The horse management program at ATI is nearly three decades old and about 2,000 students have graduated from it to date. The coursework is not just about cleaning out stalls, said Karen Wimbush, an assistant professor and tech director of ATI's horse program. Students graduating from the two-year program are involved in an array of positions, including writing for horse trade publications or working with race horses. The horse production and management program is designed for people interested in becoming trainers, breeders, drivers, jockeys or journalists for horse publications. The program includes specialty areas in saddle horses, standard-bred harness horses and breeding.
Coursework provides technical and practical information in horse production, nutrition and genetics.
Students also are required to take part in a practicum that provides supervised work experience, and a 10-week internship in the industry. Stull, an ATI graduate who worked in the horse racing industry before becoming manager of the Equine Center, said it isn't difficult to get involved in the industry and that programs like the one offered at ATI give students a good background. During the week, students will be at the site, caring for and working with the horses and completing classwork. Many will visit the site daily from 7-11 a.m. and during the afternoon for lab sessions, Wimbush said. Prior to building the center, ATI leased space elsewhere for its horse program.