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Author ORCID Identifier
Date Available
5-4-2026
Year of Publication
2026
Document Type
Master's Thesis
Degree Name
Master of Science in Community & Leadership Development
College
Agriculture, Food and Environment
Department/School/Program
Community and Leadership Development
Faculty
Rebekah Epps
Faculty
Wes Harrison
Abstract
Recent regulatory requirements within the Thoroughbred racing industry have increased expectations for consistent collection and reporting of racetrack surface data. Despite clear standards, implementation in daily operations remains inconsistent, highlighting a gap between regulation, knowledge, and practice. This study examined the impact of an experiential education curriculum on racetrack personnel’s self-efficacy and reporting consistency.
Using a quantitative design, data were collected through pre- and post-surveys measuring self-efficacy and records of the number of days surface data were entered. Descriptive statistics, paired-samples t-tests, and effect size analyses were used. Results showed a statistically significant increase in self-efficacy (p < .001) with large effect sizes, indicating meaningful gains in confidence and comfortability. Reporting consistency did not show a statistically significant change (p = .885).
Overall, experiential education increased confidence, and when grounded in real-world application, helped participants connect training to daily responsibilities, increasing the likelihood of behavior change. However, consistent reporting may still require continued reinforcement, follow-up communication, and support aligned with racetrack operations. This study highlights an opportunity to use experiential education to strengthen confidence while supporting more consistent application of surface data reporting practices.
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
https://doi.org/10.13023/etd.2026.214
Archival?
Archival
Recommended Citation
MacKenzie, Heather, "Between the Rails: Experiential Education and Its Impact on Compliance and Consistency in Racetrack Surface Management" (2026). Theses and Dissertations--Community & Leadership Development. 80.
https://uknowledge.uky.edu/cld_etds/80
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