In an inspiring initiative aimed at connecting youth to the world of Thoroughbred racing, Amplify Horse Racing's Annise Montplaisir highlights the success of the inaugural Morton Urban Equine Program. The event, held at Hawthorne Race Course in Stickney, Illinois, brought together the Illinois Backstretch Charitable Foundation (IBCF), the Illinois Thoroughbred Horsemen's Association (ITHA), and the J. Sterling Morton High School District 201 from neighbouring Cicero.
The genesis of the program can be traced back to a simple yet impactful observation by trainer Chris Block. While watching horses train one morning from a nearby Golden Corral car park, he noticed a group of high school students from Morton High School intently observing the horses. This sparked the idea of formally introducing these students to the world of Thoroughbred racing. With the support of ITHA President Chris Block, Executive Director David McCaffrey, and IBCF Program Coordinator George Moreno, the concept quickly materialised into a four-day summer enrichment program.
The program, designed for high school juniors and seniors with minimal prior horse experience, aimed to provide hands-on learning about the racing industry. Over four days, five enthusiastic students, accompanied by their science teacher Kyle Boyd, engaged in a variety of activities that included grooming horses, feeding them treats, riding tractors around the track, observing veterinary procedures, and even riding a horse for the first time. This immersive experience was not only educational but also deeply personal, as the students formed meaningful connections with the horses and the professionals they interacted with.
Reflecting on the week, Montplaisir emphasised the transformative power of such outreach programs. For the students, many of whom had never been close to a horse before, the experience was unforgettable. The program not only educated them about the Thoroughbred racing industry but also created lasting memories and potentially paved the way for future careers.
Montplaisir's article serves as a testament to the potential racetracks hold as educational centres within urban communities. In areas like Cicero, where exposure to horses is limited, programs like the Morton Urban Equine Program provide invaluable opportunities for students to engage with and learn about these magnificent animals.
Amplify Horse Racing, through initiatives like this, aims to leverage the Thoroughbred industry to connect youth, families, students, and educators with opportunities to learn about and engage with horses. The success of the Morton Urban Equine Program exemplifies how creating these opportunities can have a profound impact on participants, fostering a deeper appreciation for the racing industry and inspiring future generations.
As the program looks to expand, the hope is that more students will have the chance to experience the excitement and education that Thoroughbred racing offers, further bridging the gap between urban youth and the equine world.