Tessa Koran, of Stow, Ohio, has been named the 2020 Ohio Harness Horsemen’s Association Outstanding Groom.
Koran works for trainer Kent Sherman and was nominated by Matt Watson, the owner of Sherman trainee Lucky King.
Watson said Koran brings a positive energy to the track every day:
“It doesn’t matter if your horse is a $5,000 claimer or an Open horse. You can rest assured that when Tessa is taking care of it, it is in great hands and is being taken care of as if it was her own child.”
Koran’s interest in horses began at an early age. Her grandfather owned horses with Sherman.
“It’s been a never-ending love affair with the horses,” Koran said. “I started helping and learning everything about the horses when I was seven years old.”
Koran also said she has had other career opportunities but loves working with the horses:
“I left the business, but never totally left. I never dread going to work.”
She said the best part of her job is the one-on-one time with the horses.
Due to COVID-19, the Ohio Harness Horsemen’s Association will not host an annual banquet, but instead will feature all award winners during a virtual awards show on Saturday, Jan. 16. The virtual awards show will air on the Ohio Harness Horsemen’s Association’s YouTube channel at 7 p.m.
(Ohio Harness Horsemen's Association)