The mission of the NAEAA is to strengthen post-secondary equine academic programs, provide networking opportunities, and facilitate increased cooperation and information sharing among their members from public and private institutions.

To further it, the group invites collaboration with other non-profit equine organizations centered around post-secondary education.

For more information and to see upcoming events, please visit their website.

The post NAEAA Announces Reciprocal Organization Membership appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions.

Source of original post

The partnership Amplify has arranged with BetterHelp will give users a free month of therapy (up to four (4) live sessions with a therapist that is specifically assigned to their individual preferences), and a discount to the platform thereafter. Any future or current equine industry participants or employees of all ages are welcomed to take advantage of this service through the use of code 9b8d2 on the website here. Amplify will not know who is receiving therapy, and won't have access to users personal data.

BetterHelp has over 25,000 therapists across the U.S., services in 50+ languages, and support in over 200 countries. Users can communicate with their therapist via phone, video and live chat, and can message their therapist at any time. Therapists on BetterHelp are licensed, trained, experienced, and accredited psychologists (PhD/PsyD), marriage and family therapists (LMFT), clinical social workers (LCSW/LMSW), or licensed professional counselors (LPC). All have a Master's or Doctorate Degree in their field, and have been qualified and certified by their state's professional board after successfully completing the necessary education, exams, training, and practice. While their experience, expertise and backgrounds vary, they all possess at least 3 years and 2,000 hours of hands-on experience.

Please contact info@amplifyhorseracing.org for more information.

The post Amplify Horse Racing Launches Therapy Partnership with BetterHelp appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions.

Source of original post

The Economic Impact Analysis identified the positive impact to Southern Oregon over the next 30 years, including: 

• $10.7 billion in net new spending 
• $3.6 billion in net new earnings 
• 2,007 net new full-time jobs 
• $361.9 million in tax impact to Oregon 

HSP conducted market research and interviews with representatives from local, regional and national organizations to understand the horse racing industry and its impact through three primary components: Grants Pass Downs and the Flying Lark, fair meets, and horse-related spending. The study was designed to determine the economic impact of the horse racing industry in Oregon with the Flying Lark in operation and determine the value of the Flying Lark and Grants Pass Downs within the industry in Oregon. 

“The local community was surprised to learn of the significant economic impact the horse racing industry had in Oregon back in the 2012 economic impact study,” said Randy Evers, President of Grants Pass Downs. “While horse racing struggles to survive in other states, today the vision of leaders at both Grants Pass Downs and The Flying Lark will be a major factor for economic growth and stability, most importantly for Southern Oregon, but also the entire state.”

The study discloses the positive impact as industry-changing. The Flying Lark has the unique opportunity to create a legacy, putting Grants Pass and the Josephine County Fairgrounds on the map as a year-round destination. In collaboration with Grants Pass Downs, together they will help restore the horse racing industry, including horse owners, trainers, veterinarians, jockeys, and a wide range of partners, vendors, and suppliers across Oregon. There is a positive cycle of spending and impact between gaming and horse racing.  

Historic Horse Racing (HHR) revenues will supplement the industry, including:

• Larger purses from pari-mutuel wagering, 
• Boosted interest in the sport due to greater race quality, 
• Rising visitation stemming from growing interest, 
• Improved foal crops as horse ownership becomes more profitable, and
• Overall positive trends within the industry. 

“The Flying Lark will have a substantial impact on Thoroughbred breeding in Oregon,” said Lynnelle Fox Smith, Executive Director for the Oregon Thoroughbred Owners and Breeders Association. “By knowing the purses will be sizable and the facility will be successful, breeders will continue investing in broodmares, stallions, and breeding to support Oregon's agriculture.” 

The Flying Lark was founded by Grants Pass Native, Travis Boersma, with a commitment to horse racing and Southern Oregon, opening in the winter of 2021.  The 35,000 square-foot destination has something for everyone; including Jacks, a full service family restaurant, Longshots sports bar, the Winner's Circle bar located in the center of the state-of-the-art historical horse racing (HHR) terminal floor, based on pari-mutuel wagering, and banquet facilities. 

Known for its beautiful natural scenery, parks, outdoor recreation, and wineries in Southern Oregon, The Flying Lark will also open The Wonder Walk. This world-class equine-based art walk will beautifully surround the facility and feature pieces by regional artists that celebrate horses' majestic nature, power and beauty. 

About The Flying Lark 

Proudly from Grants Pass, Oregon, The Flying Lark is Southern Oregon's premier  gaming and entertainment destination, including an inviting family culinary dining  experience and the inspiring Wonder Walk outdoor art display, featuring regional artists.  The Flying Lark, named after one of the most famous stallions in Oregon's history, was  designed for our customers, community and team members to celebrate the past, present and future, with the magic and beauty of horses. For more information and  regular updates, visit: TheFlyingLark.com 

The post Economic Analysis: HHR To Help Grants Pass Downs Have $10.7 Billion Impact Over Next 30 Years appeared first on Horse Racing News | Paulick Report.

Source of original post

“The results from the 2021 AHP Equine Industry Survey reveal overall stability in the U.S. equine industry in spite of unique challenges posed by COVID-19,” said Jill Stowe, Ph.D., professor of agricultural economics at the University of Kentucky, who analyzed the data and consulted on the results. “Based on respondents' input on management and issues facing the industry, our leaders have helpful information to guide strategic planning and decision-making for the long-term benefit of the industry.”

The survey, which was conducted from January 18 through April 9, 2021, has three primary objectives: to gauge participation trends and management practices in the U.S. equine industry, to identify critical issues facing the equine industry as perceived by those who own or manage horses, and to better understand approaches to horse health care. AHP conducted similar surveys in 2009-2010, 2012, 2015 and 2018.

Stability Through the Pandemic

The average respondent owns/manages about six horses and 75.2 percent of respondents indicate that the number of horses they currently own/manage is the same as in 2020; 10.4 percent own/manage more horses than they did in 2020. When asked about future expectations of ownership, 73 percent expect to own/manage the same number of horses in 2022, 17.3 percent expect to own/manage more horses and 9.7 percent expect to own/manage fewer horses. Comparing this to the 2018 survey, we see an increase in expected stability regarding the number of horses owned/managed.

Horse Ownership

Growth in the number of horses owned/managed is more prevalent among respondents in the youngest age group as compared to the oldest group. Similar to previous studies, the frequency of owning/managing more horses in the survey year (2021) than in the previous year (2020) is decreasing with age; 21.8 percent of respondents in the 18-24 age category report owning/managing more horses in 2021 than in 2020, while only 5.4 percent of respondents in the 65+ age category report owning/managing more horses. This pattern is also consistent with expectations on horse ownership/management one year in the future: 31.1 percent of respondents in the 18-24 age category expect to own/manage more horses in 2022 than they do this year, while only 10.2 percent of respondents in the 65+ age category report the same expectation.

Event Participation

Survey participants indicate that they expect to compete in an average of 4.3 events in 2021, which is less than the 5 competitions reported in the 2018 study. More than 45 percent of the respondents do not plan on competing at all in 2021, up from 38.7 percent in 2018.

Horsekeeping Costs

Feed (including both hay and concentrates) continues to be the most frequently identified area in which horsekeeping costs have increased. This is followed by costs of veterinary services (41 percent) and animal health products (39 percent), which are stable from the 2018 study.

However, the cost of barn supplies has significantly increased since 2018, from 12.2 percent to 22 percent. Frequently mentioned sources of increased costs in the “other” category were fencing, building materials and insurance. In addition, 22.2 percent of respondents identified fuel/transportation as a primary source of increased horsekeeping costs. It is important to note that if this survey had been conducted later in 2021, when there was a sharp increase in gas and lumber prices, this percentage may have been higher. The rise in horsekeeping costs could force businesses to raise prices even if they don't want to.

Looking at how to accommodate for horsekeeping costs, most respondents reported they will reduce expenditures in other areas of their lives (60 percent), attend fewer competitions (22.2 percent) and pursue other income opportunities (21.3 percent).

Issues Facing the Equine Industry

The most frequently selected issue facing the equine industry was land use issues (43.5 percent), followed closely by horses in transition or at risk (43.1 percent), and cost of horsekeeping (42.8 percent). Frequently mentioned issues in the “other” category include animal rights activists, competition costs, liability and over-regulation.

Although there are overarching issues that span the entire equine industry, there are certain issues of heightened concern in particular areas of the country. For example, zip code regions 4 (Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan and Ohio) and 7 (Arkansas, Louisiana, Oklahoma and Texas) had the highest percentage of respondents selecting illegal medication of performance horses and ineffective welfare laws. Respondents in zip code region 3, which includes Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Mississippi and Tennessee, were most likely to select the practice of soring as a key issue.

Horse Health Care

Veterinarians administer vaccines for 65.4 percent of respondents' horses, continuing a gradual upward trend from previous surveys (58.2 percent in 2012, 61.4 percent in 2015 and 63 percent in 2018). The percent of respondents who administer the vaccines themselves continues to decrease, standing at 28.5 percent compared to 29.7 percent in 2018, 31.5 percent in 2015 and 34.7 percent in 2012.

Of vaccination-related issues discussed with the veterinarian, the most common is what the horse is being vaccinated for (63.7 percent), followed by American Association of Equine Practitioners (AAEP) vaccination recommendations (40.6 percent). Since the 2018 survey, horse owners and veterinarian conversations surrounding vaccination protocols have decreased.

More than 72 percent of respondents indicate that their veterinarian is the leading influence for where they purchase their equine vaccines, with price being the second leading influence (13.3 percent).

Deworming

Respondents indicate that they are adhering to new deworming recommendations. The percentage of horse owners who are deworming 1 to 3 times a year has increased, while the percentage of those who are deworming up to 6 times a year has decreased.

More than half of respondents (54.4 percent) indicate their veterinarian is involved in developing their horses' deworming schedules—the first time this figure has eclipsed the 50 percent mark. Survey results indicate that just under 60 percent of respondents report their veterinarians recommend a fecal egg count test, declining from nearly 78 percent in 2018.

Respondents indicate that they purchase dewormers from chain stores, local feed stores and online. Veterinarians are reported to have the most influence on dewormer purchasing decisions and their role has become more prominent than indicated in previous studies.

Timing of Surveys Can Be Meaningful

The 2021 AHP Equine Industry Survey continues to build upon the first four surveys (2009-2010, 2012, 2015 and 2018) to help understand dynamics within the equine industry. The initial survey was conducted as recovery from the Great Recession in '08 and '09 was underway, and the following two surveys were able to track recovery in the equine industry.

“The timing of the 2021 survey is fortuitous because it comes on the heels of a worldwide economic slowdown due to the global COVID-19 pandemic—a health event not seen in more than a century,” said Dr. Stowe. “Accordingly, it can serve as an important benchmark in the health of the equine industry now and in the future.”

About the Survey

The 2021 survey was limited to those who currently own or manage at least one horse, are 18 years of age or older and live in the United States. The survey collected 8,029 responses, of which 7,267 were useable.

“Zoetis is proud to support the ongoing work of American Horse Publications and its significant efforts to understand the trends impacting our industry,” said Jen Grant, head of marketing for U.S. equine, Zoetis. “To see a stable U.S. horse population despite the many challenges of COVID-19 is a testament to the powerful connection between horses and their caregivers—a bond we are committed to nurturing now and into the future through our trailblazing portfolio of horse care products.”

“AHP is grateful for its partnership with Zoetis to provide ongoing and vital data on the trends in horse care, management and welfare of horses in the U.S.,” said Christine W. Brune, AHP executive director. “We appreciate the cooperation of our members in promoting the survey and the expert analysis of Dr. Jill Stowe.”

Survey results will be released by Zoetis and AHP members through their own channels. Excerpts from this study must be referenced as “2021 AHP Equine Industry Survey sponsored by Zoetis.”

¹ American Horse Publications. 2021 AHP Equine Industry Survey.

² The 2021 survey faced a number of unique challenges in collecting responses due to changes in engagement on social media, increased privacy concerns, and the polar vortex that hit the Texas area and left millions without power.

Read more here.

The post Survey Shows Equine Industry Stable Based On Number Of Horses Owned And Managed appeared first on Horse Racing News | Paulick Report.

Source of original post

Bellocq was initially drawn to the program when he realized he could help play a role in fixing racing's growing labor shortage. By heading up BCTC's program, Bellocq is now helping recruit young people to join the sport's much-needed workforce.

“We don't have anything in our industry that can predict what is going to happen with immigration reform at a federal level,” he said. “So, every year it's the same challenge and we can't count on that changing. We have to fend for ourselves. We have the mechanism to prepare really good workers–well-trained, domestic workers.”

The BCTC program first started in 2006 as the North American Racing Academy. But when Bellocq joined the team a few years later, they realized their need to widen its scope from a jockey school to an equine-based career and technical training program. Now referred to as BCTC Equine, the course is the first and only accredited community college-based program of its type in the country.

Today, there are between 35 and 40 students in the program each semester. After two years spent completing courses ranging from basic equine care to training theory, physiology and anatomy, students will graduate with an Associate's degree. Some students will earn a vet assistant certificate while others will choose to focus on breeding or racing. Those that take the riding classes will earn an exercise riding license from the Kentucky Horse Racing Commission prior to their completion of their courses.

Incoming students start off in a semester-long racehorse care lab, where they handle the everyday well-being of the program's 12 retired racehorses located at The Thoroughbred Center outside of Lexington.

“The students are bringing them in from the paddocks, checking vitals and feeding,” Bellocq explained. “They're doing everything that anybody in any barn is going to be doing, but we monitor them and grade them. We check off the list to make sure that not only are they cleaning the stall, but that they can do it in a certain period of time. We're making sure they can work efficiently and do everything that is required if you're going to go out and work for a top-level trainer. We teach to the current standards.”

To move on to the riding course, students must first take an advanced fitness test. Students that pass attend daily training sessions run by Program Coordinator and Assistant Professor Dixie Kendall and instructor Amy Heitzman. Before completing the course, students spend a few weeks working for a trainer based out of the Training Center before graduation.

“There's a lot of attrition because we're tough,” Bellocq noted. “We have pretty rigorous academic requirements and we'll put them through the ringer if they're late. But the result is that we have quite a few graduates out there working who have moved up. We've placed students in some pretty high-end racing operations, including Mike Maker, Christophe Clemente, Michael Matz and Todd Pletcher.”

The majority of students currently taking the exercise riding portion of the course, Bellocq said, are female. He stressed the cruciality of the industry's acceptance of an evolving workforce.

“Employers, trainers and farm managers have to wrap their arms around the fact that our workforce is changing and we have to adapt to that,” he said. “It's not a question of if women work any harder or can't handle the work that men have traditionally done, it's a question of adapting and providing work-life balance. A lot of trainers are paying better than they ever have, but if Amazon is paying $15 an hour with benefits, we've got to come close because that is who is going to steal our workers, not a trainer down the shedrow.”

Nebraska native Callie Witt is currently enrolled in the exercise riding portion of the program. Prior to attending BCTC, she galloped at several tracks in her home state.

“Since I was a little girl, it's always been my dream to be a jockey,” she said. “My parents' big thing was that I had to have a degree in something to fall back on, so I was really lucky to find this type of program where I can continue my passion for horses, learn how to ride and still get a degree.”

Witt acknowledged the challenges behind working in this industry.

“You've got to learn to have a thick skin. Not everyone is going to have the greatest things to say, but you've got to keep a good head, work fast and keep a positive attitude. Every day is hard work and you've got to keep pushing through it.”

Morgan Patterson is from Alabama and said she has also learned several valuable lessons from her time at BCTC.

“I think my biggest thing is to not overthink it,” she said. “I want to micromanage everything, especially with my riding. But I feel like I'm learning a lot here. Someday I definitely want to travel and ride abroad.”

Classmate Petula Randolph enrolled at BCTC because she knew it was an optimal location to begin working towards her dream of becoming a trainer.

“There's really no better place to learn what we're doing,” she said. “It's a really good environment and less stressful than learning on the job. You get quality instruction here and you know you're learning the right things.”

Randolph grew up attending races at her home track, Retama Park, and said she would like to return to Texas to win a top race there someday.

“If I could train a horse to run in the Sam Houston Ladies' Classic, that would be pretty cool because Midnight Bisou won there.”

Bellocq said that one of his favorite encounters with the students is their annual trip to Churchill Downs on Kentucky Derby week for a tour of the backstretch, where students have the opportunity to chat with some of the top trainers.

“It's kind of eye-opening for them,” he said. “All those superstars will say the same thing, 'You're not going to make a lot of money starting off, you're going to work crazy hours and really have to pay your dues. But if you have the passion and you love what you do, then you can rise as far as you want to in this industry.' That's really inspiring for our students because they're not hearing it from their teachers, they're hearing it from the people they see in the racing news all the time, and that has such weight.”

As the program continues to grow, Bellocq enjoys seeing their work come to fruition as graduates excel in their careers across all facets of the industry.

“We have an alumni group that will meet for a big barbecue every year during Keeneland and it's great to see them all compare notes on who they're working for,” Bellocq said. “For our graduates, we have a great network of internships and mentorships.  We have stellar employers who say, 'Listen, just send me a good student and I'll always have jobs for them.' And that's a really great testament to our program.”

The post Remi Bellocq Part 2: Spreading the Word on BCTC Equine appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions.

Source of original post

How has COVID-19 affected you and your horse? Come find out at the 5th annual Equine Industry Symposium held virtually November 16-20, 2020.

Many of those in the equine industry have been impacted by the pandemic in multiple ways. Some of these challenges result from a lack of preparation, which can lead to insufficiencies both financial and of animal well-being. To address how to overcome these negative experiences and plan for a brighter future, each evening of this year's Equine Industry Symposium is focused on exploring the challenges presented by the pandemic, understanding its effects on the equine industry, discussing opportunities to re-evaluate and restructure, and proactively planning for situations similar to this that may occur in the years to come.

The symposium is hosted by students in the Bachelor of Bio-Resource Management Equine Management degree program at the University of Guelph, together with Ontario Equestrian and Equestrian Canada. Over the five evenings, live and pre-recorded speakers will discuss the effects of the pandemic in their areas of expertise followed by live question and answer sessions.

On Monday evening, Bronwynne Wilton from the Wilton Group will give a summary of the report provided to Equestrian Canada on the effects of COVID-19 on the equine industry. An open discussion with Danielle Glanc, farm policy analyst with the Ontario Federation of Agriculture, Jonathan Zammit, executive director of Ontario Racing, and Christine Reupke, director of Equestrian & Breed Sport at the Royal Horseshow in Toronto, Canada will provide insight on how they viewed and approached the pandemic from their respective equine communities.

On Tuesday evening, Melanie Barham will discuss farm and business planning. Sean Jones from Sunlife Financial will provide a five-step action list for designing a recession-proof financial plan. Catherine Willson, equine lawyer, and Mike King from Capri CMW insurance will discuss insurance implications and risk mitigation in light of COVID-19.

Wednesday evening will examine the effects of the pandemic on horse welfare. Gayle Ecker, director of Equine Guelph, will present the minimum standards of care as outlined in the Code of Practice for the Care and Handling of Equines. Roly Owers, CEO of World Horse Welfare, will analyze what welfare means and how to cope with pandemic restrictions without compromising welfare. Bettina Bobsien will discuss responsible decision-making for older and retiring horses.

On Thursday evening, Stewart Everett, UK Equine Register, and Nic de Brauwere, Redwings Sanctuary, will outline the traceability program in the UK. Kristy House from Equestrian Canada will give a summary of how traceability will be implemented in Canada and how it will assist with emergency situations like the pandemic.

Friday evening will begin with an address from Assistant Deputy Minister Frederic Seppey, Market and Industry Service Branch, Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, on how the equine industry is positioned and how the ministry can support the industry moving forward. Kristy House, Equestrian Canada and Tracey McCaugue-McElrea, Ontario Equestrian, will discuss how industry organizations are helping the industry as a whole. The symposium will conclude with highlights of some of the positives that have emerged from the pandemic.

While this event is free, attendees may wish to support “For the Herd”, an emergency fundraiser administered by Ontario Equestrian to assist riding schools that are struggling to provide for their horses due to the loss of revenue from lessons and camps due to COVID-19. All proceeds raised go toward riding school facilities and their school horses across the province. For more information and to donate visit the For the Herd Website.

Read more here.

The post Free Virtual Equine Industry Symposium Focuses On COVID-19 Response appeared first on Horse Racing News | Paulick Report.

Source of original post

The proposals, which cover equilibrium in equine health status between the EU and Britain, digital passports to facilitate seamless international transport of guaranteed high-health status horses and zero tariffs for cross-border movement, are outlined in a comprehensive 14-page dossier produced by the International Horse Sports Confederation (IHSC) Task Force for Brexit and EU Animal Health Law, a collaboration of the key European Sport Horse and Thoroughbred horse racing and breeding industries.

The six-member task force was formed earlier this year by the IHSC, constituted jointly by the global governing bodies for equestrian sport and racing, the Fédération Equestre Internationale (FEI) and the International Federation of Horseracing Authorities (IFHA) in 2013.

The IHSC, together with the International Thoroughbred Breeders' Federation, European Federation of Thoroughbred Breeders Associations and the European Equestrian Federation, has proposed simple and workable solutions that will ensure horse welfare and safeguard both European and British interests.

High health horses in Britain have the same health status as those in EU Member States and the task force is requesting that a trade agreement between the EU and Britain should reflect this fact.

Zero tariffs are already in place, and the task force is requesting that they be maintained, with the scheme being extended to geldings. Currently only stallions and mares are eligible for tariff-free cross-border transport.

Digital passports would provide EU Competent Authorities with full traceability and sanitary guarantees, offering immediate, 24/7 access to secure fail-safe identification and ownership information, as well as real-time monitoring of a horse's movements.

The high health status of each horse can be instantly validated through access to up-to-date vaccination and medical records, allowing for a higher level of monitoring and prevention of potential disease outbreaks in line with the biosecurity requirements of the EU Animal Health Law, thus facilitating speedy transit for these horses. The digital equine passports can also be adopted for use between EU Member States and A-listed 3^rd countries.

If approved, the e-Passport would have no financial implications for the EU as costs around final development, implementation and running of the system will be met by the equine industry.

Using a two-pronged approach, the task force is seeking to have its proposals captured in the text of both the Trade Agreement and in the EU Animal Health Law, which comes into force on 21 April 2021.

Should a trade agreement with Britain not be reached, the task force is asking the EU to declare an equilibrium of health status for A-listed 3^rd countries. The proposals also include regional agreements on the bio-secure traceable movement of high health horses signed between neighboring EU Member States. A Tripartite Agreement previously existed between France, Britain and Ireland, and there is currently an agreement between France and the Benelux countries.

“The equine industry is of crucial importance to the economic, social, sporting and cultural fabric of both the European Union and the United Kingdom, and as representatives from all sectors of that industry, we believe that there are simple solutions that can guarantee a secure future for the European equine industry”, IHSC President Ingmar De Vos said.

“It is one of the most important animal breeding and production sectors in Europe, larger and with greater economic impact and employment than a number of other European agricultural sectors, with a net worth of over €52 billion per annum, providing 210,000 direct and more than 500,000 indirect jobs.

“Our goal is to reach an agreement that will allow for a continuation of the historical expedited movement of horses for breeding, sale and competition between EU Member States and Britain. While there are some sectors currently under discussion that seem to remain difficult in the negotiations, we believe that there are simple solutions within the equine industry that can be readily included in a Free Trade Agreement. Indeed, they are also workable even in a no deal scenario.

“We are asking the negotiators on both sides of the table to take our proposals on board and incorporate them into the texts of the Trade Agreement, if there is one, and the EU to include them in the incoming EU Animal Health Law, which comes into effect next April.

“Without agreement on this, we estimate that the industry in Europe could shrink by as much as a third, with a potential €17 billion reduction in economic contribution, and the potential loss of 250,000 jobs in a marketplace already threatened with critical unemployment levels and a significant reduction in foreign direct investment in the European Union as the economic focus shifts to North America and Asia. So failure is not an option!”

The post European Governing Bodies Develop Equine Digital Passport Proposal appeared first on Horse Racing News | Paulick Report.

Source of original post

“We are reaching out to our membership to gather input on issues facing the industry, as well as the Kentucky Horse Council,” said Kentucky Horse Council Executive Director Katy Ross. “We believe it is important to check in with our members in order to provide accurate representation and to keep a pulse on what matters most to horsemen and women in Kentucky. I encourage every member of Kentucky's horse industry to please participate in our survey. The information we gather enables us to better serve and represent our constituents, but also allows us to have a positive and lasting impact on Kentucky's signature industry.”

The survey, which takes approximately ten minutes to complete, can be found here. All members of the Kentucky equine community are invited and encouraged to take the survey.

The post Kentucky Horse Council Releases Membership Survey appeared first on Horse Racing News | Paulick Report.

Source of original post

The KEEP Foundation board of directors approved over $21,000 in scholarships to 18 students, attending 10 universities across the Commonwealth. All of the 2020 scholarship recipients are students currently enrolled with a university or college in Kentucky in an equine and/or, agriculture related major or a horse-related program.

The KEEP Foundation and the Race For Education also awarded it's first annual RFE/KEEP Veterinary Scholarship. The 2020 RFE/KEEP Veterinary Scholarship is awarded to a student from the state of Kentucky who is intending to enter equine veterinary medicine. This year's recipient is Lacey Willis. Ms. Willis, a Warren County native, and Western Kentucky University graduate will be attending her first year of Veterinary School this Fall at Auburn University.

“Having a group of quality students interested in equine careers from around the country, attending universities in Kentucky, truly represents the statewide nature of our industry”, said Elisabeth Jensen, KEEP's Executive Vice President.

2020 Race For Education KEEP Foundation Scholarship
Dylan Abrams – Grant County – Midway University
Celene Correa – Jefferson County – Jefferson Community & Technical College
Savannah House – Kansas – Morehead State University
Emily Monroe – Jessamine County – University of Kentucky
Zoey Norris – Adair County – Campbellsville University
Maria Oachs – Wisconsin – University of Kentucky
Rashea Smith – Whitley County – Auburn University
Madeline Sparks – Harrison County – Midway University
Landon Thompson – Taylor County – Asbury University
Maggie Welch – Hardin County – University of Kentucky

2020 4H 'Leg Up' Scholarship
Mackenzie Coil – Marshall County – Murray State University
Anya Deaton – Campbell County – University of Kentucky
Lydia Deaton – Campbell County – University of Kentucky
Alina Knore – Bourbon County – Murray State University
Madeline Queen – Campbell County – Murray State University
Sydney Simpson – Henderson County – Murray State University
Ashley Terrill – Shelby County – University of Kentucky

The post KEEP, Race For Education Award $21,000 In Scholarships To 18 Students appeared first on Horse Racing News | Paulick Report.

Source of original post

The Horse Trainer (Horseman) Apprenticeship (O*Net-Soc Code: 39-2011.00  Rapids Code: 1001) encompasses 2,000 hours of carefully employer structured competencies during which an apprentice can attain industry-recognized skills needed to successfully begin or continue a career in any horse related industry sub-sector, such as: racing, breeding, showing, and other similar disciplines.

While on the job, apprentices will learn or improve their skills in areas such as: horse handling, feeding and nutrition, proper grooming and exercise, identification of disease or illness, basic health care and medical treatments and facility care and maintenance. This program was created to produce a well-rounded, competent horseman capable of excelling in any facet of the equine industry.

Advantages for apprentices include:

• Earn while you learn at your own pace
• Learn the skills horse industry employers have shown they are seeking
• Advancement within the industry promoting an increased future earning potential
• Faster access to state mandated occupational licensing

Advantages for employers include:

• Customized training
• A skilled workforce educated by industry experts
• Improved productivity and lower turnover

This new apprenticeship is the result of collaboration between the Kentucky Chamber of Commerce/Kentucky Equine Education Project's Equine Talent Pipeline Workforce Initiative, the Bluegrass Community and Technical College Workforce Solutions / North American Racing Academy and equine employers across the industry.

Additionally, the Kentucky Community and Technical College System (KCTCS) will be able to provide valuable assistance through its newly launched apprenticeship support program developed specifically to help employers manage their apprenticeships. The services BCTC and KCTCS will assist employers with include:

• Recruitment
• Mentorship/Coaching
• Administrative Services: Federal registration, Employer Acceptance Agreements
• Compliance / Record-Keeping: Ensuring that apprentices are completing on-the-job training and classroom instruction.
• Evaluating ROI and employer's satisfaction with their workforce pipeline.

Apprenticeships have been utilized in various industries across the United States for decades, providing education and training within the setting that knows best, the workplace. The introduction of the Horseman apprenticeship elevates the Kentucky equine industry to a higher tier, allowing any individual the opportunity for world-class hands-on learning.

“Adding a nationally recognized apprenticeship for aspiring horsemen and horsewomen to our industry's workforce recruitment and training toolbox will help immeasurably. This program helps us make working with horses more accessible to more potential workers and breaks down many of the barriers to entry which often exist” notes Remi Bellocq, Executive Director, North American Racing Academy at Bluegrass Community and Technical College.

“The horse industry has been hungry for a way to bring all the players together to reach, and train, a broader audience of new horseman. The creation of the Horseman apprenticeship in Kentucky, the Horse Capitol of the World, is the perfect solution” states Laurie Mays, Equine Talent Pipeline Project Manager with KEEP and the Kentucky Chamber of Commerce. “Both apprentices and employers can expect great things from this program.”

Read more here.

The post Nationally Recognized Apprenticeships For Horse Industry Ready To Run appeared first on Horse Racing News | Paulick Report.

Source of original post