“As an exercise rider, there are many horses that have shaped and changed my life. I was first introduced to thoroughbreds when my parents bought me an off the track racehorse for one dollar when I was 12. I attended the Caledon pony club with "Wee George" and competed in many three-day events. I even taught him to bow down on one knee.
Many years later, I began exercising racehorses as a career. I have had the privilege of riding many great thoroughbreds and multiple stake winners. One that changed my life the most was a horse named Rocket Warning that I had the opportunity to own with my boyfriend and trainer, Ramon Dominguez Jr.
Rocket proved to be one of the most challenging and quirky horses that I have ever galloped or known. After a lot of hard work and patience, Rocket finally won a race at 25-1 odds. It was only a $12,500 claimer, but it was one of the most rewarding wins of my career and helped me to realize that I would like to become a trainer one day.
My fondest memory of Rocket outside the racetrack was after he was retired and started on full day and night turnout. I took Rocket out of the paddock and he was grazing on the nice long grass when suddenly he decided to lie down and take a nap. I guess he was just taking advantage of being away from the paddock bullies. It was nice to see him so relaxed and content after what a nervous, anxious horse he was at the track.
Rocket has since been adopted by my great friend, Kara, who also houses my riding horse, Stoney. We take the horses out together for long hacks in the fields and it is wonderful being able to watch Rocket loving and excelling in his new life.”
By Briar Perkins, for Ontario Racing
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