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family. It didn’t matter what type of race my father’s horses were running in, it was a great way for all of us to be involved in something “together.” It didn’t matter if we were in a maiden, claiming, or stakes race, we were there and enjoyed every victory and defeat. Time spent at Los Alamitos and Hollywood Park in the early days created memories for me that will last a lifetime.
SH: How did both of you make the transition from city girls to accomplished horsewomen?
Dawn: As the years went on, Dad ended up buying the ranch. Eventually Rhonda moved out there to handle the office and I naturally tagged along a few years later, which our Dad said would never work. “You two girls won’t be able to work together,” were his exact words, and there were times when we didn’t. We butted heads often in the beginning and had a few knock down, drag out fights. But, eventually we found our groove and have figured out how to work as a team.
Rhonda: We got involved in all aspects of the industry. My mother, sister, and I were members of an organization called “Women Behind Racing.” It was a great group of women. We had luncheons, parties, fashion shows, and even had a cookbook printed with contributions by each of us to support the horse racing industry in California. That cookbook remains in my kitchen today and is one of my favorites.
SH: Your father’s death in 1996 could have spelled the end of Double Bar S Ranch. How did you carry on and move forward?
Dawn: After we lost Dad to cancer in 1996, Rhonda and I were on our own and it was
scary. We had to learn how to fly and needed to do it quickly, and we needed to do it together as a team. We made a lot of mistakes along the way but we learned from them. I love my sister, she’s my best friend, my neighbor, my partner, she has my back always and I would be lost without her. I’m proud to say we proved our dad wrong, we CAN work together and we can succeed together! I think we compliment each other— Rhonda is sweet, kind-hearted and smart as a whip, while I, on the other hand, will tell you how it is whether you like it or not. Our mom has always been so supportive of the both of us and stood behind us all the way. We couldn’t have done it without her!
SH: What is the biggest lesson you learned from your father about horse racing?
Dawn: Quitters never win and winners never quit! It’s pretty simple, really, but he said that to us often.
Rhonda: Conformation...conformation... conformation! I remember leaning over the brick wall with him at my very first yearling sale at Heritage Place. We were looking at a, shall I say, not very correct individual and he said, “Some can run without it but most need it, stick with the odds.”
SH: What are some of the positive things you see happening in the industry today?
Rhonda: We are personally invested in this industry, and just like the stock market, we have fluctuation. Yearling sale averages were
up last year and that is a good indicator of things to come. I was pleased with the changes in Clenbuterol regulations that were made at Los Alamitos last fall, and am glad to see other states following suit. New clenbuterol rules like that make it so everyone is on an even playing field. It is a step in the right direction.
Dawn: Dr. Allred did a good thing. He sent a huge message, and we stand behind him 100%.
SH: What are some of the issues you think need addressed in the future?
Dawn: Vet costs, vet costs, vet costs!!!! Need I say more? Probably not, but I will. They are our biggest expense at the end of the month. Yes, every horse needs vet care when at the track getting ready to race, but the costs are just enormous and can eat your profit in a heartbeat.
Rhonda: Let’s face it, not every Quarter Horse is able to perform at an allowance or stakes
level. That seems to be the only level where any money can be made. We need to have increased purses for lower level claiming races and even straight maiden races. There are so many people who love the sport of Quarter Horse racing but simply cannot participate anymore because it’s not profitable. Everything in our industry costs more today, whether it’s day rates, veterinarian costs, shoeing, etc. How can we expect people
to stay in the business without increasing purses?
SH: How are you helping the Quarter Horse racing industry prepare for the future?
Dawn: By getting the next generation ready! We have two kids—my son Carter and Rhonda’s daughter Madiaon—who love Quarter Horse racing. Both of them have a mare, and both bred and sold their first yearlings last year in their own names. That’s pretty special to us.
Rhonda: I was a board member at Pacific Coast Quarter Horse Racing Association (PCQHRA) for one term. PCQHRA is in the midst of revamping its Cal-Bred program and
I have made some suggestions that I hope will prove helpful to improving the program in the future. I currently am serving on the AQHA Racing Committee. This is new to me, but I am looking forward to learning more and being involved at this level.
SPEEDHORSE, May 11, 2012 27
Speedhorse Files
Jens List (left) with longtime friend Russ Lovingier at the 1996 Pacific Coast Sale.