As 2026 National Caretaker Appreciation Day events -- presented by Standardbred Canada in collaboration with racetracks, associations and industry partners -- get underway, Standardbred Canada's Faces of Racing series once again shines a spotlight on some of the people who dedicate their days to caring for the horses at the heart of our sport.
For James Johnston, a career with Standardbreds began somewhat unexpectedly.
“I first got involved through the University of Guelph Ridgetown Campus in Clinton as I was attending their Performance Horse Handlers Certificate program and part of the course is a four-week co-op placement," said Johnston. "I did mine with a local harness racing trainer, Pat Bissett.”
Seven years later, that first experience has grown into a passion and a career built around the horses. The placement introduced Johnston to a side of the horse industry that had intrigued him long before he began working in it.
“Watching the caretakers and drivers handle the horses always fascinated me when I was growing up. I knew one day I wanted to be a part of it.”
That opportunity with Bissett ultimately became much more than a school placement. Johnston has now spent seven years working with Standardbreds and credits Bissett as the biggest influence on his career.
Today, Johnston remains part of the Bissett stable, where his mornings begin long before most people are awake.
A typical day starts around 4 a.m. with breakfast for the horses and some turnout time before the work of cleaning stalls and readying horses to jog and train begins. Once jogging is finished, the horses are put away before lunch is fed, water is topped up and hay is set out. Johnston then returns to the barn at supper time for feeding duties.
It is a demanding routine, as horsepeople well know, but for Johnston, the reward is found in the horses themselves.
“What keeps me motivated to come back every morning is knowing that I'm helping the horses live a fulfilling life.”
That responsibility also means understanding that there is no single formula for caring for a horse.
“I would say the most challenging part is keeping in mind that every horse is different and comes with its own set of challenges and what works with one might not work with another.”
For Johnston, learning those differences is one of the most enjoyable parts of the job.
“My favourite part of caring for horses is getting to learn different and unique ways to give them the best care.”
Building that relationship starts with patience and consistency. Johnston believes one of the most important things a caretaker can do is remain calm.
“I build trust by remembering to keep a level head and not to overreact.”
Johnston demonstrating his craft with Mels Legacy.
That approach has served him well throughout his career, including with one horse who holds a particularly special place in his memories.
Howmac Sabrina left an impression on Johnston that went beyond the racetrack. She had a habit of announcing her glee whenever he entered the barn.
“She would always call out when I walked into the barn no matter what time of day it was. Didn't do it for anyone else. Pat would always say he knew I was in the barn when he heard her call out.”
One of Johnston's most memorable moments was with Sabrina on Feb. 18, 2020, at The Raceway at Western Fair District, when she won the first race of the night. It was significant for another reason, too: it was the first time Johnston had paddocked a horse on his own.
For a caretaker, those moments are difficult to measure in wins and losses. Johnston says his proudest moments are when a horse goes out and gives everything they have.
“I hope they give all they've got and finish with the group.”
Over the years, Johnston has also found a community willing to help him learn and grow. He credits everyone at Clinton Raceway who has helped him along the way, as well as his family for always encouraging him to follow his passion.
For anyone considering a career as a caretaker, Johnston's advice is simple: give it a try, keep an open mind and be prepared to learn.
“It's a rewarding experience and there's so much you can learn.”
After seven years in the barn, Johnston has learned that patience matters, every horse is different and the work done behind the scenes can make a meaningful difference in the lives of the horses.
That, ultimately, is what he hopes people understand about the caretakers who he says carry the heaviest workload in harness racing.
“All the work that we do we do for the betterment of the horses.”
For Johnston, the work starts at 4 a.m. and revolves around a simple purpose: giving the horses in his care the best life possible. It is a commitment shared by caretakers across the world and one worth recognizing during National Caretaker Appreciation Day.
The 2026 National Caretaker Appreciation Day celebrations are now underway from coast-to-coast. Dresden Raceway hosted the first NCAD event on its closing day, Monday, Aug. 3.
Clinton Raceway will host the next NCAD event on Sunday, Aug. 16, where fans will have the opportunity to celebrate the caretakers who make racing possible and catch Johnston in action at his home track.
To find out when National Caretaker Appreciation Day is coming to a racetrack near you, visit the National Caretaker Appreciation Day event page for the latest event information and updates.
(Standardbred Canada Press Release)