My race to the Kentucky Derby started when I was a toddler. Ever since I was young I loved animals, especially horses. I always dreamed of owning my own horse. When I was 10, we moved from town into the country. Now, we had the space for a horse. I just didn't have the money. I used to constantly spend my birthday and Christmas money on toys that only lasted a year or two. One day my dad told me that if I saved enough money to buy a horse he would build the fence and barn. I wanted a horse so bad that I saved and saved. I would not spend my money on anything. Finally the day came. I had saved $1000 towards getting my first horse. My horse search began. After a few months of searching I found a small but very spunky half- quarter half-Arabian horse named Ellie. When I saw her for the first time I knew she was the one. Although she had major attitude problems, I was convinced that I could break her bad habits. The long days of training lay ahead but after a year she was perfect. Becoming the owner of Ellie started the race.
 |
| Ellie |
After I had Ellie for a few years, I knew I wanted to work with horses for my career. I first considered becoming a rancher, competing in rodeos or even becoming a horse trainer. When I was 15 I really started getting interested in becoming a jockey. Every time I saw a horse race there was this sense of awe that came over me. I wanted to be out there racing the horses around the track. I knew this was my calling.
As my junior year ended and my senior year of high school began, it was time to choose a college. I knew I wanted to be a jockey, but couldn't find a college that had a jockey program. One day as I was browsing the web about how to get connections with owners and trainers to start out my jockey career, I came across the North American Racing Academy. My heart skipped a beat. Could this be true? Is there really a college that has a jockey program? After reading more about the program I sent in an application. I have made an appointment to meet with Mr. Chris McCarron, owner of The North American Racing Academy, on March 7th.
Little did I realize that my love for animals at a young age was the beginning of my quest to win the Kentucky Derby, which is now becoming a possibility. I can't wait to meet with Chris and check out his school. This is my race to the Kentucky Derby.
