Lexington is home to the only accredited community college-based racing academy in North America. The North American Racing Academy (NARA)  prepares students to pursue careers as professional jockeys, exercise riders, licensed grooms, assistant trainers, breeding farm managers and other jobs within the racing industry.  This winter, NARA and the SMRI (Jockey/Equestrian initiative), collaborated on a project titled “Comparison of Strength and Biomechanical Changes in Riders after a Strength and Riding Program.” The aim of this project was to examine the changes that novice riders experience during enrollment in the NARA program. Students currently enrolled in the program complete data collection at time points throughout their training in the school to measure change. They completed strength tests relevant to riding, body composition, reaction time assessments, balance, psychological questionnaires and a biomechanical assessment on an Equicizer during a simulated ride. The results of the study will help researchers better understand the profile of riders as well as serve as a training tool for the students and program instructors.