MD CAREER PROGRAM ANNOUNCES PARTICIPANTS

After being cancelled last year due to the Covid-19 pandemic, the Maryland Horse Foundation’s Maryland Thoroughbred Career Program (MTCP) has returned for its fourth year and participants for the 2021 program have been selected.

“We are excited to be welcoming another intake of excellent individuals to Maryland for the 2021 Maryland Thoroughbred Career Program. This group is full of curiosity, enthusiasm and willingness to learn; I am confident that they will be an asset to the industry in the future,” said Jordyn Egan, director of development for the MHF.

The 2021 edition of the MTCP is scheduled to run June 7-11. This year’s participants are:

Charles Churchill (Louisville, Ky.) is a rising senior at the University of Kentucky where he is currently studying Equine Science and Management with an emphasis on management and industry, along with pursuing a minor in Business. Though he has always been curious about the industry, Charles never considered actively looking for a position until he had exposure to the excitement behind Thoroughbred racing. Charles hopes to work towards a position that allows him to oversee racing operations and play a vital role in creating a new culture of racing that emphasizes the importance of integrity and the well-being of all equine athletes. He looks forward to developing his knowledge of the many aspects of Thoroughbred racing and exploring opportunities in Maryland. 

Ashlee Marcy (Hanover, Md.) is originally from Maumee, Ohio. She has been married to her husband, Mikael, for 12 years and his career in the Marine Corps has afforded her family the opportunity to live in many places around the country and overseas. They have four sons and currently live in Maryland. Ashlee has always been passionate about horses, though she’s only recently started seeking opportunities to work with them. She is currently working on a Thoroughbred farm and studying Equine Business Management at St. Andrews University.

Sophie O’Connor (Shorewood, Wis.) is a rising sophomore at Goucher College, studying Political Science and Equine Studies. She has loved horse racing since she was young and is pursuing a career in the Thoroughbred racing industry, with particular interest in pedigrees and breeding, as well as stallion management and marketing. Having not grown up directly around horses, Sophie has worked hard to gain experience with Thoroughbreds, and is looking forward to making valuable connections and gaining more industry exposure during the MTCP.

Cayla Reeder (Kearneysville, W.Va.) is a rising sophomore at Blue Ridge Community and Technical College majoring in Paralegal Studies. She has been involved in the horse racing industry for her entire life and grew up around horses. Her interests involve learning more about the bloodstock and breeding portion of the industry, as well as the veterinary sector. Upon graduation, she hopes to find a career within the industry and continue to live out her family’s legacy within it. 

Zaharia A. Selman (Conyers, Ga.) is a third-year student at the University of Georgia, majoring in Animal Science and minoring in Computer Science. With an Equine Emphasis, Zaharia has a passion for working with large animals and hopes to pursue a career in Animal Behavior. She is honored to be recognized as a Ratcliffe Scholar in the College of Agricultural and Environmental Science and the 2020 Miss Black University of Georgia. She has served on the executive boards for MANRRS, Together We Can, the Prince Baptist Church college ministry, and the Resident Housing Association. Zaharia also demonstrates a passion for giving back to her community as she volunteers with Dawgs Day of Service, Sweet Olive Animal Rescue Farm, and many others.

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