Page 159 - Speedhorse, February 2019

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“Git ‘Er Done” Kind of Gal
Susan Taylor’s Road to Racing
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You’ve heard it said: You can be anything you put your mind to. Invariably, though, achieving
your goal involves a bit more than just a mental attitude — things like dedication, determination, passion and hard work. And a little bit of luck doesn’t hurt, either.
Susan Taylor embodies all those qualities and more. “She’s priceless as an assistant,“ says trainer John Stinebaugh, for whom Susan has worked for the last couple years. “She wants to get stuff done. She’s a hard worker and a super-good horseman. It doesn’t matter what I need, whether it’s paperwork or dealing with clients or the horses, she can do it all. She’s the best.”
But aside from all her admirable personal qualities, it’s her inborn love for the horse that drives her. “If she’s on the back of a horse, she’s a happy gal,” John says.
And her happiness spills over to those around her. “She can go into any barn and smile,” says her long-time companion, racetrack farrier Denny Bowen. “She’s just got this bubbly personality. Everybody could be down but once she gets there, she changes the whole morning for them.”
Susan with long time racetrack farrier Denny Bowen (left) and her father Jack Smith (right).
SPEEDHORSE, February 2019 155