Racing's Future: Terra Turrin

“Racing’s Future” is a new 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 Terra Turrin

Terra Turrin, 19, is a racing fan from California who has loved the sport since her dad took her to Santa Anita when she was six years old. She currently runs horse racing photography accounts on Instagram – @terrat_photography – and Twitter – @TerraT_Photography.

What got you interested in horse racing?

My dad! I've always loved horses, so he figured he would take me to the track. He said it was the biggest mistake he has done. He’s joking around, of course, because I never want to be too far from the track.

What do you love about horse racing?

Well, coming from a person who has loved horses her whole life, it's kind of hard to pinpoint one specific thing that I love about the sport. It's my happy place; when I'm having a bad day, the minute I set foot on the track, my mood changes.

How often do you go to the races?

I'm at Santa Anita Thursday through Sunday the majority of the time every week, so quite a bit.

What racetracks have you been to?

I've been to Santa Anita, Del Mar, Hollywood Park and Los Alamitos.

What is your favorite racetrack? Why?

Santa Anita is my favorite racetrack! Santa Anita will always be my favorite track because it's the first track I ever went to and it's just magnificent. It blows me away at times.

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

Meeting all of my favorite racehorses would be the best moments by far. Specifically I'll Have Another; he's the horse that truly got me into the sport.

Who is your favorite racehorse?

Beholder, without a doubt. She's such a sweetheart to be around, but when it comes race day she's a warrior.

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

I would improve the well-being of the horse. In my opinion the horse’s health is the most important thing. You have to listen to what the horse is trying to tell you.

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

Not enough young people. The sport needs younger generations to get involved in the sport so they can experience it and might take a liking to it, then one day bring their family to the track, and so on.

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

I think those who don't know anything about the sport always assume the horses are not well taken care of. I can assure you the horses are treated like royalty.

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

I would bring them to the track with me and just let them get a glimpse of the sport and not force it on them to like the sport. If they like it, then that's great, but if not, that's okay, too.

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

To be a track photographer or an exercise rider and be able to say I made it!