AQHA Youth Kenneth Roberts Sr., Juan aka Junior, John Simon, Mike Solis, Mike Whitler, Dr. Kleinman, Darby in the jocks room at Delta Downs.

© Misty Coats

VINTON, LA–JULY 2, 2025–A group of young women interested in learning more about equine care and horse racing enjoyed a full day of education on Tuesday, July 1, as part of the AQHA Youth Racing Experience.

They began their morning at Delta Downs to hear about the numerous aspects of preparing horses for the race day experience. The group met Trainer Kenneth Roberts. Sr. jockey Juan Garcia, Jr, John Simon, Mike Solis, Mike Whitler, Dr. Kleinman, Darby Jones in the Jocks Room, Delta Downs Race Office, Stewards, Starting Gate Crew and State Vets.

AQHA Youth talk with Dr. Findley at Delta Equine Center. © Misty Coats

The group learned a great deal and were all smiles as they posed for a photo in the starting gate!

AQHA Youth Experience participants watch as the "Gate Crew" at Delta Downs set the starting gates. © Misty Coats

Their next stop was a visit to Delta Equine Center, founded by Dr. Larry Findley, Sr. who spoke about the many services offered at the highly regarded facility. Caleb Findley and the office staff at Delta Equine spoke about their state-of-the-art equipment, stallions, and sales prep divisions.

Misty Coats, assistant executive director at LQHBA, expressed her appreciation to everyone at Delta Equine Center and Delta Downs for educating the group and answering questions.

"It was an amazing experience for everyone," said Coats. "Our thanks to everyone at Delta Equine and Delta Downs for taking the time to share so much with our group. We look forward to seeing what these great young ladies do in the future!"

About the Louisiana Quarter Horse Breeders Association (LQHBA)
LQHBA is the state racing affiliate of the American Quarter Horse Association. It is also the official registry for accredited Louisiana-bred racing Quarter Horses and is recognized by the Louisiana Legislature and the Louisiana State Racing Commission. Since its inception in 1966, the association has developed many programs to further breeding and racing in Louisiana.. LQHBA oversees the annual LQHBA Yearling Sale and has raised and donated over $950,000 to support its Louisiana youth scholarship program.