Program Description A major objective of this program is to improve the care horses receive, reduce the number of injuries to horses and humans, and increase the self-esteem of backstretch workers. Courses GEP 101 This class was developed for currently licensed backstretch workers who have some experience with horses. This course intends to improve their performance by covering such material as feeding management, anatomy, bandaging, horse behavior, horse health, tack and equipment, and shedrow safety. GEP 201 Prerequisite: GEP 101. This course intends to expand on the experiences of GEP 101 by addressing such topics as bone development, the respiratory system, race horse rations, common race injuries, heat stress, and massage therapy. Groom Elite™ Certificate Recipients June 2005 GEP 101 class Official Website