Tashua Antoinette: HISA and Al-Marah Equestrian Center (AMEC)
This summer, I had the honor of serving as the first Accreditation Intern for the Horseracing Integrity and Safety Authority (HISA). Over the course of eight weeks, I gained valuable exposure to every department within HISA, with a particular focus on the accreditation process and the HISA Portal. Although the position was remote, I actively participated in weekly Zoom meetings including full staff briefings, accreditation sessions, and meetings with the National Racehorse Safety Commission. I also assisted with office tasks, such as contacting track managers for missing information, which allowed me to gain firsthand insight into the accreditation process.
A highlight of my internship was traveling with the Accreditation Team to Presque Isle Downs, where I shadowed each step of the on-site evaluation. The team of five field experts worked diligently to ensure the racetrack was in compliance with safety regulations and to provide guidance to track officials when needed. I was inspired by their commitment and the racetrack’s dedication to prioritizing the safety of both horses and jockeys. This experience solidified my career goals in the racing industry, with an emphasis on safety, integrity, and longterm sustainability. I aspire to one day work with HISA and continue advancing the sport, especially through my passion for Off-Track Thoroughbred (OTTB) aftercare.
In addition, I pursued a second internship with Dr. Laura Miller at the University of Arizona’s Systems Biomechanics of Horses Lab at Al-Marah Equestrian Center (AMEC). Our work focuses on analyzing equine gait and heart rate data to provide meaningful insights into performance and welfare. Beyond research, I actively contributed to herd management by assisting with daily feeding, care, and administering medications to the 11-horse herd, which includes three OTTBs. This experience directly supports my career goals in aftercare.
A special highlight of this summer was when my own horse, Jett, joined the study. Collecting data on him as a gaited horse not only enriched the research but also gave me a personal connection to the work, making the experience even more meaningful. – Tashua Antoinette