Debbie Fredrickson has been a groom and part of the paddock crew in Western New York for 45 years. The love for the Standardbred horses has not waned one bit during that time.
With her continued dedication and passion for the sport, Fredrickson has been named April's "Horseman Of The Month" at Buffalo Raceway.
"It's not work for me but it's the chicken soup for the soul," Fredrickson said about working with the horses on a daily basis.
The Ellicottville, New York resident can be found on the backstretch on race days grooming and paddocking for trainers like Angelo Nappo and Shawn McDonough, along with her son David McNeight III, to name a few. She deals with anywhere from three to five horses per race program and sometimes more.
"I started back in 1976 when my family got involved. Ever since then I have just loved the horses," said the 52-year-old Fredrickson.
With the weather being very fickle this season at Buffalo Raceway, Fredrickson wasn't phased by it.
"I'm an outdoors person. If you dress properly, it's not that bad. But one thing I don't like is banging the 15-gallon buckets when they freeze over. That's not fun. But it is what it is."
But what is fun for her is watching people having success at the track.
"Seeing different people winning, getting their picture taken and enjoying the horses, that's what I like," said Fredrickson.
By being named the April 'Horseman Of The Month," Fredrickson will receive a gift certificate from the Lakeshore Cafe located at 3255 Lake Shore Drive in Blasdell, New York.
(Buffalo Raceway)