Leading up to the 2023 edition of National Caretaker Appreciation Day events taking place the weeks of Aug. 29 – Sept. 14, Standardbred Canada will profile caretakers from across the country in our Faces of Racing series. This feature profiles Emma Christoforou.  

Generational love for harness racing has been passed along through the Christoforou and Colville families. It's no surprise that Emma Christoforou, daughter of Joanne Colville, the Chair of Standardbred Canada's Board of Directors, and Chris Christoforou, O’Brien Award recipient and Canadian Horse Racing Hall of Fame inductee, has always been involved in the industry.   

Outside of the great achievements of her parents, Emma’s career has also been positively influenced by stepdad, Jack Moiseyev. 

For Emma, harness racing was a lifestyle. “I grew up on a farm and it was kind of like a duck to water.” 

Life as a caretaker is best described by Emma as busy. From mucking out stalls and preparing feed to grooming and exercising horses, they are long days consisting of hard work and dedication. “If I get four to six hours of sleep a night, I am good,” said Emma. 

When asked if she had a favourite horse, her reply was, “I’m going to have to go with my old, retired horse, The Painted Pony. That horse took me through every up and down of my career, he was a rock to me. If I had a bad day at the barn, I would go see him, talk to him, ride him, and get my thoughts straight. If I was having a good day, well, the same thing.” She then went on to speak of their mutual love for each other. “The bond we have is insane, if I set something on fire, he’d walk right through it. I’ve been told that by multiple people.” 

Beyond the physical care Emma provides to the horses she cares for, she offers invaluable emotional support. She describes the most fulfilling part of her job as a caretaker as the feeling when they return off the track safe and sound. “I want to see a happy horse walk off the track and if they’re not happy, I do my best to make them happy. As long as they race good, they don’t need a cheque.” 

The future looks bright for this 21-year-old caretaker, currently attending Brock University with the intention of becoming a veterinarian while also planning on the future expansion of her stables.

When Emma was asked if there was one thing she wished more people knew about caretakers in the industry, she replied, “Most of us are happy after putting in a week’s work if our horses put 100 per cent effort in. Whether they’re first or last, their full effort is the most rewarding thing. You know then you’ve done a good job.” 

Join us in showing our appreciation for the unsung heroes of our industry and celebrate National Caretaker Appreciation Day at one of the 2023 participating racetracks!