Page 19 - New Mexico Horse Breeder Spring 2018

: What were the primary motivating factors behind your decision to run
for a position on the board of trustees? Mindy McArthur: The main factor was
my strong desire to have a positive impact on the industry as a whole. I would like to see the New Mexico racing industry grow and flourish while incorporating new technologies that will enhance our product.
NMHBA Magazine: What do you think are the major issues regarding New Mexico racing that the board should be most concerned about this year?
Mindy McArthur: My main concern has been the same for the last 10 years. I’ve seen great horsemen who have dedicated their lives to this sport exit the industry for the simple fact that they cannot compete anymore. The industry must be on the same page with the testing standards, and there must be uniformity between the testing centers.
NMHBA Magazine: Are you generally optimistic about the future of racing in New Mexico?
Mindy McArthur: I’m absolutely optimistic about the future of New Mexico racing. I’m excited about building a business here that I can be proud of that’s centered around my love for horses and having respect for my fellow horsemen.
NMHBA Magazine: During the last few years, there has been talk about New Mexico tracks conducting split race meets, as tracks in Oklahoma, Louisiana, and Iowa do. What is your feeling about this?
Mindy McArthur: In my opinion, we basically run split meets now because racetracks have all-Thoroughbred race days and all- Quarter Horse race days. However, I do not think that tracks should be able to exclude an entire breed from their race cards. The New Mexico horsemen have always worked together toward a common goal, and that gives them strength to grow their combined product. New Mexico racing brings the best of both worlds to the betting public.
NMHBA Magazine: What is it that you like most about the horse racing industry, and what changes, if any, would you like to see made?
Mindy McArthur: I love the feeling that we are all part of something bigger and that we are a family. The horse racing industry affords us the opportunity to form lifetime bonds and a feeling of unity with one another.
NMHBA Magazine: What changes, if any, would you like to see made to the New Mexico breeding program?
Mindy McArthur: We have one of the best breed incentive programs in the nation, and my
NMHBA Magazine
goal is for people to be excited about investing in the future of New Mexico racing. For this goal to become a reality, we need to work harder as a group to promote a higher level of integrity in our product.
NMHBA Magazine: We race both Quarter Horses and Thoroughbreds here in New Mexico. Do you have a preference for one breed over another?
Mindy McArthur: I breed, own, and race a balanced stable of both Quarter Horses and Thoroughbreds. I love the uniqueness of both breeds.
“I love the feeling
that we are all part of something bigger and that we are a family. The horse racing industry affords us the opportunity to form lifetime bonds and a feeling of unity with one another.”
SPRING 2018 17
Laura Joiner and Mindy McArthur received the 2017 Racing Council Special Recognition Award for their efforts of the Sam Thompson Memorial Foundation.
M
y dy
M
M
i
i
in
n
nd
d
M
y
M
Mc
c
c
A
A
Ar
r
r
t
t
t
u
h
a
h
h
r
u
u
a
r
r
n
a
n
nd
d
d
f
f
f
a
a at
m mes
t
t
h
h
J
he
a
e
r
r
J
Ja
a
Mindy and Donna McArthur at the Brazilian Futurity.
Mindy McArthur, Vanessa Alexander, Lori Alexander, James McArthur & Pauline.