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Education |
Board of Directors
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Groom Elite Program A unique equine educational seminar called “The Groom Elite Program” began at Philadelphia Park on June 16, 2005. The five week program consists of 30 hours of intensive instruction covering all the duties and responsibilities of a licensed racehorse groom. Sponsored by the generous contribution of the Philadelphia Park Horsemen’s Association (PTHA); lunch and all instructional materials are provided free to the 45 grooms currently enrolled. The program is presented in both English and Spanish via bi-lingual textbooks and live translators. Instruction occurs in both the classroom and barn with topics including:
At the conclusion of the 5 week program the grooms undergo a skill assessment review. Graduation grooms receive a completion certificate and a jacket embroidered with the Groom Elite logo. The Groom Elite Program was developed for widespread use at racetracks throughout North America by the NHPA, Susan O’Hara, former co-chair of the NHBPA Education Committee with the enthusiastic support of the Equine Extension faculty from Texas A&M University and C. Reid McLelland, Phd., former professor and Director of Louisiana Tech’s award winning Equine Program. Mike Ballezzi, Executive Director of PTHA stated, “We all recognize the importance of grooms to the racing industry. The Groom Elite program is a win-win situation for all. Better prepared and educated grooms result in a more professional and experienced work force that benefits trainers, owners and the industry overall.” The Groom Elite Program at Philadelphia Park was made possible through the support of PTHA President Larry Riviello, the Board of Directors, Philadelphia Park and the voluntary contributions of time and expertise of C. Reid McLellan, Phd., Elizabeth Gory, program instructors, Mark Cheshire, Marty Ciresa, Dr. Art Stitzer, Steve Mick, Dr. Craig Goldblatt, Dr. Steve McBride, Steve Williams, Mike Smith, Peggy Tzortzakis, Kate DeMasi, Juan Carlos Guerrero, Mark Gory, Joe Spaziano, Bobby Robbins; translators, Luis Arturo Preciado, Ricardo Ruiz, Adrian Delgado-Garcia, Alberto Vazquez, Denny Medina; pony providers, Joe Richards, Gerardo Gallegos, Randy Allen, Cal Lynch, Jon Smylie, Linda Knee, Maryanne Handel, Sylvia Strater and Billy McCool who took care of us in the receiving barn.
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