Marissa Short-Lopez launched Iron Rose Academy earlier this year with a goal of providing affordable, efficient training for the racetrack as well as an industry education for people interested in pursuing a career in Thoroughbred racing.
A Pittsburgh, Pa. native who worked as a hot walker, groom, and exercise rider in the industry, Short-Lopez offers a variety of lesson plans that teach valuable skills such as galloping Thoroughbreds and horsemanship from her Iron Rose Farm near Ellis Park in Henderson, Ky. Iron Rose Academy specializes in providing hands-on experience to get students prepared for whatever job they might pursue at the racetrack.
