Amplify’s Youth Educational Outreach in full stride

Amplify Horse Racing, a leading organisation dedicated to introducing youth to the Thoroughbred industry in the US through mentorship, education, and career pathways, has announced significant achievements and engagements in the first quarter of 2024.

Annise Montplasir leads Amplify and was in the UK last year to meet with international colleagues engaged in similar work. She attended a Racing to School day at Sandown Park and is in close contact with the education charity as Amplify’s work develops.

The program welcomed 16 mentees from nine different states into the spring intake of the Amplify Horse Racing Mentorship Program. Open to students of the U.S., Canada, and U.S. territories, the program provides invaluable guidance and support to youth and young adults aspiring to be involved in any sector of the Thoroughbred industry. 

Actively promoting its youth horse programs nationwide, Amplify attended the National Mentoring Summit in Washington, D.C., in January, connecting with leaders in the mentoring field and exchanging ideas for supporting youth mentorship programs. In March, Amplify presented about horseracing careers to equine program leaders and youth participants from across the nation at the American Youth Horse Council Symposium in Fort Worth, Texas.

At the community level in Lexington, Kentucky, Amplify engaged over 200 attendees at Everything Equine, an event hosted by the Woodford County Library and Midway University in March. Amplify also sparked curiosity for horseracing through interactive activities and demonstrations for approximately 3,000 students at the Inspire Curiosity 6th grade (Year 7) career fair held by the Fayette County Public Schools in partnership with Junior Achievement of the Bluegrass at the Kentucky Horse Park. 

A highlight of the year so far was Amplify Spring Break, an all-day trip that coincided with Fayette County Public Schools’ school holiday. Amplify welcomed 25 students and their guardians on visits to the WinStar Farm Training Center, Hallway Feeds, and Keeneland Opening Day to experience the horse racing industry firsthand. This event was made possible in part by the Seattle Slew Grant from the KEEP Foundation.

Looking ahead, Amplify is gearing up for another action-packed weekend. On Friday, Amplify will offer interactive activities for students at Keeneland College Scholarship Day, including an exclusive number of paddock and winner’s circle tours, and a JockeyCam virtual reality simulator experience. Additionally, Amplify will be guiding children in a racetrack science activity during Keeneland Kids Club Family Day.

As Amplify Horse Racing continues to empower and educate the next generation of the Thoroughbred industry, the organization remains committed to fostering inclusivity, a connection to the horse, and collaboration within racing. For more information, visit www.amplifyhorseracing.org.