Faces Of Racing

“Seeing a happy horse is the most rewarding part in the caretaker role. It’s a great feeling when your horse is sharp and alert; playing in the field and calling other horses.”

“It’s the most amazing feeling putting so much of your time and effort into making a horse sound and happy. Seeing them go behind the gate and giving their all, win or lose, it is rewarding just seein...

“As a caretaker, the most rewarding aspect of working with the horse is the relationship you build with them. They recognize you as soon as they see you and they learn to put their trust in you.”

“The most rewarding part of being a horse person is seeing all the little things you do daily bring a positive change in a horse. When working with a troubled horse, whether it be an injury or attitud...

“To me, good horsemanship is loving the animal first and the sport second.”

“The best part [of being a caretaker] is watching a horse you have worked so hard on all week go out and race well. They don’t even have to win, just seeing an improvement makes me feel like I did som...

“I don’t believe in good luck charms. Either the horse is good that week or they aren’t. Your work through the week makes the difference. You have to put the time into your horses that they need.”

“Seeing the evolution of a colt that I saw come to life, train him and dream of him making it to the races and to see the results when he begins his career -- that is priceless.”

“Caretakers are the ones who spend the most time with the horses day in and day out. They are the backbone in the industry and I think it’s great that the spotlight gets put on them for this event.”

“To me, horsemanship is having a well-rounded knowledge of the animal, putting the horse first, and having success with different types of horses. I also think a good horseman has to be willing to sha...

“Nothing is better then seeing a horse you cared for go on and do well, whether it is for you or not. To know you have had a small part of that horse’s success is very rewarding.”

“I was the happiest little girl in town. My dad was in the horse business with dozens of racehorses and he had four children to take care of them. This is how I learned the real job of being a caret...