Faces Of Racing

"Some advice for new caretakers...there’s no easy button, it’s not always fun and glamorous and there will be tough, scary, and demanding times where you’re going to feel like throwing in the towel. I...

“Listening to the horse's needs and always ensuring its well-being is important if you want to get anything out of the horse. It’s a team effort between the horse and me.”

“Being a groom is like being a nurse; each and every horse has their own unique personality; they all do something different every day. I love the animal...to do a good job, you have to love the anim...

"Standardbreds are by far the best breed of horses. Their nature is just so amazing, they are very docile and resilient and overall, a very smart breed.

“As a caretaker who just doesn't work for my own stable, working for a different trainer can always keep me moving. From working with different trainers...you learn new things from each of them and ha...

“I think the most important thing is not to look at them as a dollar sign but as a horse. The horse doesn’t know whether you paid $3,000 for it or $30,000. It’s your job to help it reach its best, eit...

“A great reward for me as a caretaker is to see my horse win and see the effort that he gave to win that race but the greatest reward is seeing the improvements in a horse, week after week.”

“My advice to new grooms is to pay attention to the horses, get to know them and respect them, they work hard for us. Be humble, there are always things to learn.”

“You need to listen to your horse and pay attention to their needs, that’s what makes a good horseperson."

"If you can learn something new each day you're doing well. Just be a sponge, take everything in, absorb it all, and if you can learn something new from all the different people you work for you've pr...

"To have the chance to work around good trainers, drivers and horses is one of the most rewarding aspects of working as a caretaker."

"I compare caretakers to front-line health workers. There is nobody more important than the person giving the direct care."