News Release Distributed 07/29/11

OPELOUSAS, La. – Louisiana 4-H’ers heard that working in the equine industry can be lucrative as well as dangerous at a career day held July 23 at Evangeline Downs.

Randy Romero, a retired jockey in the National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame, said his job took dedication. By the time he retired in 1999, Romero had ridden 4,290 winners and was featured in the 2004 HBO documentary “Jockey.”

“I wanted to be in the Kentucky Derby at nine,” Romero said. “You’ve got to get in early; you can’t wait too long. Start with cleaning stalls.”

The author of “Randy Romero’s Remarkable Ride” told aspiring jockeys they need to learn how to fall and how to handle pain. Romero said he has had more than 20 surgeries and that one arm is shorter than the other.

“You have to be fearless and competitive,” he said.

This was the AgCenter’s first equine career day, said Vickie Hutchinson, LSU AgCenter Livestock Show development coordinator.

“This event was designed to give interested participants the opportunity to hear, meet, network and learn firsthand from persons who have colorful and successful careers in the industry,” Hutchinson said. “Within an hour of sending out the announcement, the class was almost full.”

It did fill up with 60 youth and their parents or chaperones gathering at REAP Hall at the racetrack.

The event was held in conjunction with the Louisiana Thoroughbred Breeders Association, which has been a supporter of the LSU AgCenter State Horse show for years.

“The group has the foresight to realize the great contribution 4-H and FFA horse programs have made to the equine industry,” Hutchinson said. “Future equine enthusiasts and people who are employed in the equine industry often come from 4-H and FFA.”

Many colorful careers such as Romero’s and many other jockeys, including Kent Desormeaux, Calvin Borel and Eddie Delahoussaye, have their roots in 4-H and FFA.

In fact, almost everyone who spoke during the event gave credit to their 4-H experience as a contributing factor leading to their careers.

Speakers included racing steward Rick Sacket, Gerald Thomas from the racing office, trainer Will Meaux, veterinarian Dr. Meg Gilhooly and owner/breeder Allen Peltier.

A racing steward enforces rules and administers paperwork, entries and fines, Sacket said. “The steward has to know everyone’s job to know if they are doing it right.”

Sacket said he puts the racing card together.

Meaux said he started with horses in 4-H when he was eight years old. Although he has a degree in public relations, his passion is with horses, he said. Meaux determines which races to put horses in. “Hopefully, they are conditioned well enough to win,” he said.

Trainers depend on grooms and veterinarians and deal with vendors for feed and horseshoes, Meaux said.

Also a former 4-H’er, Gilhooly said her job is to be an advocate for the horse.

At the conclusion of the program, the youth toured the saddling paddock and a race was named for the 4-H/FFA members.