As 2026 National Caretaker Appreciation Day events, presented by Standardbred Canada (SC) in collaboration with racetracks, associations and industry partners, continue across the country, SC’s Faces of Racing series shines a spotlight on the people who dedicate their days to caring for the horses at the heart of harness racing.

In the third and final feature of the 2026 series, SC heads to British Columbia to share the story of Maia Howald, a young caretaker building a career around her love of horses.

Both of Howald’s parents worked as caretakers for many years, with her father also dabbling in ownership. The racetrack was a major part of her childhood and she has turned that early connection into a career. 

“Both my parents were [caretakers], so I grew up at Fraser Downs,” said Howald. “Then, as soon as I got old enough, I got my honourary licence and I would just do stalls back then. Then I started working for Jim [Marino]. I came right out of high school in 2023 and I started as a full-time groom. I loved it so much, so I kept working for Jim, kind of following him wherever, to the farm or Alberta.”

Her parents have since moved on from racing, but Howald has stayed, building a career around the horses and work she loves. Trainer Jim Marino, for whom both of Howald’s parents worked, has been part of her story since before she was born.

“Both of her parents worked for me. They were hard workers too,” said Marino. “I remember I gave her parents a ride home from Edmonton one time and I’m pretty sure Maia was in the belly there. Like, 20 years ago. Whatever it was.”

Today, Howald is Marino's first hand. Her days typically begin around 5 a.m. with feeding, filling water buckets and cleaning stalls. She handles harnessing and bathing, keeps Marino and the catch-drivers moving, puts the horses away and paddocks in the evening. Her dedication and work ethic set her apart.

“She’s the best [caretaker] I’ve ever had. She works so hard. She cares so much,” said Marino. “And I’ve dragged her to Alberta and now the desert. She’s so invested in her job.”

For Howald, seeing the horses progress makes the long days worthwhile.

“My favourite part is watching them race,” she said. “No matter how they do, they usually get better each week. It’s nice to watch them race and keep getting better.”

For all that she gives the horses, Howald says they have taught her plenty in return.

“Definitely patience. And dedication,” she said when asked about those lessons.

Learning to slow down has been an important part of that process. Rather than rushing through the work, she has learned to take the time to understand each horse and what it needs. 

“It takes a lot to be running a barn and always keeping them sound and everything. It’s taught me to slow down and focus on what each horse’s problems are and what they need,” said Howald.

That patience helps her approach each horse as an individual, with its own personality and challenges.

One horse who left a lasting impression on Howald was Million Reasons, a mare she cared for at Fraser Downs. She describes her as a “sour little mare” to whom she quickly grew attached.

“She was a very spicy thing. No one really liked her in the barn. In fact, they hated her,” recalled Howald. “So, I took her on as a putaway, and I loved her from the start. She ended up winning [a lot of races]. I still have all the win photos. It was very rewarding.”

Howald credits the people who helped her learn along the way.

“Annie Chappell was the first one who ever taught me how to put a harness on a horse,” said Howald. “I would just hang out at the track to waste time and she [Annie] worked for Chris Lancaster at the time. I walked in there one day and asked her to teach me.”

She also credits Dwayne Menary, a colleague and longtime groom in Marino’s stable.

“Dwayne taught me absolutely everything,” she said. “Everything I know is because of him.”

Marino’s trust also gave her the opportunity to learn and take on responsibility at a young age.

“I was only 15 when I came in there and he fully trusted me with all the horses. I wouldn’t do it personally, but I’m glad he took the chance on me,” Howald said with a chuckle.

Her influence extends beyond the daily care she provides. For Marino, who has spent many years in racing, Howald’s enthusiasm has helped renew his own. He sees it in the way she looks forward to working with young horses and celebrates their progress.

“I’ve been doing this a long time. You know, it gets kind of old sometimes, right? But her enthusiasm rubs off on me,” said Marino. “She’s so enthusiastic about breaking these horses and so excited when a two-year-old qualifies that it gets me excited too.”

Howald was recently on the move again as Marino’s stable travelled to Desert Park Raceway in Osoyoos, B.C., for its inaugural harness racing meet. For her, the people around the horses have made racing feel like home. She values the community’s willingness to come together and help one another.

“Anywhere I’ve been, Alberta or B.C. Yeah, you’re competitors, but when Fraser closed, we were all happily protesting together. We all just came together as one. I like that it’s like a family,” said Howald.

Her advice to younger caretakers reflects her own willingness to learn from those around her. 

“There’s so many different ways of doing things. No one way is right,” she said. “There’s always someone that will help you. I know I can go to anyone and they’ll help me or talk me through what I need.”

Her parents brought her into racing, but her love of horses has made her stay. Now, Maia Howald is building her own story in harness racing and sharing her enthusiasm with those around her along the way. 

The final 2026 National Caretaker Appreciation Day celebration will take place at The Raceway at Western Fair District on Friday, Nov. 6.

To read all the Faces of Racing features and find the latest event information and updates, visit the National Caretaker Appreciation Day event page.

(Standardbred Canada Press Release)