The International Forum for the Aftercare of Racehorses (IFAR) announced March 7 that aftercare professional Jen Roytz will serve as moderator for its upcoming conference, which is scheduled to take place April 24-26 in Lexington, Kentucky.
The gathering will focus on aftercare organizations. The three-day event will be comprised of a traditional conference at Spy Coast Farm’s Equine Education Center as well a multitude of on-site visits, which will take place at accredited aftercare facilities in the area, and a social gathering.
Topics that will be covered during the conference portion of IFAR 2025 include business practices in aftercare; engaging equestrian communities; challenges in aftercare: on-track to second careers; post-racing veterinary assessments; fundraising and awareness through events; and equine therapy.
“We are excited to have Jen take part in this year’s IFAR,” said IFAR Chair Dr. Eliot Forbes. “IFAR strives to provide a platform for industry leaders to exchange best practices and collaborate on enhancing racehorse aftercare. Jen’s experience in the aftercare world is extensive, and we know it will add another layer of depth and quality to our conference.”
Roytz is co-owner of Brownstead Farm, which specializes in Thoroughbred breeding, sales, racing, and retraining. She is also a partner in Topline Communications and writes for several racing and equestrian publications. In addition, she serves on multiple nonprofit boards, including as president of the Kentucky Horse Council board, which works to support Kentucky’s equine community through education, leadership, and equine welfare initiatives. Previously, she served as executive director of the Retired Racehorse Project (RRP).
“Over the years, IFAR and its members have made incredible strides in elevating the global recognition and support of racehorse aftercare,” said Roytz. “This year’s lineup of topics and speakers promises to offer thought provoking insight and meaningful conversations surrounding many of the current issues today’s aftercare professionals face. I am both honored and excited to help lead these important conversations.”
Speakers from organizations including the American Association of Equine Practitioners (AAEP), American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA), Central Kentucky Riding for Hope (CKRH), Down the Stretch Ranch, Hong Kong Jockey Club (HKJC), Japan Racing Association (JRA), The Jockey Club (US), New Vocations, Old Friends, Queensland Off-The-Track Program (QOTT), RRP, Stable Recovery, Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance (TAA), Thoroughbred Charities of America (TCA), Thoroughbred Retirement Foundation (TRF), Treo Eile, and the United States Polo Association are scheduled to take part. Further details will be released soon.
To see the planned schedule of events or to register for the 2025 IFAR Conference, please click HERE. Tickets cost $100 each, plus fees and taxes, and cover outlined transportation and meals along with access to the various venues. A cancellation policy is available. Additionally, registered IFAR attendees have the opportunity to book rooms with an IFAR group rate at two official hotels in the area. Space is limited.
The JRA, which has entered into a multi-year sponsorship agreement to support the activities of IFAR, is the presenting sponsor of the 2025 IFAR Conference. The Jockey Club (US) and the NTA have signed on to be lunch sponsors, while Godolphin is the transportation sponsor. Remaining sponsorship opportunities include tailgate sponsor, welcome bag sponsor, dinner sponsor, session sponsors, and supporting sponsors. Full details can be found HERE.
IFAR has previously conducted forums in conjunction with the 40th Asian Racing Conference (ARC) in Sapporo, Japan in August 2024; the 39th ARC in Melbourne, Australia in February 2023; the 38th ARC in Cape Town, South Africa, in February 2020; the European & Mediterranean Horseracing Federation’s General Assembly in Oslo, Norway, in May 2019; the 37th ARC in Seoul, South Korea, in May 2018; and the Pan American Conference in Washington, D.C., in May 2017. Virtual conferences were held in 2021 and 2022.
IFAR is an independent forum that recognizes geographical and industry differences among racing countries and is designed to enhance Thoroughbred aftercare worldwide. IFAR will raise awareness of the importance of welfare for Thoroughbreds, improve education on lifetime care, and help increase demand for former racehorses in other equestrian sports. For more information on IFAR, visit https://www.internationalracehorseaftercare.com.
International Forum for the Aftercare of Racehorses