Table of Contents Program Overview.................................................................................................................................................................. 3

About ................................................................................................................................................................................... 3

Mission ................................................................................................................................................................................ 3

Credentials Offered ................................................................................................................................................................ 4

Associates in Applied Science in Equine Studies ............................................................................................................... 4

About .............................................................................................................................................................................. 4

Focus Area – Jockey Pathway ......................................................................................................................................... 4

Curriculum .................................................................................................................................................................. 5

EQS 112 Pre-Enrollment Assessment……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………6

Becoming a Jockey .................................................................................................................................................. 7-8

Focus Area – Horseman Pathway ................................................................................................................................... 9

Curriculum ................................................................................................................................................................ 10

Certificate in Equine Studies ............................................................................................................................................ 11

About ............................................................................................................................................................................ 11

Certificate – Exercise Rider ........................................................................................................................................... 11

Curriculum ................................................................................................................................................................ 11

Certificate – Equine Industry Workforce ...................................................................................................................... 12

Curriculum ................................................................................................................................................................ 12

Certificate – Veterinary Assistant ................................................................................................................................. 13

Curriculum ................................................................................................................................................................ 13

Facilities ................................................................................................................................................................................ 14

Thoroughbred Training Center ......................................................................................................................................... 14

Leestown Campus ............................................................................................................................................................. 14

Other Locations ................................................................................................................................................................. 14

Online ................................................................................................................................................................................ 14

Applying to BCTC-NARA ....................................................................................................................................................... 15

Admissions to BCTC ........................................................................................................................................................... 15

Advising ............................................................................................................................................................................. 15

Tuition Costs & Payments .................................................................................................................................................... 16

Tuition Per Credit Hour ..................................................................................................................................................... 16

Program Fee ...................................................................................................................................................................... 16

Payment Methods ............................................................................................................................................................. 16

Housing ................................................................................................................................................................................. 17

Locate Housing .................................................................................................................................................................. 17

Frequently Asked Questions ................................................................................................................................................ 18

Faculty Contact Information ................................................................................................................................................ 19

Thank you for your interest in the North American Racing

Academy (NARA) at Bluegrass Community and Technical

College (BCTC). Since its creation in 2006, NARA has

enjoyed great success as the first and only accredited

community college based racing school in the U.S. While

NARA’s roots were in providing a foundation for students

interested in becoming professional jockeys, today NARA

has successfully transformed itself into an overall equine

industry workforce academy. Our various credentials and

degree options provide students with an opportunity to

pursue their career goals within the equine industry. With

flexible learning options in either a traditional classroom

setting or online format, earning college credit is more

accessible and convenient than ever.

MissionThank you for taking contacting us and for

your interest in the North American Racing Academy

(NARA) here at Bluegrass Community and Technical

College (BCTC). Since its creation in 2006, NARA has

enjoyed great success as the first and only accredited

community college based racing school here in the U.S.

While NARA’s roots were in providing a foundation for

students interested in becoming professional jockeys,

today NARA has successfully transformed itself into an

The mission of the North American Racing Academy

is to develop and operate a world-class racing school

that will provide students with the education,

training and experience needed to become skilled in

the art of riding a racehorse, proficient in the care

and management of racehorses, and knowledgeable

about the workings of the Thoroughbred industry as

a whole.

Credentials OfferedThe mission

of the North American Racing Academy is to develop

and operate a world-class racing school that will

Mission

Mission

Program Overview

Program Overview

Credentials Offered

Credentials Offered About

Associates in Applied

Science in Equine

StudiesAbout

Associates in Applied Science in Equine Studies

CurriculumAssociates in Applied Science in Equine

Studies One of the credential options through BCTC-NARA is an Associates

in Applied Science in Equine Studies. This is a two-year or 60+ credit

required degree that prepares students for entrance into the

equine workforce with a focus on the thoroughbred industry.

Students in this program can focus on two specific pathways –

Jockey or Horseman.

AboutOne of the credential option through NARA-BCTC is an

Associates in Applied Science in Equine Studies. This is a two-year or

60+ credit required degree that prepares students for entrance into

the equine workforce with a focus on the thoroughbred industry.

Students in this program can focus on three specific pathways -

Jockey, Horseman, or Business.

Focus Area – Jockey Pathway

Focus Area – Jockey Pathway Students who graduate from the jockey pathway will have the

knowledge and skills for a career as a professional rider. Students will

learn principles of balance as it relates to efficient racehorse exercise;

proper position and use of the rider’s body when riding or exercising a

racehorse; requirements for advancing to a professional jockey career;

and life skills necessary to be a professional racehorse rider or jockey. In

addition to riding-based classes, students also take part in the core

curriculum of basic horse care, anatomy and physiology, lameness,

health and nutrition and equine business principles.

Focus Area – Jockey PathwayStudents who graduate from the

jockey pathway will have the knowledge and skills for a career as a

professional rider. Students will learn principles of balance as it relates to

efficient racehorse exercise; proper position and use of the rider’s body

when riding or exercising a racehorse; requirements for advancing to a

professional jockey career; and life skills necessary to be a professional

racehorse rider or jockey. In addition to riding-based classes, students

also take part in the core curriculum of basic horse care, anatomy and

Curriculum

EQS 112 Pre-Enrollment Assessment

EQS 112 Pre-Enrollment Assessment

The first level riding class, EQS 112 – Racehorse Riding Skills I, is offered

in the Spring Semester which starts in January each year. Enrollment

into EQS 112 requires prospective students to complete a Pre-

Enrollment Assessment with a minimum score of an 80%. EQS 112 Pre-

Enrollment Assessments are scheduled on pre-determined dates in the

Fall Semester prior. The EQS 112 Pre-Enrollment Assessment consists

of a fitness and riding portion. Prospective students must pass 4 of the

5 fitness assessments to be granted permission to attempt the riding

portion. EQS 112 is capped at 15 students. In the event there are more

than 15 students that score the minimum 80%, the top 15 scores from

the EQS 112 Pre-Enrollment Assessments will be selected for

enrollment into the course. Please click here to view the rubrics for

the pre-enrollment assessment.

Components Required Steps Points Possible

50 Sit-Ups Student completes 50 Sit-Ups within 2 minutes

10

25 Push-Ups Student completes 25 Push-Ups within 2 minutes

10

Wall-Sit Student holds Wall-Sit position for 60 seconds 10

2 Point Position Student maintains 2 Point Position on Equicizer without standing or allowing hands,

knees or seat to touch

10

1 Mile Run Student runs 1 Mile in less than 10 minutes 10

Components Required Steps Points Possible

50 Sit-Ups Student completes 50 Sit-Ups within 2 minutes

10

25 Push-Ups Student completes 25 Push-Ups within 2 minutes

10

Wall-Sit Student holds Wall-Sit position for 60 seconds 10

2 Point Position Student maintains 2 Point Position on Equicizer without standing or allowing hands,

knees or seat to touch

10

1 Mile Run Student runs 1 Mile in less than 10 minutes 10

Becoming a Jockey

Becoming a Jockey

Interested in becoming a jockey? We sat down with Chris

McCarron, Hall of Fame jockey and founder of the North American

Racing Academy to discuss some of the most common questions

asked when it comes to being a jockey.

Interested in becoming a jockey? We sat down with Chris

McCarron, Hall of Fame jockey and founder of the North American

Racing Academy to discuss some of the most common questions

asked when it comes to being a jockey.

Jockey Qualifications

Jockey Qualifications

Are jockeys required to have certain qualifications in order to race in

the United States?

The licensing requirements for jockeys varies state to state but in

general, a prospective jockey would meet with the local stewards

and inform them that they wish to apply for a license. The stewards

direct the prospective jockey to the outriders who will observe

them riding on the track to either approve or disapprove. Then the

prospective jockey must break from the starting gate witnessed by

the head starter until either approved or disapproved. Once

approved by both the outrider and head starter, the prospective

jockey meets again with the stewards who then directs him/her to

the state racing commission to complete the license application. In

most cases, the stewards will approve a provisional license so they

can observe the prospective jockey ride in 2 – 3 races until they

approve the apprentice license.

Jockey QualificationsAre jockeys required to have certain

qualifications in order to race in the United States?

The licensing requirements for jockeys varies state to state but in

general, a prospective jockey would meet with the local stewards

and inform them that they wish to apply for a license. The stewards

direct the prospective jockey to the outriders who will observe

them riding on the track to either approve or disapprove. Then the

prospective jockey must break from the starting gate witnessed by

the head starter until either approved or disapproved. Once

approved by both the outrider and head starter, the prospective

Starting On Your Own

Starting On Your Own

If a jockey didn’t go to NARA, how do they get to be a jockey?

Most jockeys in America have previously worked as an

exercise rider for a licensed trainer at a track or training

facility and then follow through with the steps discussed

above.

Starting On Your OwnIf a jockey didn’t go to NARA, how do

they get to be a jockey?

Benefits of NARA

Entering the “Jockey

World”Benefits of

NARA

What are the benefits of attending NARA versus becoming a jockey

on your own?

Not only will completing an Associates in Applied Science in Equine

Studies leave you with an accredited two-year degree, jockey

pathway students spend crucial time in the barn and saddle under

the guidance of experienced and knowledgeable instructors in

order to better prepare you for a career as an exercise rider or

professional jockey. Students also receive instruction on areas of

racing that will be crucial to their development as riders, such as

nutrition, basic business principles, race riding techniques and

acquiring an agent. With NARA’s extensive network of contacts,

students also have the opportunity to intern with nationally and

internationally recognized stables. Outside of the US, most racing

jurisdictions require license applicants to complete schooling

before an application can be submitted.

Benefits of NARAWhat are the benefits of attending NARA versus

becoming a jockey on your own?

Not only will completing an Associates in Applied Science in Equine

Studies leave you with an accredited two-year degree, jockey

pathway students spend crucial time in the barn and saddle under

the guidance of experienced and knowledgeable instructors in

order to better prepare you for a career as an exercise rider or

professional jockey. Students also receive instruction on areas of

racing that will be crucial to their development as riders, such as

nutrition, basic business principles, race riding techniques and

acquiring an agent. With NARA’s extensive network of contacts,

students also have the opportunity to intern with nationally and

internationally recognized stables. Outside of the US, most racing

jurisdictions require license applicants to complete schooling

before an application can be submitted.

Jockey Agents

Focus Area –

Horseman

PathwayJockey

Agents

What is a jockey agent?

A jockey agent is an individual a jockey hires to help broker/secure

mounts for racing. The relationship between jockeys and agents

varies from state to state. Many states allow an agent to represent

more than one rider but the majority of agents represent only one

jockey. Most agents receive 25 – 30% of what the jockey earns.

Jockey AgentsWhat is a jockey agent?

A jockey agent is an individual a jockey hires to help broker/secure

mounts for racing. The relationship between jockeys and agents

varies from state to state. Many states allow an agent to represent

more than one rider but the majority of agents represent only one

jockey. Most agents receive 25 – 30% of what the jockey earns.

Entering the “Jockey World”

Entering the “Jockey World”

How hard is it to get into the “jockey world”?

Race riding is very competitive. Becoming a jockey requires hard

work, athletic skill, dedication, courage, and good people skills.

Getting introduced to the right trainers and hiring a good agent

are very important.

Focus Area – Horseman Pathway

Focus Area – Horseman Pathway

Horseman pathway graduates have a variety of

options for employment depending on where their

interest lies. Past and current employment positions

of NARA horseman pathway graduates include:

Rood & Riddle Equine Hospital

Joe Sharp Racing

Michael Maker Racing

Kentucky Horse Park

Herringswell Stables

Stone Farm

Clearsky Farms

Taylor Made Sales Agency

Timber Town Stable

CurriculumHorseman pathway graduates have a

variety of options for employment depending on

where their interest lies. Past and current

employment positions of NARA horseman pathway

graduates include:

Rood & Riddle Equine Hospital

Students who graduate from the horseman pathway will have the

knowledge and skills for a career in the equine/thoroughbred

workforce such as grooms, assistant trainers, farm management, and

bloodstock agents. Students will learn the principles and techniques as

they relate to breaking, prepping and training of horses; health and

nutrition; equine management; and life skills necessary to be a

professional in the equine/thoroughbred industry. In addition to

horseman-based classes, students also take part in the core curriculum

of basic horse care, anatomy and physiology, lameness, and equine

business principles.

Students who graduate from the horseman pathway will have the

knowledge and skills for a career in the equine/thoroughbred

workforce such as grooms, assistant trainers, farm management, and

bloodstock agents. Students will learn the principles and techniques as

they relate to breaking, prepping and training of horses; health and

nutrition; equine management; and life skills necessary to be a

professional in the equine/thoroughbred industry. In addition to

horseman-based classes, students also take part in the core curriculum

of basic horse care, anatomy and physiology, lameness, and equine

business principles.

Curriculum

Focus Area – BusinessCurriculum

Certificate in Equine Studies

CurriculumCertificate in Equine Studies About

Certificate in Equine

StudiesAbout

NARA’s certificate options are one year or up to 32 credit hour

credentials. There are three certificates available – Exercise Rider,

Equine Industry Workforce, and Veterinary Assistant Certificate.

Certificate – Exercise RiderNARA’s certificate options are

one year or up to 32 credit hour credentials. There are three

certificates available – Exercise Rider, Equine Industry Workforce,

and Veterinary Assistant Certificate.

Certificate – Exercise Rider

Certificate – Equine Industry

WorkforceCertificate – Exercise

Rider

The Exercise Rider Certificate will prepare students for a career as a

professional gallop rider. Students will learn principles of balance as

it relates to efficient racehorse exercise as well as proper position

and use of the rider’s body when riding or exercising a racehorse

The Exercise Rider Certificate will prepare students for a career as a

professional gallop rider. Students will learn principles of balance as

it relates to efficient racehorse exercise as well as proper position

and use of the rider’s body when riding or exercising a racehorse

Curriculum

Curriculum

Certificate – Equine Industry Workforce

Certificate – Equine Industry Workforce The Equine Industry Workforce Certificate will prepare students for

entry level careers in the equine industry. Students will learn the

basics of equine studies, equine physiology, and care of the

racehorse.

Curriculum

Certificate – Veterinary

AssistantCurriculum

Certificate – Equine Veterinary Assistant

Certificate – Veterinary Assistant The Equine Veterinary Assistant Certificate will prepare students for

a career as an equine veterinary assistant as well as prepare

students for application into the AAS in Veterinary Technology

program at Morehead State University. Students will receive a core

of general education courses, as well as an introduction to animal

sciences and physiology. The racehorse care class and one credit

hour of co-operative education in a local veterinary clinic will

provide the student with the work experience/job shadowing hours

typically required for consideration of acceptance into a Veterinary

Technology program.

CurriculumThe Veterinary Assistant Certificate will prepare

students for application into the AAS in Veterinary Technology

program at Morehead State University. Students will receive a core

of general education courses, as well as an introduction to animal

sciences and physiology. The racehorse care class and one credit

hour of co-operative education in a local veterinary clinic will

provide the student with the work experience/job shadowing hours

typically required for consideration of acceptance into a Veterinary

Technology program.

Curriculum

Thoroughbred Training

CenterCurriculum

Facilities

Other

LocationsFacilities

Thoroughbred Training Center

FacilitiesThoroughbred Training Center NARA’s main equine facility is located at the Thoroughbred Training

Center in Lexington, KY. This public training facility provides our

students the opportunity to be fully immersed in the activity of

thoroughbred training and management on a daily basis. Our

equine barn houses 15 Off-the-Track-Thoroughbreds (OTTBs) for

students to gain hands-on experience in a professional setting. The

Thoroughbred Training Center contains gallop fields, in addition to

the racetrack, which are utilized during riding classes.

Through a generous donation by Keeneland, faculty offices are

housed in the main building located at the 2nd entrance of the

training center.

AdvisingNARA’s main equine facility is located at the

Thoroughbred Training Center in Lexington, KY. This public training

facility provides our students the opportunity to be fully immersed

in the activity of thoroughbred training and management on a daily

basis. Our equine barn houses 15 Off-the-Track-Thoroughbreds

(OTTBs) for students to gain hands-on experience in a professional

setting. The Thoroughbred Training Center contains gallop fields, in

addition to the racetrack, which are utilized during riding classes.

Through a generous donation by Keeneland, faculty offices are

housed in the main building located at the 2nd entrance of the

training center.

Leestown Campus

Leestown Campus All EQS lecture classes are held at the Leestown Campus. Students

do not need a parking pass to park at the Leestown campus.

Leestown CampusAll EQS lecture classes are held at the

Leestown Campus in the M building. Lecture classes are held in two

day a week 1 ½ hour blocks on Monday & Wednesday or Tuesday &

Thursday. Students do not need a parking pass to park at the

Leestown campus.

Other Locations

Other Locations Per course guidelines, students may be required to travel to

different locations in order to take part in class activities. Students

will be notified about locations and dates of attendance in advance.

Per course guidelines, students may be required to travel to

different locations in order to take part in class activities. Students

will be notified about locations and dates of attendance in advance.

Online

Other Locations

Many of our equine studies courses are now available to

take online. NARA online classes take an “On Demand”

approach, which allow students to go at their own pace.

Applying to BCTC-NARA

Tuition Costs &

PaymentsApplying to

BCTC-NARA

Admission to BCTC

Applying to BCTC-NARAAdmission to BCTC If you are not currently a BCTC student you must first submit a

general admission application to BCTC for the semester you wish to

start. You can do this online at the BCTC website. Please click here

to learn more about applying online to BCTC. Students must show

proof of high school graduation or GED equivalent in order to apply.

Admission to BCTCIf you are not currently a BCTC

student you must first submit a general admission application to

BCTC for the semester you wish to start. You can this online at the

BCTC website. Please click here to learn more about applying online

to BCTC. Students must show proof of high school graduation or

GED equivalent in order to apply.

Advising

Advising Once you have completed the BCTC application for admission and

have been assigned a student ID number, please contact Ms. Dixie

Hayes, NARA Program Coordinator and Student Advisor, via e-mail

(dixie.hayes@kctcs.edu) to set up an advising conference to plan

your class schedule. Please include your full name, student ID

number and prospective degree/certificate and focus area.

Once you have completed the BCTC application for admission and

have been assigned a student ID number, please contact Ms. Dixie

Hayes, NARA Program Coordinator and Student Advisor, via e-mail

(dixie.hayes@kctcs.edu) to set up an advising conference to plan

your class schedule. Please include your full name, student ID

number and prospective degree/certificate and focus area.

z

Tuition Costs & Payments

Tuition Costs & Payments Tuition Per Credit Hour

Tuition Per Credit Hour

Payment Methods

Locating HousingPayment Methods

Program Fee There is a $500 program fee attached to the following EQS

laboratory classes:

EQS 104 – Racehorse Care Lab

EQS 112 – Racehorse Riding Skills I

EQS 113 – Racehorse Riding Skills II

EQS 124 – Thoroughbred Sales and Management

EQS 212 – Racehorse Riding Principles

EQS 223 – Training Principles & Practices

To view the various methods in which you can pay your tuition bill

please click here.

Housing

Housing Locate Housing

HousingLocating Housing BCTC and its associated campuses do not provide housing options

but through a partnership with the University of Kentucky (UK) a

limited number of apartments are available each year for full-time

BCTC students. To learn more about eligibility requirements for

housing through UK please click here.

Due to the number of universities and colleges in the Lexington

area, additional apartment facilities and housing options are

available through private leases. Many of our students choose to

rent an apartment or house on their own or with other college

students in the area. To learn more about the housing options

available in the Lexington area please click here.

Frequently Asked QuestionsBCTC and

its associated campuses do not provide housing options but through

a partnership with the University of Kentucky (UK) a limited number

of apartments are available each year for full-time BCTC students.

To learn more about eligibility requirements for housing through UK

please click here.

Due to the number of universities and colleges in the Lexington

area, additional apartment facilities and housing options are

available through private leases. Many of our students choose to

rent an apartment or house on their own or with other college

students in the area. To learn more about the housing options

available in the Lexington area please click here.

Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently Asked Questions Questions Regarding BCTC Admissions

Questions Regarding BCTC Admissions For answers to questions concerning BCTC admissions please click here.

For answers to questions concerning BCTC admissions please click here.

Are there additional eligibility requirements?

Faculty Contact InformationAre there

additional eligibility requirements?

There are no additional eligibility requirements in order to select NARA as

your program of study once your BCTC admissions application has been

accepted. Once you have been assigned a student ID number, please

contact Ms. Dixie Hayes, NARA Program Coordinator and Student Advisor,

via email (dixie.hayes@kctcs.edu) to set up an advising conference to plan

your class schedule.

Are there additional eligibility

requirements?There are no additional eligibility requirements in

order to select NARA as your program of study once your BCTC

admissions application has been accepted. Once you have been assigned

a student ID number, please contact Ms. Dixie Hayes, NARA Program

Coordinator and Student Advisor, via email (dixie.hayes@kctcs.edu) to set

up an advising conference to plan your class schedule.

Can I tour your facility?

Can I tour your facility? We provide tours of our program facility at the Thoroughbred Training

Center for any prospective students. Please contact Dixie Hayes, NARA

Program Coordinator, to schedule a prospective student tour.

Can I tour your facility?We provide tours of our program

facility at the Thoroughbred Training Center for any prospective students.

Please contact Dixie Hayes, NARA Program Coordinator, to schedule a

prospective student tour.

Does NARA supply equipment needed for class?

Questions Regarding BCTC AdmissionsDoes NARA

supply equipment needed for class?

For riding students, NARA will provide all the tack, including saddles,

bridles, and grooming equipment. Students must bring their own boots,

approved helmet and safety vests, and riding crops. Horsemen students

will also be provided with any equipment needed during scheduled class

time. Certain classes require appropriate attire in order to participate.

This attire consists of closed-toe boots, jeans/khakis, and a collared shirt.

Does NARA supply equipment needed for

class?For riding students, NARA will provide all the tack, including

saddles, bridles, and grooming equipment. Students must bring their own

Can I stable my horse at the school?

Can I stable my horse at the school? No. NARA provides all the horses necessary for instruction. If

you wish to bring a horse for personal use, there are numerous

equine facilities in the Lexington area which provide board.

Contact Information

Faculty Contact Information Remi Bellocq

Executive Director, Equine Programming, BCTC-NARA

(859) 221-2989

remi.bellocq@kctcs.edu

Dixie Hayes

Program Coordinator & Lead Instructor for Equine Studies

(859) 227-1877

dixie.hayes@kctcs.edu