Racetracks kick up a potent energy, a palpable vibration of excitement, and an inaudible buzz and hum. This intensity reverberates through all within proximity of the action, from the spectators to the crew of devoted humans preparing the elite Thoroughbred athletes, which have brought them all together. Before they approach their post, energy must be reserved. Consumed by the thrill of an impending run, when Thoroughbred athletes approach the track, they may dance, turn, or even attempt a head-start with a bolt. Horses accustomed to the racetrack are chomping at the-bit to run because they love it, and they know it’s their job. Their riders must put them at ease, and many admit to doing so by singing, playing soft music, and audibly humming.

Zac Cadogan, Shyla Morin, Tanis Johnson, and Eva Fisher are the four newest graduates of the Racetrack Program, Exercise Rider, offered at Olds College of Agriculture and Technology. Each of these inspiring young adults has determination as they approach the starting gate of a career and future of possibility and opportunity. Getting here, however, required dedication and hard work. 

From this point forward, the trajectory for Flying Horse Farms set on the path it is best known for today, an award-winning Thoroughbred racing and breeding farm. It met its peak in horses in the 1990’s, standing several stallions at that time – including Maudlin and Dixieland Brass – resulting in well over one hundred visiting mares. Lois says, “Years ago, we stopped counting our stakes winners when they surpassed forty. It has been said that Flying Horse Farms has known over sixty stakes winners, but we would have to revisit that count to be certain.” Their most recent success was due to acquiring Sungold, a stallion by A.P. Indy who was part of a dispersal of 22 horses.

In the morning, on a typical workday, you’ll hear a lot of singing and humming in the paddock and on the track,” is said in unison from across a long table at Century Downs Racetrack & Casino.

The toolbox of an exercise rider is vast and diverse. Working with Thoroughbreds competing on the racetrack requires comprehensive technical training, conditioning, and a professional certification. Although an advanced education equips them with the knowledge and skill to optimally care for each horse they work with, they’re also encouraged to think outside of the box. Emphasis is placed on learning each of the horse’s personalities and figuring out the best way to train them and make them happy. 

A popular mantra within the racetrack paddocks is ‘happy horses run better’. If the horses aren’t happy, their crew of devoted humans will find a way to make it so. To ensure racehorses aren’t off the pace, each horse is treated as a unique individual, and the humans will tailor daily life to ensure each horse enjoys what they’re doing. 

“Horses can’t be ‘forced’ to race. Realistically, you can’t ‘force’ a horse to do anything,” says Julie Brewster, Program Director for the Olds College Groom and Racetrack Exerciser programs. “When the horses are happy and have the intention and passion to race, they will do it because they want to.” When asked about the four graduates from the 2024 program, she exudes pride and sees them all embarking on paths that will soon have them in the money. 

2024

Racetrack Exerciser Graduates

Zac Cadogan 

Zac is nineteen years old and from Sargeant’s Village in Barbados. When Zac was young, his dad took him to the one and only racetrack on the island of Barbados to watch horse racing. This initiated an inclination to work with horses. At thirteen years old, Zac took on his first project and trained a young mule, the only equine from the family farm he was permitted to work with at that time. His father bred and trained Thoroughbreds. Once Zac’s mule was trained, his father brought him to one of the families Thoroughbred horses and said, “Get on and go, ride and exercise them.” And Zak did, continuing to perfect his riding skills for six years before landing in Olds, Alberta, to take it on professionally and become certified as an exercise rider. Aside from his education with horses, Zac utilizes bonding techniques by singing and humming. Now graduated, he will travel back to Barbados and train to be a jockey at the one racetrack where his journey first began. 

Tanis Johnson

Tanis is twenty years old and from Cherry Point, Alberta. Her first time on a horse was at the age of four. She began with Western Riding and, at age ten, moved into driving and English disciplines. Tanis had a five-star Quarter Horse that could do anything, prompting her to enter as many equine events as possible. She also trained horses in high school. Tanis recalls wanting to always work with horses and feels that a career as an exercise rider feeds this passion. She places importance on keeping her hands soft while riding. Connecting with a horse and listening to what it’s asking for to create a balance of what the horse and rider need. Sometimes Tanis pauses when riding, leaving the reins slack, so she and the horse can look around at the sunrise together. Now graduated, Tanis will spend her winter in Phoenix, Arizona, at Turf Paradise. Ultimately, her goal is to become a jockey. 

Shyla Morin

Shyla is twenty-three years old and from Valleyview, Alberta. Most of her family has competed in the rodeo circuit and started her with horses around 4 years old. In time, she entered barrel racing, pole bending, junior high rodeo, jackpots, and reining. Shyla has always wanted a career with horses. She gained much work experience within several barns and assisted many trainers. Shyla has spent much time training horses, mainly Quarter Horses, that came from auction. Prior to the Exercise Rider program, she worked as a groom. Shyla says she is always connecting with the horses by talking to them. When their workday is done, she allots twenty minutes of cuddle time per horse. Shyla sees the importance of working with a horse’s unique personality. She is yet to make post-graduation plans for winter, but she will return to the Alberta racetracks in spring. 

Eva Fischer 

Eva is nineteen years old and from Vancouver Island, British Columbia. Her journey with horses began at summer camp when she was eight years old. By age ten, she was taking English riding lessons and evolved into jumping and dressage. For five years, she worked at the barn to trade sweat equity for these lessons. This barn gave Eva the opportunity to ride Thoroughbreds off the track, and she loved it. She has always wanted a career with horses and found the Exercise Rider program to be a great fit. Eva sees the importance of always petting the horses and offering positive reinforcement and assurances. After graduation, Eva will spend the winter in Phoenix, Arizona, at Turf Paradise. 

The Olds College program Racetrack Exerciser is a front-runner in the industry. It is one-of-a-kind and the only of its calibre offered within North America. Applicants of the program must have previous riding experience within any discipline. Watch for our detailed and informative series of this certification in 2025. Learn more by visiting: www.oldscollege.ca

Zac, Tanis, Eva, and Shyla all confirmed they become attached to the horses they spend each day with. “We even kiss all of the horses,” the four students say. At the end of a season, it’s difficult for them to say goodbye. However, it is fulfilling for these students to watch the horses progress and transition from a season’s beginning to end. Duties of an Exercise Rider Reach beyond the track. Doors for the barns typically open at 5:00am, and once the overhead lights are illuminated, the horses initiate their own chorus of songs and tunes by erupting into harmonious whinnies and nickers. For the horses, once the humans arrive, it’s time for a new day of adventures. For the humans, it’s a day packed with catering to each of the horses needs.

PHOTOGRAPHY BY CHRIS TIAN

Article by Amber Zierath

About Amber

Amber is a Calgary-based, equine-focused writer and the author of the best-selling fiction novel Horse Karma. When she isn’t writing, you’ll find her with the horses; riding bareback in the mountains or spending time with the 60 geldings that inspire her. Learn more at: www.amberzierath.com.