When Amplify Horse Racing came into existence as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit in 2020, its main aspiration was to captivate the youth with the Thoroughbred industry. As 2024 nears its end, I take great pride in observing how Amplify has not merely engaged the youth but has emerged as the national youth arm of the U.S. industry.

Impressive Reach and Engagement

By the conclusion of the year, Amplify will have successfully connected with over 28,000 individuals through diverse means such as classroom lessons, events, interactive activations, and conference presentations. This extensive reach has allowed countless young minds to explore the world of horse racing.During one of the busiest programming weekends of the year, Amplify hosted a "Thoroughbred Discovery Day" in Lexington for 4-H students from eight different states. This event provided a unique opportunity for students to get up close and personal with the Thoroughbred industry. Additionally, they conducted behind-the-scenes industry visits for their 2024 mentee award winners, giving them a firsthand look at the inner workings of the industry. The end-of-year student networking event further fostered connections with industry professionals and inspired students to consider careers in horse racing.

Expanding Horizons Across States

This year, Amplify has been actively involved in student programming in Illinois, Kentucky, Maryland, and New York. By bringing these programs to different states, they are making horse racing more accessible to a wider audience. They have welcomed 20 mentees into their mentorship program, guiding them on meaningful paths into the industry. Through presentations to over 20 student groups, they have inspired countless young minds to explore careers in horse racing.Amplify has also been represented at five conferences across five states, delivering impactful presentations at three of them. This has allowed them to share their message and connect with industry stakeholders from different regions. They participated in various high school career fairs in Lexington to introduce students to career opportunities in Thoroughbred racing, opening doors for future generations.

Building Partnerships and Launching Campaigns

Amplify has established a mentoring partnership with the Horse Racing Women’s Summit, further strengthening their commitment to developing the next generation of horsemen and horsewomen. They have hosted activations at BreyerFest, United States Pony Clubs Championships, and with the Eastern National 4-H Horse Roundup, directly connecting youth from around the country with the Thoroughbred industry.Looking ahead, Amplify aims to expand its reach to at least 10 states by 2028. To achieve this, they have launched the Amplify Impact Campaign. This campaign focuses on creating more localized opportunities for youth to engage with the industry and access valuable resources. Goals include enhancing educational programs through curriculum creation and implementation, developing a mobile education unit to bring interactive equine educational experiences to communities nationwide, and expanding outreach by facilitating the development of regional chapters and partnerships.Amplify is proud to be at the forefront of connecting youth to horses through the Thoroughbred industry, using education, mentorship, and career pathways. Together, we can ensure a bright future for horse racing by investing in the next generation. I invite the entire Thoroughbred industry to join us in this mission to amplify horse racing's impact among youth.Annise MontplaisirExecutive Director, Amplify Horse Racing