Innovative Equine Marketing, which provides manufacturer discounts to the horse world through its Equine Equipment program, is launching America's first internships for college students interested in the field of race-track maintenance, it was announced Monday. Keeneland and Hollywood Gaming's Mahoning Valley Race Course have been awarded the first internship scholarships in 2017. Seed money for the internships will be provided by Equine Equipment, a leading provider of tractors, mowers and paint.
“This is just my idea to give back to the industry and to support the racing facilities and the tracks that support me,” said Innovative Equine Marketing founder Steve Andersen, a life-long racing enthusiast. “Maybe a University of Kentucky 'ag' student doesn't want to work in soybeans, corn and tobacco. But he likes dirt, likes equipment and likes being outside. We want to give them the opportunity to see the wonderful world of being a track superintendent.”
Andersen is working with the University of Kentucky and Youngstown State University to provide candidates for the internships at Keeneland and Mahoning Valley. Keeneland track superintendent Javier Barajas and Mahoning Valley track superintendent R.J. Moore will then pick the recipients.
“Keeneland is excited to be able to offer this internship to introduce college students to race-track maintenance and encourage them to pursue a career as a track superintendent,” Barajas said. “With a dirt track, turf course and all-weather training track at Keeneland, a student will receive a unique opportunity to learn about the maintenance of three different surfaces.”
Other tracks can apply for a 2018 internship by contacting Steve Andersen via email or at Equine Equipment's display at the University of Arizona Race Track Industry Program's Global Symposium on Racing and Gaming Dec. 6 and 7.
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