National Caretaker Appreciation Day

National Caretaker Appreciation Day events are coming up the weekend of July 19-21 at racetracks across the country and this year we invite horse owners, farm owners, trainers and drivers to get invol...

This July we will celebrate NCAD during the weekend of July 19-21 at racetracks across the country, and to recognize the hard-working caretakers in our industry we have organized a NCAD Photo Contest!

“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...

In recognition and support of all of the hard-working caretakers in the Canadian harness racing industry, Standardbred Canada's Rachel Oenema has produced a short video on caretakers working with thei...

“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 people who work so hard in the backstretch looking after the horses really appreciated being recognized for all that they do for not only the horses, but for horse racing too. They were really q...

“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...

“You can learn a lot about horses if you stop and listen to the people around you. There are multiple ways to do something and not everyone is going to do it the same way, but if you stop and pay atte...