The Ontario Quarter Horse Racing Industry Development Program is inviting applications for two rider scholarships being offered in the first quarter of 2010. The Quarter Horse Program will provide scholarship funding for one or two riders to attend the Olds College Exercise Rider/Jockey Training Certificate Program in Alberta to be trained for the unique needs of the racing industry.
“It is an objective of The Quarter Horse Program to improve the skills of people working in the industry, and to attract people with the potential to provide high quality care and management for Quarter Horses racing in Ontario,” said Wendy Hoogeveen, Director of Industry Development and Support at the Ontario Racing Commission. “The Olds College Program has been turning out young riders fit for the rigors of riding on a racetrack for five years now. The program is proven, and has been successful in developing riders who can work as exercise riders in our industry, or build on their skills to become jockeys.”
The goal of The Program Rider Scholarship is to ensure that enthusiastic and talented riders have the opportunity to get involved in Ontario’s Quarter Horse racing industry, and have the skills to ride their mounts safely and effectively.
Successful applicants will be subsidized by the Ontario Quarter Horse Racing Industry Development Program for the cost of tuition to the Olds College Program, course materials, return airfare to Alberta, and a portion of the cost of room and board. The successful applicants will be required to complete a 60-ride practicum in Ontario with a licensed Quarter Horse trainer, and will be licensed exclusively for Quarter Horse racing for a period of one year.
Application Process
Candidates are required to fill out an application form and submit this form to The Quarter Horse Program Coordinator. The application must be accompanied by a letter of reference from a coach or an industry professional who has seen the individual ride (this program is offered for those with considerable riding and horsemanship skills).
In addition to the application form and letter of reference, the individual must:
1. Be 18 years of age or older by the course start date (February 16th, 2010);
2. Submit required documentation by October 19th, 2009;
3. Be available to travel to Olds College in Alberta on October 29th (returning November 1st) for a tour of the College, and evaluation interview with the Olds College Program staff, and a riding evaluation test.
Selection Process
A panel appointed by The Quarter Horse Program will review scholarship applications for all candidates. A maximum of two candidates will be selected to participate in the Olds College visit October 29th to November 1st. While visiting the Olds College site, these candidates will be expected to complete:
1. A riding test,
2. An interview,
3. A fitness test,
4. A basic medical evaluation (to ensure there is no injury or underlying conditions to prevent you from working in the race industry).
Final selection of scholarship recipients will be based on the evaluation provided by the Olds College Program staff, and will be confirmed by the end of November 2009.
The deadline for applications is October 19th. Applications will be reviewed during the week of October 19th and successful applicants will be contacted by October 23rd.
Please find application forms online at www.ontarioracingcommission.ca under the What’s New item entitled News Release – QH Program Invites Applications for Rider Scholarships, or by contacting the Quarter Horse Program Coordinator at 416-213-7854.
Application forms and supporting documentation can be sent by fax to the Quarter Horse Program Coordinator at 416-213-7827 or by email to qhprogram@ontarioracingcommission.ca
More information on the Olds College Exercise Rider/Jockey Training Program can be found at: http://www.oldscollege.ca/programs/ContinuingEducation/animal-science/exercise-rider-jockey-school.htm
