Section IV

Equine Studies

3.27.1 System Guidelines

None

3.27.2 College Guidelines

3.27.2.1 Bluegrass Community and Technical College

Enrollment in the Equine Studies Program may be limited because of available facilities, faculty, and financial resources.

Technical Standards

Equine Studies involves the provision of direct care for horses; the ability to evaluate and assess the horses’ wellness and soundness for training or racing; and the ability to control and/or ride horses. Therefore, all applicants should possess sufficient:

1. visual acuity for the observation necessary for daily and systematic evaluation;
2. auditory perception to receive verbal communication from members of the instructional staff, trainers, owners and others as well as to assess health needs of horses through listening and the use of monitoring devices;
3. gross and fine motor coordination to respond promptly and to implement certain skills such as the manipulation of equipment, and those skills required for the riding, training, and controlling of horses;
4. verbal and non-verbal communication skills (speech, reading, and writing) to interact with instructional faculty and staff as well as other horse industry personnel (owners, trainers, racing officials, etc); and
5. intellectual and emotional capacity to function effectively in training sessions and to contribute to the equine and racing industry as a professional Horseman or Jockey.

Retention and Progress in the Program

Retention and progression in the Equine Studies program is contingent upon:

1. achievement of a grade of “C” or better in each technical course and maintenance of a 2.0 cumulative grade point average or better (on a 4.0 scale); and
2. meeting of all technical standards.

Selection Committee

Selection of students for the Equine Studies program will be made by the President of the College or the President’s designee, after considering the recommendations of the Admissions Committee. Membership for this committee shall consist of at least five of the following:

• Program Coordinator for Equine Studies
• Equine Studies Full-time faculty member
• Admissions Officer
• A faculty member at large outside of the program
• Division Head for Equine studies

An interview or pre-admission conference with the program coordinator is required prior to an applicant’s consideration by the Equine Studies Admission’s Committee.

Selection Criteria

In order to be considered by the Admissions Committee, the applicant must provide the following completed documentation packet for Equine Studies by March 1st for the admitting fall semester and if applicable, by October 1st for the admitting Spring semester. The packet must include:

1. an application for admission to the college;
2. an official high school transcript indicating the applicant has completed or will complete an approved four-year high school curriculum or a passing GED official score report;
3. official transcripts of all postsecondary education, if applicable;
4. the ACT, SAT, or COMPASS score report showing the student has met the minimum KCTCS requirements for the program;
5. a satisfactory physical examination performed by a licensed physician including tests for sufficient:
   1. gross and fine motor coordination necessary to ride or work with horses;
   2. visual acuity; and
   3. auditory perception to receive verbal communication.
   4. Copy of birth certificate or driver’s license to prove applicant is at least age 16

Preference

Preference may be given to:

1. applicants who demonstrate above-average standing in high school or on the GED;
2. applicants with an ACT Composite score of 19 or above, or COMPASS scores in Math (Algebra) of 34; Reading 74; and writing 49 (Admission Placement Level II);
3. applicants who have completed all required developmental courses;
4. applicants with a cumulative grade point average of 2.5 or better in 12 or more college hours from any accredited college or university;
5. individuals who document experience in the Equine industry. Documentation may include but not be limited to:
   1. letters of recommendation from those with personal knowledge of your abilities and qualifications within the equine industry;
   2. video depicting your skills and abilities with horses;
   3. a brief essay on what you expect to accomplish in the equine industry and how the North American Racing Academy (NARA) will help you achieve your goals;
   4. other supportive material the applicant would like
      considered for admittance.
6. Becoming a jockey is a selective profession; weight requirements are enforced by each state’s racing authority. Therefore preference will be given to students applying for admissions to the Jockey Option for those applicants whose weight does not exceed 120 pounds wearing boots, riding britches, safety helmet and vest, holding jockey saddle including irons and racing pad.

KCTCS, Bluegrass Community and Technical College or NARA are not responsible for students that are not able to obtain an apprentice jockey or jockey license.