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“I really can’t imagine a life without horse racing.”
in his honor, the Steve Prather Stakes (R), is contested annually during the Zia Park fall meet in Hobbs. Susie has three sons, Russell Pickerell, Kevin Pickerell, and Jarod Pickerell, and one grandson, Jacob, 5.
“I married into the racing industry,”
Susie says. “Steve was heavily involved and was for most of his life with his dad, Dink. After his dad passed away, he continued his involvement in the industry with his mother, Bessie. When Steve passed away in May 2017, I decided to continue running the farm.” Susie is a 1984 graduate of Eunice
There are many issues facing the rise and fall of our breeding industry as a whole, but the number one issue and a cause for much
of the decline in interest is the issues we face
at our state’s racetracks, such as the cut in
race dates. I don’t think that we as owners have much support from our state racing commission, and as a result people lose interest in breeding and raising racehorses.
What were the primary motivating factors behind your decision to run for a board position?
How do you feel about the prospect of New Mexico’s tracks going to split meets; that is, operating separate meets for Thoroughbreds and Quarter Horses?
In a lot of ways, I think split meets would be a good thing. But a lot of people race and train both Thoroughbreds and Quarter Horses, and split meets would be difficult for them.
What is it that you like most about the horse racing industry? What changes, if any, would you like to see made?
There is just nothing like watching a
High School in southeastern New Mexico. She recently visited with our magazine
for an interview.
What do you think are the major issues regarding New Mexico racing that the board should be most concerned about this year?
One major issue is the drop in the number of foals bred in our state. We’ve got to find ways to interest the younger generation in our business. If we don’t get them on board and involved in our breeding program in New Mexico, it will soon be history.
I felt that, with my position as a farm owner and operator and breeder, I owed it to my customers to serve as their voice and to do what I could for the association.
Are you generally optimistic about the future of racing in New Mexico?
Yes, I am generally optimistic. We have a great breed program, one of the best in the country. For years, we have welcomed many people from out of state to be part of our program. We need to continue to keep them interested.
horse run; there’s the crowd, and there’s the excitement from everyone involved. Horses are a passion of mine. I’ve loved horses since I was born. I really can’t imagine a life without horse racing.
As far as changes, we have a really good breeding program, and I really feel like it needs to be left alone. We’ve had some changes made in the past that have helped some people but hurt others, especially breeding farms.
We race both Quarter Horses and Thoroughbreds here in New Mexico. Do you have a preference for one breed over another, and if so, why?
My preference is for Thoroughbreds because I raise them, but I also love Quarter Horses. The horse I ride is a Quarter Horse, and I love watching Quarter Horses race
as well.
Doubletree Farm stands Rule By Night, a multiple stakes winning Malibu Moon stallion. Stakes winner Comfort stands at Doubletree Farm.
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