As the 2024 National Caretaker Appreciation Day season approaches, Julie Lambert, a dedicated horse caretaker from Red Deer, Alta., shares her insights on the life of a horse caretaker.

Julie Lambert, born and raised in Saint-Malo, Man., never anticipated a career in horse care until she met her high school sweetheart—who happens to be a horse trainer—Jacques Lambert. As Julie puts it, she "married into the business."

In 2021, Julie and Jacques, along with their two children, Jasmine and Jaden, relocated to a farm in Alberta with the goal of expanding Jacques' racing stable. Today, Jacques oversees a stable of 14 racehorses, as well as several yearlings and broodmares.

The Lambert family: Julie, Jacques, Jaden and Jasmine

As the stable's responsibilities have grown over the years, Julie has eagerly embraced new challenges. She describes their farm as a "team where everybody works until the work is done," explaining that both children, Jasmine and Jaden, contribute equally to the stable's workload as grooms.

Julie's role as a horse caretaker comes naturally to her, with daily duties including preparing feeds, harnessing, jogging and training the Standardbreds. Yet, horse care is not her only responsibility; she also works full-time as an Agriculture Account Manager for a credit union. She uses her business management skills to handle the stable's financial side, while Jacques focuses on operations.

Julie Lambert jogging a Standardbred​

Highlighting the vital role of horse caretakers, Julie emphasizes that they are just as integral to a stable's success as the trainer and owner. For her, the most fulfilling part of being a caretaker is developing a connection with a horse and experiencing a sense of accomplishment and pride when that horse succeeds. "You feel like you were a part of it," she says.

Julie is grateful for her life as a caretaker, stating, "They're a huge part of my life, and I can't imagine my life without it." She explains that the role has made her stronger, building her confidence, resilience and strength, both mentally and physically. She values the ability to adapt to whatever challenges arise.

The future looks bright for the Lambert stable, as they are on track for their highest earnings yet in the 2024 training campaign.

Join Standardbred Canada in showing appreciation for Julie Lambert and all of the unsung heroes of our industry as we celebrate National Caretaker Appreciation Day across our nation.

2024 National Caretaker Appreciation Day Event Dates:

• Clinton Raceway – Sunday, Sept. 1
• Dresden Raceway – Sunday, July 7 (Completed)
• Grand River Raceway – Friday, Sept. 6
• Hanover Raceway – Saturday, Sept. 14
• Hippodrome 3R – Sunday, Sept. 15
• Kawartha Downs – Friday, Aug. 30
• Red Shores Racetrack & Casino at the Charlottetown Driving Park – Tuesday, Sept. 10
• Red Shores at Summerside Raceway – Thursday, Sept. 12
• Rideau Carleton Raceway – Thursday, Sept. 12
• The Track On 2 – Saturday, Sept. 7
• Truro Raceway – Friday, Sept. 6
• Woodbine Mohawk Park – Friday, Sept. 6
• Leamington Raceway – Sunday, Sept. 8

National Caretaker Appreciation Day was launched in 2017 to recognize and reward caretakers in the Standardbred industry across Canada.

(Standardbred Canada)