Racing's Future: Hunter Ulwelling

“Racing’s Future” is a Q&A series in which I aspire to help everyone in the industry. In addition to shining a spotlight on youth who plan to have a career in horse racing, I hope that the opinions expressed in their responses will offer industry leaders insight into what a younger audience believes the sport should improve upon.

Meet Hunter Ulwelling

17-year-old Hunter Ulwelling, from a small town in Minnesota, has been going to Canterbury Park all her life. When her father, grandfather and their friend bought a racehorse, her dad began to take her to morning works, which she loved. From there on out, she learned how to read a DRF, which Hunter says replaced her “boring school books.” 

How did you become interested in horse racing?

My dad continued taking me to the track and started purchasing more racehorses. Traveling around the country became a common thing for my family. We loved it! Then I started caring for my dad's Thoroughbreds that needed a layoff at our farm. I've been taking care of them since I was ten and I've loved every moment of getting to know my horses. They've taught me strength and confidence. I've been so proud watching them run after I've taken care of them – makes it extra special. Then my dad gave me one of his broodmares that couldn't have foals and I am in love with that flashy white mare. I trained her and a couple of other OTTBs and it's been great! I also worked at Canterbury Park last year as a racing info host. I gave people tours and taught them how to bet, and got to co-host with Brian Arrigoni, Canterbury's analyst. It was a dream job! I can name anything about over the 300 racehorses my dad and grandpa have had. I'm often referred to as a walking Equibase! I also love the breeding aspect. I know every stallion in my Stallion Register. My dad says he made a mistake of letting me spend my weekends at Canterbury when I was young.  I also really wanted to be a jockey but I got too tall. It was my childhood dream to do that or train racehorses. But then I drifted away from racing the past year or so because I worked so much and had a lot going on. But now I'm back – full-fledged!

What do you love about horse racing?

I love everything about horses. They are such beautiful animals and watching them run and hearing their feet thumping against the dirt as they run by you provides a great thrill. The animals aim to please. Every race is a good one. I've never seen a boring horse race.

What career are you pursuing in the horse racing industry?

I want to become a trainer someday. My hope is to start working for one of my family's trainers when I turn 18, which is soon. Work my way up and learn everything I need to know.

Why have you chosen to pursue that career?

Because I love racehorses in particular so much. I want to be able to train them on my own and have the satisfaction of winning a race, knowing that I've tried my best.

How are you currently pursuing that career?

By learning everything I can. Asking our trainers Mike Biehler and Gary Scherer what it's like as a trainer, and studying the BloodHorse profiles on successful trainers.

Who are some of the people you admire in the industry and why?

I admire our trainers Mike Biehler and Gary Scherer. They've been training for my family since I was pretty young. I admire any females that do well, from trainers like Linda Rice, to jockeys like Chantal Sutherland and Rosie Napravnik.

What aspects of horse racing do you wish you knew more about?

Just more of the hands-on stuff in the stables at the track.

Which racetracks you have been to?

Canterbury, Running Aces, Prairie Meadows, Arlington Park, Hawthorne, Oaklawn Park, the Fair Grounds, Keeneland, Remington Park, Presque Isle Downs, Saratoga, and Gulfstream

What is your favorite racetrack? Why?

Trick question. Keeneland is beautiful. Canterbury is home. The Fair Grounds feels like home. Oaklawn is special, too.

Of the racetracks you have not been to, which one do you want to visit most?

Del Mar looks like a dream to visit!

What are your favorite moments in your “horse racing life” thus far?

I got to take care of a horse named Silver Spree who raced for my dad and grandpa. She got us our very first win at Remington and I ran and jumped into my grandpa’s arms. Passion was sealed. Then we retired her. She provided many scares and thrills at the farm. I took care of her for three years. She had a special whine and loved food more than her foal, Mags. She died of EPM six months after Mags was born. It was heartbreaking. Mags became super special and part of the family. She won four out of eight of her races. All of her races were nerve-wracking. I'd cry, hold my breath, scream and jump up and down. The best day of my life was when Mags won her final race and survived a twenty-minute stewards’ inquiry. And also, I've had a lot of joy from running my dad and grandpa’s racing website, caring for their horses, and helping them with the breeding stuff.

Who are your favorite racehorses of your lifetime? Before your lifetime?

Zenyatta and Summer Bird. Summer Bird tried hard and didn't have phenomenal bloodlines. He was super handsome. Fun to watch. Zenyatta is a beast. I loved watching her races. She made me so nervous! And before my time it was Northern Dancer. I've done a ton of research on him.

If you could change something about the industry, what would you change?

The aftercare. Horses give their lives at the age of a year and a half until they retire. They live in a stall, and have to run long distances. They try their best and we don't give them enough credit. Much has been done through the last couple of years to change this. There's so many programs out there but it can always be improved. They've given their whole lives to a sport we love.

What do you think is preventing horse racing from being a more popular sport?

People often hear about the negative stuff like horses breaking down and trainers getting busted for using illegal substances in their horses. It turns people away because they think we abuse our horses.

What do you think is the most common misconception about horse racing?

That people think that racehorses aren't well taken care of.

How would you convince someone who is not an avid follower of horse racing to begin following the sport?

Come with me to the track and I'll teach you all you need to know! It's so much fun. My dad has had his friends out once and they all loved he track and come back often. It's a fun sport!

How are you currently contributing to the horse racing industry?

By caring for my OTTBs and starting my track career this fall. I really enjoyed my job last summer of educating people at Canterbury about all things racing. Everybody had a good time and loved it. I try to invite my friends to Canterbury with me, too.

What is one thing you aspire to personally accomplish someday in the horse racing industry?

I hope to win stakes races and provide loving care and aftercare to all of my racehorses and prove that women can succeed in this man-dominated industry. I'm so excited for my future.