On the evening of Wednesday, September 5, the Texas Horsemen's Partnership (THP)'s Groom Elite Program graduated its first class at Sam Houston Race Park in Houston. The graduation took place during the THP's Horsemen's Appreciation Party held in the Sam Houston Race Park Track Kitchen in the stable area. Each graduate received a Certificate of Completion and a "Groom Elite" jacket.

In addition to the graduation, the festive atmosphere of the Horsemen's Appreciation Party was aided by mariachi players and a spread of mexican cuisine.

Texas HBPA President Connie Nobles offered opening remarks at the graduation ceremony before turning the proceedings over to Dr. Doug Householder of Texas A&M University. Householder taught the course both at Sam Houston Race Park and at Lone Star Park a few months prior.

Dr. Householder recognized each of the graduates of the Groom Elite Program. He presented each with a Certificate of Completion for the course and a Groom Elite jacket.

The Groom Elite Program is the THP's groundbreaking program consisting of a 10-week course covering 30 topics designed to teach stable area employees horse handling skills and to insure that they are competent and knowledgeable in equine care. The National HBPA recently endorsed the Groom Elite Program as its official groom training program.

The following people completed the Groom Elite Program at Sam Houston Race Park and earned a Certificate of Completion for their hard work: