(PHOTO - BODEGA was a sassy grey mare who had a mind of her own but was an important horse in the life of Stephanie Keeble)
The horse who changed my life
Stephanie Keeble had a memorable first season as a trainer at Ajax Downs in 2015 with 29 victories, second only to Renee Wilson on the year-end list. Certainly those winners have a special place in Keeble’s heart but two equine friends from her younger years guided Keeble to the winner’s circle.
“I would say that the horses I had growing up changed my life more so than any of the racehorses I've trained to date as those were the horses that gave me the foundation for dealing with the racehorses,” said Keeble.
The Bentley was an experienced eventing horse but one who also made sure Keeble learned as she rode. The pair went to the North American Young Riders Championships and Keeble gained valuable exposure riding at the Preliminary and Intermediate levels.
“I was lucky that he was a "been there, done that" kind of a horse but he still wouldn't let me get away with just sitting there. He was also an older horse, so he taught me a lot about caring for legs and fitness and maintaining soundness - all things I use on a daily basis with the racehorses.”
While The Bentley was a reliable first ride, Bodega, the first horse Keeble ever owned, was more complex.
“She was an incredible jumper but had an attitude!,” said Keeble. “It was a big learning curve trying to sort out how to deal with a mare's personality; I quickly realized that you don't ever "tell" a mare to do anything, you ask her politely.”
Keeble took Bodega to accomplished eventer and coach Jason Pascoe (also a successful trainer at Ajax Downs) to work on habits such as rearing and rushing jumps.
“It was Jason's patience and guidance that helped me work through all of that. She really taught me a lot about being a quiet rider and building a relationship with horses”.
Bodega’s personality, in fact, is what Keeble looks for her in her filly-racehorses now.
“After having a horse like her, I have so much more respect for mares. My favourite type of racehorse is a tough, gritty filly who gives you everything she has and I don't think I would have had that understanding if it weren't for Bodega.”
When you see Keeble in the winner's circle at Ajax Downs this season it was The Bentley and Bodega who helped put her there.
(PHOTO - THE BENTLEY and Stephanie Keeble)
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