Lexington, KY - Lexington Catholic High School is planning a unique comprehensive four year Equine Academy developed in partnership with some of central Kentucky's major public and private equine industry educators and institutions.
Lexington Catholic President Steve Angelucci said the curriculum will offer wide exposure to the many facets of the equine industry. "We have so many wonderful resources right here in Central Kentucky. This curriculum has been designed for students with interests in all aspects of the horse industry, drawing on the academic and professional talent we have in the region."
Dr. Angelucci said off-campus college-level courses, mentorships and research programs will be offered through partnerships with the UK College of Agriculture's Equine Initiative and Midway College's Equine Program. The Georgetown College Equine Scholars Program also is involved.
The program will include "hands on" laboratories and practical applications; opportunities for students to build relationships with equine professionals, engage in internships and job-shadowing, attend seminars, conduct community service projects and be involved in special events, supported by additional partnerships with Keeneland and Fasig-Tipton.
"Central Kentucky is home to some of the world's best in the equine industry-world-class breeders, equine lawyers, accountants, and vets to name just a few," noted Nick Nicholson, President and CEO, Keeneland Association. "The young people who participate in this program will have a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to learn from those who set the standard for excellence worldwide. Keeneland is proud to be a part of this program and contribute to the next generation of industry leaders."
Nicholson's counterpart at Fasig-Tipton, Boyd Browning, was equally pleased. "As someone who is heavily invested in the horse industry and cares deeply about developing our next generation of leaders, I am excited about this innovative new program. As a Lexington Catholic Board member and parent of a current student and three graduates, I am proud to see this program added to a great school."
Alltech, title sponsor of the historic National Horse Show which relocated from Madison Square Garden to the Kentucky Horse Park in 2011, is in talks with the school to fine-tune the role of the Nicholasville-based global animal nutrition company. Discussions are focusing on how students might be given opportunities to gain firsthand experiences during the show. "A formal internship program has not been finalized yet. However, consistent with its commitment to education, Alltech is speaking with Lexington Catholic about opportunities for Equine Academy students to gain hands-on experience through the 2012 Alltech National Horse Show," said company spokeswoman Susanna Elliot.
"The industry is so important to central Kentucky. And there are so many young people who are not aware of all of the career opportunities in our industry," noted Kentucky Thorougbred Association Executive Director David Switzer, a member of the academy advisory board. "It's not just mucking stalls, you know. There are an awful lot of other things such as people in your profession who write about the horse industry. There are marketing people, accountants, lawyers."
The program could also provide a boost to Lexington Catholic enrollment. "It helps differentiate the school and its academic programs from other programs," noted Academy Advisory Board member Woodford Webb. "It is the first of its kind in the world, which is exciting and appropriate for the Horse Capital of the World. I don't see a downside."
The Equine Academy at Lexington Catholic is scheduled to launch in the fall of this year.
In addition to Switzer and Webb, members of the Equine Academy Advisory Board include: Robyn P. Roach, Chair, Whitney Allen, Nancy Bell, John Cox, William D. Fishback Jr., Conor Foley, Walter Hillenmeyer, Kathy Hopkins, Susan Hurt, Alston M. Kerr, Jonathan Lang, Mary Jo Moloney, Mark Maronde, Anna Seitz, Cindy Stewart, Steve H. Stewart, Tom Thornbury and Kelli Webb.
For more information on the Equine Academy at Lexington Catholic, please contact Mindy Towles, Director of Admissions: (859) 277-7183 ext. 231 or mtowles@lexingtoncatholic.com