Professional Horseman's Course

The Kentucky Horse Park’s Education Department will be offering a unique educational opportunity unequaled by any other beginning January 2010. Students will have the rare opportunity to study and work with up to forty breeds of horses; ranging from the American Miniature to Clydesdales. They will gain hands on knowledge regarding handling, feeding, grooming, and training techniques seen in today’s equine industry. A rotating weekend schedule, as well as night foal watching, will be required to provide students with practical experience required for entry-level positions in the industry. The program will not only challenge the student in a variety of “hands-on” activities, but will also broaden their overall level of equine knowledge and understanding.

 The goal of the program is to provide information and skills necessary for the graduate to enter many facets of the equine industry as a well qualified and conscientious employee. Through partnership with the Kentucky Equine Humane Center, students will also have the opportunity to truly make a difference in the life of a horse needing a permanent adoption home. By teaching students using anything from Thoroughbred lay-ups to strays once running free, this program hopes to alleviate the desperate need for knowledgeable, dependable, and well trained personnel in various sectors of the equine industry.

Topics range from stable management and general health care to facilities and farm management, anatomy, physiology, and a more in depth study on the equine as an athlete. The courses will be tailored both to the previous experience and future goals of the students so that field trips, guest lecturers, and discussion topics will be determined by the students’ particular interests.

The program will be four months in length beginning January 7, 2009 and will be run on a 5 day per week schedule with rotating weekend and night watching duties. The majority of the workload and course work will be done at the Horse Park with field trips, tours, and guest speakers when applicable. Students are required to make arrangements for daily transportation and although housing is not provided, living expenses in nearby Lexington and Georgetown are near the national average. Part-time employment opportunities are also readily available in the horse industry.

There is no experience necessary for the program, however we do ask that applicants be very thorough regarding their past equine experience, work experience, and goals for the course while filling out the application. All applicants must be at least 18 years of age or have a high school diploma or its equivalent. Admission to the program is considered on an individual basis. No discrimination will be made regarding sex, age, race, color, creed, or place of national origin. Applicants will be reviewed on the merits of their background, personal integrity, previous experience and/or desire to work within the industry. A personal interview with the selection committee will be held prior to the final selection of students. If a personal interview is not possible a phone interview will be arranged.  

Cost of the program is $1600 with a $100 deposit due at the time of registration. The remainder of the cost will be due the first day of class. Students will also be required to buy necessary texts and literature upon acceptance into the program.

I have attached the program application as well as tentative syllabi for the various classes. Please feel free to contact me at laurie.brown@ky.gov or 859.259.4290 with any further questions.

Location: Education Department
For more information, contact Laurie Brown at 859.259.4290.