Lexington Catholic High School is gearing up to unveil a new program called the Equine Academy in the fall of 2012. The program, which will be available to incoming freshman, provides an educational opportunity for students to learn about all aspects of the horse industry.
The Equine Academy's primary academic component will be a four-year equine-related course curriculum. Additional off-campus college-level courses, mentorships, and research programs will be offered through Lexington Catholic’s partnerships with the University of Kentucky’s College of Agriculture's Equine Initiative and Midway College's equine program.
Students will also have the opportunity to participate in an extracurricular program that will offer internships, events, seminars, field trips, job shadowing, service projects, and special events coordinated through Lexington Catholic’s partnerships with Georgetown College’s Equine Scholars Program and Alltech.
“The Equine Academy at Lexington Catholic is the newest addition to our expanding selection of educationally relevant programs,” said Dr. Steve Angelucci, president of Lexington Catholic, in a release. “Our goal is to inspire and nurture future leaders in the equine industry. As the only program of its kind in the nation, our students will enjoy unique access to the wealth of equine related resources available only in Central Kentucky.”
Added Boyd Browning, president and CEO of Fasig-Tipton, in a statement: “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.”
The Equine Academy’s program highlights include yearly equine-related curriculum components; hands-on laboratories and practical application; group and individual service projects; relationship-building with equine professionals; mentorship and research opportunities; and a culminating senior project.
Central Kentucky equine industry officials such as Nick Nicholson, president and CEO of Keeneland, and David Switzer, executive director of the Kentucky Thoroughbred Association/Kentucky Thoroughbred Owners and Breeders, have expressed their support for the Equine Academy.
“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,” said Nicholson in a release. “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.”
Added Switzer: “When Dr. Angelucci discussed the possibility of a high school curriculum that included an equine focus, we were pleased, and supportive of this initiative. What better time than at the high school level to introduce our young people to these possibilities. We look forward to our association with this program.”