Equine Ambassadors Program

The Virginia Thoroughbred Association and the Virginia Racing Commission have originated a great program –the Equine Ambassadors. This program is designed to educate and use the talents of enthusiastic equine industry supporters. Many of these are not horse owners or directly involved in the horse business but realize what a positive impact the business has in the state. We need to copy this program in SC so that we can get some non-horse people to better understand our business and to support many of the things we have going.

Some of the aspects are not applicable to SCTOBA( Racing Commission , pari-mutuel) but the basis is there for us to copy .We need some volunteers to structure and coordinate this !!!!Here are some of the details on their program:

Virginia Equine Ambassadors are individuals representing the varied aspects of the equine industry within Virginia. Group members must be passionate about raising awareness of the importance of Virginia’s equine industry to its economy.
Responsibilities:

Virginia Equine Ambassadors are charged with working with the Virginia Racing Commission (VRC) to educate stakeholders about the many aspects of Virginia’s equine industry. Since pari-mutuel wagering is the economic engine that drives the equine industry, special attention will be given to increasing participation in racing and related events; however, all aspects of the industry will be represented.

VRC and its representatives will identify opportunities for Virginia Equine Ambassadors to participate in events and other activities that will help raise awareness of the industry. Participation may include

• Participating in media interviews that will further the interests of the industry

• Speaking about the industry to local civic organizations

• Speaking at local corporate associate learning programs

• Attending events where networking opportunities may occur

• Identifying speaking or event opportunities in your own locality