Nick Bush: "Always Dreaming"
To make it on the big stage in the world of Thoroughbred horse racing is tough to say the least. Whether you want to train, ride, etc. it takes a lot of dedication and hard work. At times, it can seem impossible. After catching up with Nick Bush, most recently known for his incredible work riding this year’s Kentucky Derby winner Always Dreaming, he made me believe anything is possible.
His smile and positive attitude does not go unnoticed; it’s inspiring. There hasn’t been a time I’ve seen him unhappy on the track. In fact, Bush is known for his “Saratoga Smile”.
I caught up with Bush to ask him how he got into racing and what it takes to be an exercise rider. He began with telling me to “dream big.” Bush’s enthusiasm and positive energy for the sport is overflowing and contagious. He told me how he always wanted to win the Kentucky Derby, and this year he rode the Kentucky Derby winner. Dreams do come true.
Bush is a third generation horsemen; both his father and grandfather were grooms. He grew up watching the Kentucky Derby and all the big races. He recalled a blacksmith who was a former jockey that came to the farm where his father worked, to shoe the horses. He hooked Bush up with a few people to help Bush learn the ropes of exercise riding. While in high school, he rode on the weekends, and after graduating he pursued his passion full time. His favorite horse he’s ridden thus far in his career, is Liam’s Map.
His advice to aspiring riders is to “stay dedicated, be patient, and always try to get along with the horse.” He also noted having a riding background will make it much easier than having never ridden at all, it’s necessary to figure out how to get in rhythm with the horse.
Especially after Always Dreaming’s high spirited behavior before the Kentucky Derby, it became known that Bush was very skilled at handling the tougher horses. I asked him how he learned to ride the rank ones so well. He responded humbly by saying “It takes years of experience. A horse can do anything it wants at any time. You have to outsmart the horse.”
For instance, when dealing with a horse that rears, he said it’s important to stay out of their mouths, and sit as still as possible. When galloping a tough horse, he advised to keep the yoke (similar to a breast plate) as tight as you can. “It helps to keep balance and works like a seat belt. The less you move in the saddle, the better off you’ll be.”
While riding the Kentucky Derby winner is certainly glamorous, Nick’s job is not easy. He said the hardest part of the job is getting up at 4:30 and working seven days a week. He also noted the traveling can make it tough when missing family. But, the good outweighs the bad, and he said the horses make it all easier. He stated “Some people are stuck in office jobs, making good money, but they’re not happy. I can show up at work happy and get along with horses better than most people. This is a dream job.”