Equine industry-related university and college programs:
The Race Track Industry Program offers a bachelor’s and master’s degree centered on the racing industry with two paths of study; one preparing students for race track management, regulation or pari-mutuel racing organizations, the other preparing them for employment in areas dealing with racing and breeding animals. Learn more through this informative feature by BloodHorse.
The University of Louisville in Kentucky offers an undergraduate equine program located in an AACSB-accredited college of business, with core business administration classes that focus on equine enterprises and event management. Learn more through this informative feature by BloodHorse.
The mission of the University of Kentucky Ag Equine Program is to discover, share and apply new knowledge on the health, performance and management of horses, enhancing the signature status of Kentucky’s equine industry. Learn more through this informative feature by BloodHorse.
BCTC Equine is a college-level racing school located in Lexington, Kentucky which specializes in the training and career placement of students into the horseracing and breeding industries through a two-year associate degree and several one-year certificate programs. Learn more through this informative feature by BloodHorse.
The SUNY Morrisville Associate of Applied Science degree in equine racing management provides a direct entry into the many exciting fields associated with the thoroughbred horseracing industry. The program emphasizes hands-on participation in the breaking, care, training, conditioning and racing of racehorses through requisite courses such as equine anatomy and physiology, stable management, breeding management and nutrition and training.
Other Educational Initiatives:
An initiative to provide thoroughbred industry newcomers with education, career information and connections with learning opportunities.
The home of the Thoroughbred Racing Hall of Fame in the US is also a center of education and community engagement for all ages. From youth learning curriculums applied to the thoroughbred industry to interactive tours and exhibits, the National Museum of Racing welcomes racing fans, students, educators and anyone interested in learning more. Read about its unique Foal Patrol program, which shares the miracle of thoroughbred mares and foals with the world. Visit the case study for more information.
The KEMI program is dedicated to improving opportunities for college students wishing to pursue a career in equine management. Through the internship, students integrate academic studies with practical experience, leadership and responsibility as a contributing participant on a central Kentucky commercial thoroughbred farm. Aside from farm commitments, students are introduced to an extensive network of equine professionals.
From science to social studies and arts and humanities, the Kentucky Derby Museum offers programming designed to supplement and introduce core curriculum standards taught in the classroom.
Keeneland Racecourse offers a wide array of local educational initiatives at both its racecourse and through the Keeneland Library. Every year, Keeneland invites all area fifth graders from public and private schools around Lexington, Kentucky to visit Keeneland Racecourse for an interactive tour to expand their knowledge of the thoroughbred industry. Students also receive a special Thoroughbred Racing and Sales educational workbook to encourage further learning.
This project links central Kentucky thoroughbred breeding farms with LTAC to provide high school-aged students with opportunities for hands-on work and learning. The LTAC is the newest career and technical high school in Lexington, Kentucky which includes an equine pathway, expansive equine barn and arena and an on-site veterinary clinic.
National Equine Industry Initiatives:
The Pony Club teaches young people to ride and care for horses. It aims to develop character, leadership, confidence and a sense of community as they learn about the care of horses and ponies, riding and mounted sports.
The 4-H ‘Horse Project’ is one of many sectors of 4-H for young people to participate, with activities ranging from equine knowledge bowl and hippology, to horse riding and showing, speech, demonstrations and horse judging. 4-H is delivered by Cooperative Extension — a community of more than 100 public universities across the US – and welcomes young people of all beliefs and backgrounds, giving them a voice to express who they are and how they make their lives and communities better.
4-H
The 4-H ‘Horse Project’ is one of many sectors of 4-H for young people to participate in, with activities ranging from equine knowledge bowl and hippology, to horse riding and showing, speech, demonstrations and horse judging. 4-H is delivered by Cooperative Extension — a community of more than 100 public universities across the US – and welcomes young people of all beliefs and backgrounds, giving them a voice to express who they are and how they make their lives and communities better.
A subsidiary of the American Quarter Horse Association, AQHYA allows young people to get involved in a variety of activities from riding and horse judging to public speaking. The Youth Racing Experience also allows AQHYA members to participate in the fast-paced world of American Quarter Horse racing from behind the starting gate to the finish line.
HHYF gives young horse lovers the opportunity to learn about driving and Standardbred horses. Programs include interactive learning experiences with racehorses, equine scholarship administration and creation and distribution of educational materials related to harness racing.
AYHC is aimed at supporting all youth and youth leaders throughout the equine industry, uniting kids and horses across breeds and disciplines through a variety of means and opportunities.
The CHA certifies equine professionals, accredits equine facilities and provides resources to programs and equine professionals in the form of published industry standards for equestrian programs, student horsemanship manuals and equine professional manuals.
Introduces school-age children to horseback riding and horse care in a safe, professional, welcoming environment. Its purpose is to sustain and grow the equine industry by creating the next generation of knowledgeable, dedicated horse enthusiasts and owners.
