As I pulled out of the Kentucky Horse Park last October after another successful Thoroughbred Makeover – ending in third place with Prince Loki in eventing – I looked over at my husband and swore I was going to take 2025 off. But as we all know, with horses that is rarely ever the case. I had no idea the phone call I would receive in a month would completely change my mind.

My love of Thoroughbreds began the way many of ours did — when it came time for my first horse, it was simply what my father could afford. However, I don’t think anyone could have predicted then how much that gangly 3-year-old, just two weeks off the track, would foster my love for the breed, and ultimately shape my future career. Sure, I’ve tried a few “grown-up” jobs here and there, but I always came back to the horses.