Fayette County fifth graders getting a Thoroughbred industry experience this week

The fall meet at Keeneland Racetrack is still more than a month away, but that’s not to say it’s not an active spot this week.

The sales pavilion at Keeneland Tuesday featured a packed room of fifth graders. By week’s end, more than 4000 elementary students will have gotten a full briefing on the historic racing site. Keeneland Senior Director of Community Relations Kara Heissenbuttel said it’s not an early employee-recruitment pitch, but it can spark interest.

“We’re always looking for the future of our industries..all of us are in that position, right? So, we feel that this is a great opportunity for kids to understand, regardless of what your path is in life and the type of career you want to have, there might be something related to the horse that you can do,” said Heissenbuttel.

Heissenbuttel said the morning experience includes sessions on horse behavior, equine veterinarian care, and the jockey academy. Ashland Elementary 10-year-old Evie Crowley isn’t sure she wants to pursue that jockey route.

“Maybe not race but I’d like to like ride horses sometimes.”

Keeneland is undergoing a major facility facelift. Heissenbuttel says the construction does change the path of the field trip format, but she says it’s not a substantial impact.

Like his classmate Evie, ten-year-old Romelo Tichenor isn’t eyeing a future in the racing saddle. He remembers an experience his grandmother had.

“One thing I will say about riding horses, you want to already know to completely control them. I think she was riding one of her dad’s horses and there was like a power line and it knocked her off..I think,” said Tichenor.

Heissenbuttel noted a non-wagering horse race is also a part of the day. She added a large group of partner organizations supports the school field trip program.

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