Page 101 - June 2018 Speedhorse

Q: What is your favorite movie, and why?
A: For my eighth birthday, I was given the movie “Seabiscuit.” Like many other younger riders, it sparked my desire to become a jockey. When I found out that Gary Stevens was from Idaho as well, it gave me a lot of hope that I had a chance to accomplish my goals.
Q: What’s an interesting fact about your family (parents, grandparents, siblings, ancestors, etc.)
A: I have a split family. There’s my mom, Joanna, and my stepdad, Tello. Then I have my dad, Clint. I have four siblings: two brothers and two sisters. I am the second oldest. Until
I started racing, no one in my family was involved in this business.
Q: Do you have a nickname and,
if so, what is it and how did it
come about?
A: My nickname depends on where I am and
who the people are. Back home, the only time I hear my real name is during post parade because everyone just calls me “midget” or “Smurf.” People call me “midget” because of how small I am. When people started calling me Smurf, I decided to at least make it true and I dressed as a Smurf for Halloween. Here at Remington, most people call me “itty bitty” and I’ve grown fond of it.
Q: What is the strangest personality quirk you have ever seen in a horse? A: I’ve been around a lot of horses and I’ve learned that each one is different, though there are two individuals that share one little quirk I think is quite funny. Before starting his exercise, Generations (a 9-year-old Thoroughbred gelding) will sit at the gap of the track checking out his surroundings, collecting his thoughts; not afraid, just simply standing there and not moving. It
can take him anywhere from 10-35 minutes and nothing you do can make him go, you’ve just got to let him stand there. The other horse, Mrshakey (a 10-year-old Thoroughbred gelding), does the same thing, but he does it once he pulls up from galloping. He stops and stares for 10-15 minutes and then turns and won’t go faster than a walk all the way to the grandstand side.
Q: If you were not in the horse racing business, what job would
you like to have?
A: I can’t imagine my life without being in horse racing. I love every aspect of it. Being a jockey isn’t just a job to me, it’s a lifestyle. If you’re living the dream, do you really ever have to work? I don’t mind cleaning stalls, rubbing/wrapping legs, or feeding. I simply love being around these beautiful, powerful, fast animals and making sure they are happy and healthy. If it wasn’t horse racing, it would be something else involving horses.
Q: What is your favorite thing about living where you live?
A: Living in Idaho and being surrounded by mountains is total bliss. There’s nothing like going for a ride and crossing streams or rivers and climbing mountains, then standing at the top and looking down at the rest of the landscape or waking up early enough to watch a mountain sunrise.
Q: If you could vacation anywhere on the planet, where would it be and what would you do there?
A: I’d love to go to Rome one day and visit the Colosseum. I’ve always wanted to feel like a gladiator.
Q: Do you have a favorite quote and, if so, what is it?
A: I have two favorite quotes that I usually say to myself every day, both are from the natural horsemanship trainer Pat Parelli: “If you take the time it takes, it will take less time,” and “If you always do what you’ve always done you’ll always get the same results.”
Q: If you could sit down and visit with anyone, past or present, who would it be?
A: If I could sit down and talk with anyone it would definitely be Gary Stevens.
Q: What drink would your friends describe you as, and why?
A: If I was a drink, my friends said I’d be a “Cinnamon Toast Crunch” because I’m sweet but fiery
Nakia and Magic Moment Blues in the winner’s circle after the 2016 Bitterroot Derby at Sandy Downs.
Q: Who’s your favorite athlete of all time, and why?
A: David Beckham is my favorite athlete. I always strived to be like him when I played soccer, and I still do.
Q: If you were making a movie about yourself, who would you cast to play you, and why?
A: If I got to choose who would represent me in a movie, I would pick the Canadian actress Amber Marshall. One, because we oddly look very similar and two, she stars in my absolute favorite TV series called “Heartland,” that follows the only series of books that I read every book.
Q: What’s one thing you don’t like about Quarter Horse racing?
A: The one thing I don’t like about Quarter Horse racing is that the 2 year olds have to
be pushed so hard because the most money a Quarter Horse runs for is in their 2-year-old year. I believe this ruins a lot of talented horses.
Q: What’s one thing you like about Quarter Horse racing?
A: The thing I love about Quarter Horse racing is the adrenaline rush I get the second those gates come open and within just a
few jumps we’re going full speed absolutely flying to the finish line. Don’t get me wrong, I love riding Thoroughbreds as well, but a Quarter Horse race is what I picture
f lying must feel like.
SPEEDHORSE, June 2018 99
THE LIGHTER SIDE
Tony Harris