Summer 2026

The Elite Program continues to rebuild for the next 25 years. Racing is facing the same fate as manyu professional sports. New technologies and research findings suggest improved ways to take care of our racehorses. Many people interested in working with racehorses have not had an agriculture background and Groom Elite becomes an even more important offering for preparing individuals to work with horses in general and Thoroughbred racehorses in particular.

This summer's limited offering starts at Colonial Downs in New Kent, Virginia with a Hotwalker certification class (Basic Grooming 099). Participants will learn basics of horse behavior and how to work safely around horses. In additional to learning the basics of walking Thoroughbreds participants will learn basic terminology, protocols and rulses that will enable them to enjoy a summer of challenging employment. Groom Elite 101, the only racehorse grooms certification course in the U.S., will follow starting July 13 (every Monday-Tuesday through August 11 with a final assessment day of August 12