Profile On: Alicia Benben, Academic Coordinator at NARA

Alicia works as the Academic Coordinator and an instructor at the North American Racing Academy.  She has kindly taken the time to answer some questions about her role with BCTC – NARA.

How much of your day/week is related to horses?
I am very fortunate that my position involves daily interaction with horses through our laboratory, hands-on courses.  This is particularly the Racehorse Care and Racehorse Care Lab.  These are the first two hands-on courses that students take as part of our Equine Studies program. One of the many unique features about the North American Racing Academy is the amount of hands-on experience students get within their 1^st or 2^nd semester (depending on when they start).  Over the course of 16 weeks, students will spend over 120 hours hands-on in our barn.  This is located at a public Thoroughbred training center.

I spend roughly 2 – 4 hours of each workday in the barn working with students who are learning about the care and management of Thoroughbred racehorses. Students are fully immersed in the real working environment of a Thoroughbred racing stable.  They learn everything from basic handling to the application of training bandages, tack and equipment, restraints, etc. Being a part of a student’s introduction to the Thoroughbred industry is an extremely rewarding aspect of my job.  It is such a pleasure to watch students develop their horsemanship skills throughout the program.

What is it exactly that you do?
I am an Assistant Professor and Academic Coordinator with Bluegrass Community & Technical College’s (BCTC) Equine Studies program, the North American Racing Academy (NARA). My role within NARA is to carry out the instruction and development of equine studies classes  I prepare and facilitate all class materials for laboratory, lecture, and online classes, and advise students on course selections in order to complete program requirements.

The majority of my instruction revolves around our first-year students.  I teach many of the courses required during the 1^st year of enrollment such as Basic Equine Physiology, Introduction to the Racing Industry, Racehorse Care Lab, Racehorse Care, Equine Nutrition, Equine Health & Medications, and Equine Legal & Business Principles.

As a faculty member with BCTC, I also serve on committees to promote the college’s mission and values.  I am also active in the greater equine community around Lexington, KY.

In this field of work, is it possible to be a full time professional and earning a liveable income?
Teaching, whether it be at the secondary or post-secondary level, affords one a full-time position and livable wage. In regards to the Thoroughbred industry, this is a topic I spend a great deal of time on with my students in our Introduction to the Racing Industry course.

As a two-year Associates degree program, time passes very quickly, so it is important to introduce and discuss all of the positions available in the Thoroughbred industry.  This is whether it be at the racetrack, farm, sales, or even administrative or veterinary settings. Jobs in the Thoroughbred industry range greatly in pay, travel, stability, etc. so it is important to be upfront about each job’s characteristics.  A student that does not want to travel for work may want to reconsider certain positions within the industry, such as working sales or being an exercise rider. There are many positions, both hands-on and hands-off, that can provide full-time work and livable income but one must consider a multitude of factors, such as housing, travel, insurance, etc.

Certain positions in the Thoroughbred industry may come with “perks”, such as free housing, which can skew wage information. The opportunities are there for an individual who has passion and a strong work ethic.

What are the general steps taken to be employed in such a role?
For teaching, one must acquire a bachelor’s degree and potentially a master’s degree depending on the institution they are looking to gain employment with. I obtained my Bachelor of Professional Studies in Management, Equine Business Management at Cazenovia College and am currently pursuing a Master of Science in Education, Instructional Systems Design at the University of Kentucky.

For my particular program, industry experience was necessary. Prior to working for NARA, I was a licensed Assistant Trainer in the state of Kentucky, Indiana, and Minnesota and I worked in the support sector of the equine industry with an equine nutritional supplement company and nutritionist. I also spent many years working in the Sport Horse side of the equine industry, particularly with dressage, show jumping, and event horses. I am very fortunate to have had a wide array of experiences both hands-on and in the support sector of the equine industry.

For an individual looking to get involved in the Thoroughbred industry, experience is key. Having developed and well-rounded horsemanship skills, as well as passion and a strong work ethic, are beginning steps to pursuing a career with Thoroughbreds. Being a part of NARA has been a wonderful way to give back to the industry.  And to provide students the knowledge and support needed for successful careers.

Favourite horse memory?
It is hard to pick just one! One of my most favorite horse memories has to be my first win as an Assistant Trainer. To watch a horse that you spent countless hours with reach the wire first is just unbelievable,.  It is hard to put into words. To make it even better, my first win was also a new track record.  So that day is pretty hard to beat!

Honestly many of my most favorite memories were just enjoying being around the horse.  That is, having the opportunity to work with one and having a moment where everything just “clicks”.  That breakthrough whether it be on the ground or under saddle, forming a partnership.

Future goals?
Professionally, future goals would involve continuing the success of NARA and our students.  This is through reaching out to new populations about our program, and supporting the Thoroughbred industry with a qualified and quality workforce of horsemen and riders. I am also looking forward to finishing my Masters! I would also like to continue my personal riding ventures, which involve dressage and eventing.

Best thing about your sport/profession?
The best things about Thoroughbred racing and my role as an educator is the horse. Truly these animals make the long days worth it.  And seeing the partnerships formed among the individuals involved is a unique feature of our industry.