Caretaker Spotlight: Jody McGilveary

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Published: May 20, 2018 12:04 pm EDT

We all have those friends and co-workers who are your typical rise-and-shine morning people, but Jody McGilveary might own the crown!

This wonderful quality has brought so many laughs, positivity, and emotional healing to everyone she crosses paths with. Jody, currently employed by the Steacy Racing Stable, has been extremely dedicated to her horses as well as a major team player.

“Jody is always the first to help someone out,” said Shawn Steacy. “She is fantastic with the horses, staff and owners, very reliable and fun to be around. When someone is in the barn that cares about the well-being of the horses in the stable, they are extremely valuable. We are very lucky to have her here with us.”

Jody is also the first one her co-workers turn to for support of any kind.

Ben Hollingsworth may have just said it best: “Jody is a great caretaker but an even better person. The barn lights up when she walks in. She’s always willing to give a hand or a helpful tip in how best to solve a problem on a horse. She is dedicated and cheerful; she is one of my favourite people I have ever worked with”.

Like many people in the harness racing industry, Jody was brought into the business by her loving parents, Lyle and Sue, along with her brother Chris. The apple surely did not fall far from this tree, as the resemblances between Jody and her dad are remarkable and are evident when it comes to the care and love for the horses. Because Jody was her father’s “little lady”, she was taught many of the early lessons from afar to avoid the horses being too rough or dangerous around his princess.

This only lasted so long, until Jody became hands-on herself, working through the long days and the late evenings. The love of the horses was clearly in her blood, and she was beginning her journey in becoming a talented horsewoman. Lyle’s approach to dedication and hard work is forever in Jody’s heart, as she recalls her father telling her, “My job is never done; I just stop for the day.” Lyle, who worked for the well-respected Stanley Dancer, continued to teach Jody remedies to healing and training the horses daily. Some may call this old-school, but to others it’s the only way to be — no exceptions. Jody believes in the role as a caretaker to be her profession and her responsibility, and she takes full accountability.

“Every day when I arrive at Steacy’s barn, I hear her infectious laugh that brightens the spirits of the entire barn,” said Dr. John Hennessey. “Jody makes the barn atmosphere so much better.”

Jody ventured out to work for the Robert McIntosh stable in Windsor. During nine years there she had independently grown, enjoyed working with stakes horses, and decided to make the move towards Mohawk. There, she began working at the Benoit Baillargeon Stable, where she accredits her knowledge of the care of trotters, beginning with the very statement “No foot, no horse”. Jody soon found herself earning responsibilities from Ben, and cannot thank him enough for the time he had spent with her teaching her his techniques and ways of doing things.

“He knows what works,” said Jody, and she is the first to admit that she had learned the most of her trade secrets to how to keep a horse healthy and sound working for Ben. Jody put in her time, and was granted the trust from Ben to ship, race, and even warm up the horses. This was earned, and to Jody, having the respect from someone you admire is the greatest gift of all.

“She is the best, no one beats her,” said Baillargeon. “Horses first, and she is always fun to be around.”

Working as a veterinary assistant alongside of Dr. Elizabeth Shiland, Jody brought forth her organizational skills as well and continued her education towards the care and treatment of the horses.

“Jody is dedicated to the business of horse racing, with a keen interest in both the racing and the veterinary aspect, always working with a smile and firmly believes in treating others with respect,” said Shiland. “She worked for me for three years as a veterinary technician through wind, rain, and snow, and was an absolute pleasure to work with every day. She brings the perfect balance of enthusiasm, horsemanship and kindness.”

McGilveary lives with her fiancé Jamie Litt, who also works at the Steacy stable.

“He’s the one person who changed my life,” said McGilveary. “He is my rock, my soulmate and best friend. We work great together; I am so very lucky to have him with me.”

Jody’s daughter Kayla has also found the joy and love for the horses.

“I am so very proud of Kayla,” continued McGilveary. She works so hard and loves with her whole heart. She is my world. We are two of a kind. I have always wanted the very best for her; I have made each and every decision putting her first in everything I do,”

Kayla is working towards a future as a personal support worker.

“I keep telling her, you need a good foundation, something to fall back on. I have encouraged her to complete school, so she doesn’t have to struggle like my parents did. She is so smart; I only want what is best for her. I am so very proud”.

For now, Jody loves being a part of not only the Steacy racing team, but also a part of the Steacy family.

“I love working here; they treat me like I am family,” McGilveary said. “I feel as though I am appreciated, and my thoughts and opinions matter. You couldn’t find nicer people. Here, we all come from a racing background of some kind, we have all worked for other people, and we all come together here and work as a team. Mark, Kathy, Shawn and Clarke are all so great. I cannot say enough about how much they mean to me and how much I love my job.”

(submitted by Sarah Scott)

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