Leading up to the 2023 edition of National Caretaker Appreciation Day events taking place the weeks of Aug. 29 – Sept. 14, Standardbred Canada will profile caretakers from across the country in our Faces of Racing series. This feature profiles Abby Clow.
Unsurprisingly, Abby Clow has a special place in her heart for Standardbreds. She is a fifth-generation horse farmer, born and raised in Newhaven, P.E.I, and niece to P.E.I. Sports Hall of Fame inductee Harry Poulton.
It seems Abby's work ethic resembles that of her mother's. Growing up, Deanna Clow, her greatest inspiration, raised four children, managed a stable of her own and looked after horses for others all while working a full-time job. Abby, 22 years young, is managing two careers. She works her full-time hours as a medical secretary and then spends her evenings at the barn. Her evenings include putting away horses, getting harnesses ready for racing, tidying the barn, preparing feed, and coordinating barn and paddock schedules.
When asked what the most fulfilling part of being a caretaker is, Abby replied, “Seeing what the horses can do week-in and week-out. When you know that they love what they are doing, their accomplishments become that much more special.” This was felt most when receiving her first win as an owner of her favourite horse, Hemingway.
Abby now has her sights set on training a horse to compete in a Gold Cup and Saucer.
Life as a caretaker means dedication and if there was one thing Abby wished more people knew it would be: “Love the animal if they come first or last; they’ll only try as hard as the work you put into them.”
Join us in showing our appreciation for the unsung heroes of our industry and celebrate National Caretaker Appreciation Day at one of the 2023 participating racetracks!