A familiar face returns to the 2023 O’Brien Awards as 22-year-old trainer Cassidy Schneider finds herself again up for the Future Star award. While on a meteoric rise within the industry and a future as bright as any, Schneider still takes time to appreciate appearing as a finalist in back-to-back years.
“I was thrilled when I got the call that I was nominated,” Schneider told Trot Insider. “It’s nice to know that our hard work hasn’t gone unnoticed this year.”
Schneider set a high-bar for herself entering 2023 with a 2022 season that saw her condition 87 winners and bank $632,136 while also snagging the leading trainer title at The Raceway at Western Fair District. Schneider backed up the career-best year with a second consecutive training title at Western Fair and the training title at Hanover Raceway in a campaign with 83 wins and earnings again surpassing the half-million dollar mark. With the accolades coming in early and often in her young career, Schneider is quick to pass the praise to those around her.
“I owe my success this season to my staff, family, owners and most importantly, my horses.” Schneider continued, “It’s not always easy working in this industry, and I thank my team who put in a lot of long days and late nights. Their work doesn’t go unnoticed.”
In a season full of highlights for the Schneider stable, a moment sticks out to her in 2023 came late in the season, with her barn delivering flawlessly over two tracks at Western Fair and Woodbine Mohawk Park on Friday, Dec. 8.
“It was a night I’ll never forget,” said Schneider. “I had two horses racing at Western Fair, Ice Needs Whiskey and Just Call Me Pete, who each had won that night, and while on my way home I was able to watch Settn A Precedent win at Mohawk for us. That training triple was the highlight of my season.”
With Schneider stacking consecutive half-million dollar seasons, she remains appreciative of the opportunities these seasons have granted her as the Schneider barn moves forward.
“With the success, it has brought many new opportunities for my stable.” Schneider continued, “It’s brought new owners, new horses -- I always love adding new faces to the stable. I can’t wait to see what’s in store for 2024!”
As for 2024 and beyond, Schneider’s hope is to continue to grow her stable while also beginning to add more young horses to her barn.
“My aspiration is for our stable to reach its fullest potential and make 2024 our best year yet,” said Schneider. “It’s our hope in the next three to five years to be racing more at the top tracks and in Sire Stakes. The smaller tracks have been good to me, but we invested more in babies this year. Hopefully, they’ll develop into quality horses that will be able to be competitive in the OSS.”
Schneider joins trainer Desiree Jones as a fellow nominee in the category for 2023, marking the first time that both nominees in the Future Star category are female trainers, something Schneider doesn’t take lightly.
“I think female trainers provide positive role models and inspire inclusivity in a traditionally male-dominated industry,” said Schneider. “I think we bring diverse perspectives in how we communicate and build trust with horses. Our empathy, patience and attention to detail contribute to successful training outcomes.”
With the experience of attending the O’Brien Awards, Schneider looks forward to making her first trek to Prince Edward Island as she joins the 2023 festivities, which will take place on Feb. 3.
“It’s hard to leave my horses for more than one night,” said Schneider. “However, I’m excited to experience P.E.I. with my friends and family. My experience last year was great, and it’s quite an honour to be in the company of Canada’s best in the industry.”
(Standardbred Canada; photos courtesy Carter Gimblett, Tiffany Chantel Photography, Western Fair)