Leading up to the 2022 edition of National Caretaker Appreciation Day events taking place the week of August 29 – September 4, Standardbred Canada will profile caretakers from across the country in our Faces of Racing series. The series begins with a profile on Kayla Hendry of Guelph, Ont., employed by trainer Victor Puddy.
Kayla Hendry’s introduction into the world of harness racing originated with her family; Jody McGilveary and Ernie Hendry. From the moment she was born, Kayla was surrounded by Standardbreds. Six to seven years ago, Kayla decided to make it a full-time career and currently works as a caretaker at Mane Street Stables and is responsible for caring for eight horses.
Although Kayla’s introduction to Standardbreds began with her family, some major influences and role models include Victor Puddy, Julie and Andy Miller, Rick Zeron, and Dave Menary. It’s a beautiful thing to not only love what you do but to love who you do it with. “I currently work for Victor Puddy and I am very thankful for him and all that he’s done and taught me; he’s like family.”
With any line of work there comes challenges, but all and any obstacles are beyond worth it for Kayla when she gets to see a horse that she cared for cross the finish line. Kayla describes it to be the best feeling; “the rush, the excitement, and all of your hard work paying off is truly the best.”
The first step in Kayla’s routine at the barn begins with greeting the horses in the morning and turning all the horses out in the paddock. She then moves on to completing routine tasks such as cleaning stalls and doing water buckets. The fun then begins when Kayla starts to jog each horse and gets to spend one-on-one quality time with each of them. After all the horses have been jogged, Kayla moves on to feeding and topping off the water.
When you are passionate about what you do and who you do it with, it is very difficult to narrow down your favourite aspect, or in Kayla’s case, narrowing down her favourite horse.
“I don’t have just one favourite horse, I tend to fall in love with all of them.”
Although it is a challenge for her to pick her best experience working as a caretaker, a memorable moment for Kayla was when her very own horse, Rough Trade, got her first training win. Another notable horse for Kayla is Legion Seelster, for whom she has a soft spot. “He gets away with murder when it comes to me.”
On top of Rough Trade and Legion Seelster (pictured with Kayla below), other favourites for Kayla are Shamballa, Venerate, Shadow Margeaux, and truthfully any other horse in her care.
After years of experience in the harness racing industry, a bucket-list item for Kayla would be to see a horse that she grooms to participate in Atlantic Canada’s biggest race, the Gold Cup and Saucer.
“I have recently got to witness Prince Edward Island’s Old Home Week, and if you haven’t been before, it’s a MUST. One year I’d love to see one of the horses that I take care of go out and get Victor and his owners a win there.”
When describing the type of qualities that one must possess when working in the harness racing industry, Kayla stated that it’s pride. “You have to love it to do it.”
A caretaker is one who continuously puts the horse's needs above their own. When asked about her thoughts on National Caretaker Appreciation Day, Kayla expressed her gratitude for the recognition that she and the other caretakers are receiving; “I love it. I think it’s a great idea. I truly believe that caretakers don’t get as much appreciation as they should.”
Join in celebrating National Caretaker Appreciation Day at one of the 11 participating racetracks. and give thanks to our caretakers.