Welcome Back, Urban Equine Students

If you see a group of young, curious horse racing enthusiasts around the backstretch this week, please say hello and extend a warm welcome.

The ITHA is please to again host the Urban Equine Discovery Program in collaboration with the Illinois Backstretch Charitable Foundation and the Cicero-based Morton School District, offering high school students a hands-on, week-long experience in horse racing.

The students spend the week on the backstretch of Hawthorne Race Course to learn about horse anatomy, agriculture, racetrack maintenance and machinery, and career opportunities in the equine industry. The program, now in its third year, features barn tours, veterinary demonstrations, jockey workshops and more.