BCTC Celebrates 20 Years of Equine Excellence with Special Recognition at Keeneland; Keeneland honors BCTC’s Equine Studies Program/North American Racing Academy with dedicated race and $5,000 scholarship gift

Published on Oct 27, 2026

LEXINGTON, KY – Bluegrass Community and Technical College (BCTC) celebrated two decades of equine education, workforce development, and student success on Wednesday, October 21, with a special 20th Anniversary recognition of its Equine Studies Program/North American Racing Academy (NARA) at Keeneland Race Course.

The milestone celebration brought together talented students, dedicated faculty and staff, distinguished alumni, and valued community and industry partners to recognize the program’s remarkable legacy of preparing students for rewarding careers in Kentucky’s signature horse industry.

As a special tribute, Keeneland sponsored a Winner’s Circle celebration recognizing the program's 20th Anniversary and contributions to equine education and the thoroughbred industry. During the ceremony, Keeneland presented BCTC with a generous $5,000 scholarship gift to support future equine students and help develop the next generation of industry professionals.

"For 20 years, our Equine Studies Program has been transforming passion into purpose, providing students with the knowledge, hands-on experience, and industry connections needed to build successful careers in one of Kentucky's most treasured industries," said Dr. Greg Feeney, BCTC Chancellor. "This anniversary is a celebration of the extraordinary dedication of our faculty and staff, the achievements of our students and alumni, and the tremendous partnerships that have made this program successful. We are especially grateful to Keeneland for honoring this milestone and investing in the next generation of equine professionals through this generous scholarship. Together, we are preserving Kentucky's rich equine heritage while preparing the workforce that will carry this industry into the future."

Since its establishment in 2006, BCTC's Equine Studies Program/NARA has combined classroom instruction with immersive, hands-on training, creating pathways for students to turn their love of horses into meaningful careers. The program provides students with essential skills for a wide range of opportunities throughout the equine industry, from horse care and management to training, racing operations, and equine business.

At industry partnership sites such as New Vocations Racehorse Adoption Program and the Thoroughbred Training Center, students receive practical instruction in horse care, management, and safe handling techniques in various training environments. After successfully completing the required equine laboratory courses, students may qualify for internship placement in as little as one semester, gaining valuable professional experience at leading equine operations around the world.

Through flexible online and hybrid coursework, students can continue their education while pursuing full-time internships or employment opportunities. The curriculum includes equine anatomy and physiology, nutrition, equine health and lameness, equine business principles, and the professional and life skills essential for long-term career success.

"This 20-year milestone represents so much more than the longevity of our program. It represents thousands of hours of dedication, countless opportunities, and the incredible accomplishments of students who have turned their passion for horses into successful careers," said Dixie Kendall, Coordinator of BCTC's Equine Studies Program. "Our students learn by developing the confidence, skills, and work ethic that employers value throughout the equine industry. Seeing our alumni succeed and knowing we have played a role in their journeys is incredibly rewarding. We are thankful for Keeneland and our many industry partners who continue to open doors for our students and help us carry this legacy forward."

The program's commitment to excellence has also earned community recognition, including a Gold Medallion for Best Equestrian Riding School in Lexington, further highlighting its reputation for quality equine education and training.

As BCTC celebrates this significant milestone, the college remains committed to strengthening industry partnerships, expanding experiential learning opportunities, and preparing a skilled workforce to support Kentucky's thriving equine economy.

"Twenty years of excellence is a tremendous accomplishment, but what excites me most is what lies ahead," Feeney added. "With outstanding students, dedicated educators, and partners like Keeneland, the future of equine education at BCTC is brighter than ever."

For more information about BCTC's Equine Studies Program visit the Program Page or contact Dixie Kendall at dixie.kendall@kctcs.edu.