Students get new foothold in thoroughbred industry

Fayette County Public Schools and the Kentucky thoroughbred industry are entering a three-year agreement that includes financial sponsors and unprecedented access to working farms. This initiative will provide middle and high school students with real-world experiences in the equine industry that support college and career readiness and create a school-to-farm employment pipeline. “Any vision of the future that doesn’t include the equine industry would be incomplete,” said Superintendent Manny Caulk, noting that this industry employs more than 14,000 people in Lexington. “We want this generation to take ownership of writing their own futures,” he later added.

During the Aug. 4 news conference at Locust Trace AgriScience Center, Principal Anne DeMott outlined several expansions of her school’s offerings, including additional staff, new programs and FFA chapters at two more middle schools, and dual credit classes with Bluegrass Community & Technical College. She also welcomed special guests from the Kentucky Thoroughbred Association and Kentucky Thoroughbred Owners & Breeders Inc.: Braxton Lynch, chair; and Chauncey Morris, executive director.

Lynch commended Locust Trace for providing a strong baseline for students in the classroom, saying, “We can bridge the gap to get them to the farms. Horsemanship is passed down through generations, and these horsemen just want to teach.” Lynch mentioned several career paths such as veterinary clinics, racetracks, and sales companies. “That first step of exposure will open up so many doors,” she added. 

Contributing organizations include Ashford Stud, Bim Group, Castleton Lyons Inc., Claiborne Farm, Crowe LLP, Dean Dorton Allen Ford PLLC, Denali Stud, Gainesway, Godolphin USA, Juddmonte Farms, Keeneland Association Inc., Kentucky Thoroughbred Association and Kentucky Thoroughbred Owners & Breeders Inc., Lane's End Farm, Margaux Farm, Mill Ridge Farm LLLP, Mt. Brilliant Farm, National Thoroughbred Racing Association, Pin Oak Stud LLC, Runnymede Farm, Shadwell Farm, Stonestreet Farms, Taylor Made Farm, Three Chimneys Farm, William T. Young Foundation Inc., and WinStar Farm LLC.

(Posted Aug. 4, 2020)