"Do the time, do the work. You've got to have the passion, or if you get knocked down you just won't get yourself back up."

Horse Racing Alberta produced and published the following video feature profiling some of the female participants in Alberta's harness racing industry, highlighting some of the incredible women who bring passion, skill, and dedication to horse racing in Alberta. From trainers to drivers to grooms, these women play a pivotal role in shaping the sport.

The first of a two-part series, the Standardbred-focused video features Connie Kolthammer, Marjorie Dumont, Nancy Retzlaff, Alina MacLeod and Brinsley Miller — just a few of the many female owners, drivers, trainers and breeders in the Alberta Standardbred racing industry. Part two celebrates women in Thoroughbred and Quarter-Horse racing.

(Standardbred Canada; with files from Horse Racing Alberta)