BY REBECCA RAMIREZ, FTBOA INTERN
Vickie Nitschke’s journey into the horse world began with simple curiosity. From a young age, she was drawn to horses through horse racing and the equestrian sports she watched on television. Although she didn’t grow up riding, that early fascination stayed with her.
As an adult, it slowly turned into hands-on experience when she began taking riding lessons and, eventually, discovered her true calling in equine therapy—a field she has been involved in for nearly a decade.
In 2018, Nitschke found herself at the Thoroughbred retirement ranch — Unbridled Spirits. That experience marked a turning point in her life and sparked a deep, lasting commitment to Thoroughbred aftercare. During that time, she began sponsoring House of Words, a retired Thoroughbred affectionately known as Howie. His rescue and rehabilitation story resonated with her on a personal level, especially after learning that his dam was Princess Rooney, the 1984 Champion Older Mare and Hall of Famer. Princess Rooney quickly became Nitschke’s favorite—not just for her success on the track, but for the legacy she left behind.
Today, Nitschke sponsors five horses at Unbridled Spirits and supports several others through additional programs and fractional ownership. She always prioritizes her horses’ care and their long-term wellbeing. Her mind is always focused on what’s best for the horse.
Closer to home, Nitschke volunteers at the Marion Therapeutic Riding Association in Ocala, Florida. As a Navy veteran, Nitschke co-facilitates equine-assisted programs for veterans with PTSD, working alongside a psychologist to create meaningful and healing experiences through horses. After retiring from the Department of Veterans Affairs following 33 years of service, Nitschke made the decision to return to school at the College of Central Florida. She is currently earning certificates in Equine Studies/Management and Equine Physiology to continue learning and strengthen the impact of her work. While she is in school, she also volunteers at the VAMC NF/SF Gainesville with chaplaincy service visiting with inpatient veterans.
Looking ahead, Vickie hopes to become more involved in the legislative and nonprofit sides of Thoroughbred aftercare. She is passionate about advocating for better funding, ethical responsibility, and lifelong accountability for horses after racing. For Nitschke, horses are more than a passion, they are a lifelong commitment. Through education, service, and advocacy, she continues working toward a future where every horse receives the care and the respect it deserves.
While Nitschke is currently an FTBOA associate member, she recently became interested in racehorse ownership attending an Ocala-based MyRaceHorse orientation and tour event held in January at local training centers and Ocala Breeders Sales.
Return to the March 4 issue of Wire to Wire
