BY TAMMY A. GANTT

OCALA, FL—Winter Hursh joined the Florida Thoroughbred Breeders’ and Owners’ Association for a spring internship in the membership and events department in April. She focused on research such as Kentucky Derby entrants trained in Florida, Florida Sire Stakes historical statistics, Tampa Bay Downs’ 100th anniversary book and exhibition documents and photos and stallion roster data. 

She also served as staff at the FTBOA booth at the Ocala Breeders’ Sales and photographed the OBS sales grounds. Because of her vast knowledge of people and horses in the industry, she spent time filing historical photos and identifying photos of stallions and racehorses.

“I learned so many different things, but my absolute favorite was how much I love researching different races and the past winners. I love seeing how different races are connected by past champions,” Hursh said.

A highlight of the internship was meeting Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, who attended to the April Ocala Breeders’ Sales. 

“He asked me how I learned about horse racing and what I loved about it,” Hursh said. “I told him I loved the horses and learning about what makes a champion. I told him I got interested in horse racing back in 2007. The first big horse I remember watching was Rachel Alexandra. One of my earliest favorite stallions was Florida-bred Holy Bull.

“He also asked me about my college experience. Talking to the state’s governor was a neat experience and one that I will never forget,” Hursh said.

Hursh is a student at the College of Central Florida in equine studies. Hursh’s hobbies include studying pedigrees, researching stallions, and collecting and selling Breyer horses as a side business. Her racing stable is Strike for Freedom Stables. She plans to continue towards her Associate degree in agriculture and will add a certification in livestock management and horticulture.  

 Her goal upon graduation is to pursue an equine career. 

“I want to breed racehorses, but I want to do that as a side passion project. I have a lot of added interests since doing my internship. I realized I like equine photography and am learning some more about that,” Hursh said.

Return to the May 28 issue of Wire to Wire