Standardbred racing participant Amber Guse, who was born and raised into the business, began her work in harness racing some 25 years ago.
“Both my parents, Patti McGillivary and Bill Windsor, owned and trained,” she has said. “I began working alongside mom at the age of seven. I can still remember, back in the day, carrying the pails and blankets down the long path to the old paddock at Western Fair. It was around that time that I just fell in love with the horses.”
When it comes to her first career win as a horse owner, Guse has stated that it was quite the experience. “That came about 10 years ago, at Flamboro, with Hope Tobea Star, and she was parked out most of the mile," Guse explained. "She was far from a star for me, but on that day she was the biggest star. There’s nothing better than meeting your own horse back in the winner circle!”
A top-notch caretaker for trainer Steve Bossence, Guse has worked for the Bossence barn over the last decade. “It all started when I moved my mare over to the training centre where Steve was stabled," she explained. "I then began helping out with his horses and the rest is history. I’m very thankful for all the nice horses I’ve looked after over the years for Steve and his owner, Stephen Palermo. They’ve certainly helped in making some of my dreams come true!”
Speaking of 'dreams,' one of Guse's top Western Fair performers came to mind. “My fave girl to race was always Distinctiv Dreamer,” Guse stated. “She won me quite a few races there in London. My most favourite win ever was our first together. I bought her for just $1,500 (in February of 2013) and I really wasn’t expecting much from her in her first start -- to be honest, I was only hoping for a cheque. Well, she had other plans, and drew off on the field to win by 17 lengths. And, at that moment, I knew we had something special. That girl was always game and just loved to win. She was the horse that made all my dreams come true!”
Guse has also owned and raced (at The Raceway at Western Fair District in recent years) Total Knockout, Stonebridge Loyal and her newest acquisition, Golden Leader.
Guse also took the time to discuss some of the special moments and memories from horses that she has looked after over the years. “I had the pleasure of looking after Ms Goliath while working for Jason Libby (in 2008). She got me my first OSS Gold win and raced against some classy fillies that year -- she was a special one! Strike A Light is also an extremely special guy. I have driven across the country to bring this boy home multiple times. We had many wins together and also took home awards in back-to-back seasons. He’s a super special guy (and is) now enjoying his retirement life. And Nebraska Jack, he’s my 'heart horse' He’s the classiest, sassiest horse I’ve ever had the pleasure of looking after. I just love him!”
In terms of Guse's favourite wins this past season as a caretaker, she pointed to her heart horse. “I would have to say our Preferred wins with Nebraska Jack (The Raceway at Western Fair District 2019 Aged Trotter of the Year). After claiming him for $12,000 and then watching him turn into this solid top-class trotter, it’s been simply amazing! And Raising Royalty (The Raceway at Western Fair District 2019 Three-Year-Old Trotting Colt of the Year) winning the City of London final was a pretty special moment for the whole team, as well.”
When it came to being the runner-up for Canada's 2019 Caretaker of the Year at the O'Brien Awards, Guse stated, “I don’t think I’ll ever forget that phone call. I just burst into tears. All I know is horses and I’ve worked so hard to get to where I’m at now. It was such an overwhelming feeling, and, at the same time, a feeling of accomplishment. There are so many amazing caretakers in this business that it was honestly just an honour to be noticed!”
Western Fair's annual awards banquet took place a few weeks following the O’Briens, and Amber was again recognized as a caretaker of the year nominee. “Being my second time to be recognized for this award was truly an honour," she said. "I was up against some wonderful caretakers that also put so much time and work into their horses. It was a great feeling to be a nominee!”
When it comes to the current happenings at the Bossence barn, Guse explained that, “We have two babies in training currently. Publicity Seeker is going amazing. He has a great attitude and is loving his work thus far. We’re really excited to see what he grows into. We also have a gorgeous red filly, Royal Gossip, that has had a little time off due to being a big, growthy filly. She’s just starting back again, and so far is looking pretty good out there. And, finally, our racehorses are pretty much good to go. We just need some races for them.”
In terms of this current downtime from racing, Guse stated, “There’s no such thing as downtime in my world. I have three children: Emma (13), Brody (10) and Adelynn (4). Life can sometimes get crazy busy between working, racing and then raising a family. Thus far, I think I’ve done a pretty great job juggling it all. I have some pretty talented, smart and caring kids, along with some happy horses. Life is good!”
(Shannon 'Sugar' Doyle for The Raceway at Western Fair District)