards made their debut at the Showpark Summer Classic and Blenheim Fall Tournament horse shows this season. At the end of each show, the Thoroughbred Hunter and the Thoroughbred Jumper with the most points, four horses in all, received a generous $1,000 cash bonus, a High Point bridle ribbon and a certificate. Gary Broad, owner of Oakmont Ranch, and his trainer Laura Hansen, initiated this effort on behalf of the versatile thoroughbred. "Gary is a huge advocate for retiring sound, healthy horses from the racetrack," Hansen said. "He keeps that in mind first and foremost, what's best for their mind and longevity. He feels that it's up to the owner to be responsible for the horse's after-care, their next career." The Showpark Summer Classic runs at the same time as a busy week at the Del Mar Racetrack down the road. Thoroughbreds in their new careers may have run on that very track in their younger racing days. Hansen continued to explain that this is just the beginning of this program, and that it will continue to evolve with Broad's support. "He is very enthusiastic about thoroughbreds competing in the same arenas as the warmbloods; not separating them with a separate division, to show what they can do. And to reward those who put in the time to showcase the talents of the thoroughbred."
