A Look Inside Louisiana’s Equine Industry: St. Landry Parish Students Explore Career Opportunities

From the excitement of the racetrack to the specialized care that keeps horses healthy and performing at their best, Louisiana’s equine industry offers a surprising variety of career opportunities. On September 24th, 150 St. Landry Parish students experienced that world firsthand during Equine Day, a career exploration event for participants in Jobs for America’s Graduates (JAG), a national program helping young people develop the skills and connections needed for success. The event, supported by St. Landry Parish Economic Development connected students with industry professionals through facility tours, presentations, and hands-on demonstrations. 

What does a career in Louisiana’s equine industry look like?

The day began at Copper Crowne, where students toured a few training barns and watched yearlings work on the training track for the first time. The experience offered a behind-the-scenes look at the preparation, care, and professional expertise involved in developing young racehorses.

Students then travel to the Louisiana Equine Sale and Event Center for presentations from industry professionals. Kaycee Richard of Purina discussed equine nutrition, while Glenn Delahoussaye shared insights into careers as a rider, trainer, and consultant.

Following a lunch prepared by Washington Career Center, students participated in demonstrations illustrating the variety of specialized services supporting the equine industry including dental care, grooming, hoof care, red light treatments, and equine chiropractic care. These hands-on experiences introduced students to the wide range of skills and expertise involved in maintaining the health and well-being of horses.

Together, these experiences demonstrated that careers in the equine industry extend far beyond the racetrack.

How does St. Landry Parish’s equine heritage support economic opportunities?

St. Landry Parish was designated the Equine Capital of Louisiana in 2022, recognizing the industry’s longstanding role in the region’s agricultural and economic identity.

That heritage continues to create economic opportunities in the following professions:

• Breeders
• Trainers
• Veterinarians
• Farriers
• Feed suppliers
• Other specialized equine businesses

The Louisiana Equine Sales and Event Center, acquired by the Central St. Landry Economic Development District in 2024, represents an investment in supporting that industry while expanding opportunities for community events and workforce engagement.

Events like Equine Day demonstrate how established regional industries can also serve as valuable educational resources, introducing students to professions they may not have previously considered.

How is Equine Day inspiring the next generation of professionals?

Career exploration plays an important role in helping students understand how their interests and abilities can translate into future employment. By connecting JAG participants directly with equine professionals, Equine Day provided an opportunity to ask questions, observe specialized work, and learn about the many businesses that contribute to the industry’s success.

The experience also highlighted the relationship between workforce development and economic growth. Introducing young people to local career opportunities helps strengthen awareness of the industries operating within their communities and the skills needed to participate in them.

Through partnerships that bring education and industry together, St. Landry Parish Economic Development continues to create opportunities for students to explore potential career paths while supporting the region’s existing economic strengths. 

To learn more about workforce development initiatives and economic opportunities through the parish, visit St. Landry Parish Economic Development today.