Amplify Horse Racing

Career Spotlight: Sales Handlers Main Responsibilities: Sales handlers present horses professionally at auctions. These roles involve working with Thoroughbreds and Standardbreds of all ages, from yearlings to breeding stock and racehorses. Experience gained in sales handling can lead to careers in training, bloodstock, or farm management. Suggested Education: These roles require strong horsemanship skills, patience, and attention to detail. Fun Fact: There are many different positions under the Sales Handlers category, including grooms, showmen/showwomen, ringmen/ringwomen, and exercise riders/sales riders. Photo Credit: Grace Conley

Amplify Horse Racing was honored to have Executive Director Annise Montplaisir speak at the 41st Asian Racing Conference, held in Saudi Arabia, as part of a global panel on the future sustainability of racing and breeding. Industry leaders on this panel discussed collaboration, welfare, and long-term growth across jurisdictions. Annise joined the session’s racing segment to share the work Amplify is doing with youth engagement and workforce development, highlighting the importance of mentorship and clear pathways for young people entering the Thoroughbred industry. We’re grateful to the Asian Racing Federation for including Amplify in this international conversation, and we’ll share video from the panel as soon as it’s available!

Make sure to sign up for the Amplify Horse Racing newsletter! This is the best way to stay on top of upcoming Amplify news and events. The February newsletter will come out next Tuesday––use the link in our bio to subscribe if you haven't already.

Annise Montplaisir, executive director of ⁦@AmplifyRacing⁩ on the future sustainability of racing and breeding #asianracingconference #arc26 #thesaudicup

Career Spotlight: Pony Rider Main Responsibilities: Pony riders guide racehorses to the starting gate, keeping them calm and under control before a race. They ride well-trained “ponies” (lead horses) alongside racehorses during warm-ups and escort them to the post. Pony riders must have strong riding skills, knowledge of horse behavior, and good communication with jockeys. Suggested Education: An extensive riding background and familiarity with day to day operations on the backside. Fun Fact: Many of the “ponies” that you see on the track are either Thoroughbreds that have been retired from racing or Quarter Horses.

Throwback Thursday: In 2024, Amplify became the mentoring partner of the Horse Racing Women’s Association (HRWA), with the release of the Amplify X HRWA Guide to Mentorship! This guide provides guidance and practical tools for building strong, meaningful mentorship relationships. Check out the link in our bio to download the guide today. Photo credit: Katie Jones static1.squarespace.com/static/63fcc59…

Career Spotlight: Valet Main Responsibilities: A valet (see pictured in green) works for a jockey, organizing and managing riding equipment on race day. They saddle horses, deliver tack to trainers, and ensure each horse has properly fitted equipment. After the race, valets collect, clean, prepare tack for the next, and assist their rider with weigh-ins. Suggested Education: A background in the horse racing industry, and hands on experience with Thoroughbreds. Fun Fact: Some valets use Pledge furniture polish to get riding boots clean and shiny quickly between races! Photo credit: Grace Conley

Foaling season is in full swing! Happy Foal Friday from Amplify!

Fast Fact: Did you know that Churchill Downs displays the names of every Kentucky Derby winner? From Aristides, the very first winner in 1875, to Sovereignty, last year's winner, the names are displayed above the paddock. You can see it for yourself when Churchill Downs' Spring Meet opens May 7, 2026! Photo Credit: Grace Conley

Applications for the Amplify Horse Racing Mentorship Program are now closed! Thank you to everyone who applied, and we can’t wait to see what the spring 2026 session has in store for our future mentees. If you missed the application window for the spring session, don’t worry because applications for the fall session will open in June!

Applications for the Amplify Horse Racing Mentorship Program spring session close TONIGHT AT MIDNIGHT. If you’re a late closer, be sure to use the link in our bio to apply today! amplifyhorseracing.slideroom.com/#/permalink/pr…

We have made it to the homestretch! The Amplify Horse Racing Mentorship Program applications for the Spring 2026 session close TOMORROW AT MIDNIGHT. Use the link in our bio to apply today! amplifyhorseracing.slideroom.com/#/permalink/pr…

Whether you’re applying for the Amplify Horse Racing Mentorship Program and you reach the interview stage, or you’ve landed an interview for your dream internship, it’s important to be prepared so you can showcase your personality and make the best first impression possible. Be sure to check out the Amplify blog linked in our bio to learn more interview tips! amplifyhorseracing.org/blogs/amplifys…

Looking for something to do while trying to stay warm this weekend? Why not apply for the Amplify Horse Racing Mentorship Program! You can find the link to the application in our bio. Applications close 1/27/2026.

This month’s Amplify newsletter is here! Whether you’re applying to the Mentorship Program, prepping for interviews, or looking to volunteer with Amplify, this issue has you covered. Make sure to subscribe and have the newsletter delivered monthly right to your inbox! Read the newsletter here: mailchi.mp/amplifyhorsera… Subscribe to the newsletter here: amplifyhorseracing.org/contact/

Applications for the Spring 2026 session of the Mentorship Program are OPEN! Applications are open through Tuesday, January 27, and participation is free for all students. Apply today! amplifyhorseracing.slideroom.com/#/login/progra…

Fall 2025 graduate Angelina says Amplify gave her more than mentorship; it gave her meaningful industry relationships and opportunities she never thought possible coming from a small town in Pennsylvania. If you’re looking for guidance, connection, and a real pathway into the Thoroughbred industry, the Mentorship Program is for you. Applications are open now! amplifyhorseracing.slideroom.com/#/permalink/pr…

Applications for the Spring session of the Amplify Horse Racing Mentorship Program open up TOMORROW! Get ready to apply by checking out our website and learning more about the application process. Learn more at amplifyhorseracing.org/mentee-eligibi…

We are thrilled to announce the appointment of two new members to Amplify’s Board of Directors: Damon Thayer and Liza Hendriks. Their additions strengthen our leadership as we continue to expand our mission to engage young people in the Thoroughbred industry through education and career pathways! Read their bios in the full press release here: amplifyhorseracing.org/blogs/press-re…

Our spring Mentorship Program applications open January 6! 👀 Learn more at amplifyhorseracing.org/mentorship 💙