Mother. Wife. Daughter. Sister. Four titles that a woman can hold in her lifetime. Trainer. Driver. Caretaker. Outrider. Breeder. Broadcaster. Advocate. Blacksmith. Award winner. Photographer. Owner. Writer. Charter. Judge. Veterinarian. Business owner. These are just a few handfuls of the titles that any woman in harness racing can and has earned in their lifetime. Far too often the words ‘it's a man's world' are echoed in some way, shape or form, especially in the world of sports. Throughout recent decades, though, women have emerged in new roles and new careers with successful leadership and developments to accompany the changes. Harness racing has a long and storied history, but it was not until more recently that women have been able to line the history books with their own names and stories. Trainers Recently it has become a commonplace to find women trainers among the top of the leaderboard. In 2023, Jenn Bongiorno, Jodie Cullen, Melissa Beckwith, Crissy Crissman-Bier, Anette Lorentzon, Linda Toscano, Nancy Takter, and Melissa Essig tagged their names on the leaderboard for earnings and wins among trainers in North America. Looking at the roster of trainers at any given track depicts the great number that are women. Jackie Greene is a trainer who has frequented the top ranks at Saratoga. In fact, of the 15 top trainers at the Spa in 2023, five were women. Greene had 91 wins last year and neared a career-best season with over $1.1 million earned. The Fort Ann, New York, resident started racing ponies and trottingbreds with her parents at 4-H before she moved to Canada. She has an extensive family in harness racing with her mother as an owner and her daughter Jess involved in racing with her husband, Brett Derue, at Saratoga. "I didn't speak French so finding work was difficult," Greene said about her time in Canada. "A mutual friend in pony racing introduced me to Colin Johnson and I started as a groom there in the mid-90s. I managed, in the end, about 50 standardbreds' daily routines and groomed four to five. My mom lived near Saratoga and that is what brought me here to begin a career on my own. I started here in Saratoga in 2004. "I can't really say there's a job or role that is my favorite. The thing that makes me happy is walking into the barn and seeing the horses and just doing all the daily things that are involved in getting them to the racetrack," Greene said. "I just enjoy being in the barn. I consider myself very fortunate to be able to make a living doing what I love." Lisa Zabielski joins Greene on the leaderboard at Saratoga. She has been involved in the business her whole life as her dad is a lifelong horseman. Zabielski became a groom at the age of 14 and a trainer since her early 20's. She is a mom of two in addition to training a stable of 20. "I have been a groom in many barns and loved all of them. I have to say my favorite is having my own barn of horses now," Zabielski said. As far as role models, Zabielski echoed many responses with Casie Coleman as her answer. "I have always admired Casie Coleman. She has had so many amazing horses and was always so exciting to watch. I'd have to say all the local women have become role models as well. It's nice to see so many women here at Saratoga that are hardworking trainers." Robyn Mangiardi has been a Saratoga mainstay and won the Horsewoman of the Year title in 2023 at the Spa. She grew up in the business, as her parents Nick and Laura had a stable. "I was able to grow up working with them and their horses," Mangiardi said. "They taught me if I really wanted something, I had to work hard and to not give up. Being able to grow up and work with my family was huge. They gave me my start. My parents let me do all the jogging and training I wanted and that's how I learned. My favorite job was jogging. I never complained even in the winter when I was freezing." Mangiardi believes that breaking through in the business is hard for anyone, man or woman. "Women for years have always worked so hard in this business; they just didn't get recognized," said Mangiardi. "Now that they are recognized it is great. It's awesome to see women trainers win the big races or see women drive. But it's not just the women trainers or drivers, it's seeing a groom, a "girl" handle that 1,000 pound horse like it's nothing, and the men know she's got it. "I would have to say over the years I have admired a lot of women who worked so hard. My biggest role model will always be my mom who has worked so hard and who still does!" Kiara Morgan is a recent Saratoga transplant from Ohio. She was born into the business, but showed quarter horses her whole life and did not get into the Standardbred industry herself until about five years ago when she began working for her dad. "Over the past five years, I've gotten the opportunity to do just about everything from sitting behind and training all caliber of horses, owning horses, learning how to operate a large stable, grooming horses, and even running a saltwater therapy spa," Morgan said. "I would say my favorite has definitely been breaking babies and getting them to the races. "I think 2023 was an awesome year for women compared to years prior," Morgan added. "For example, just off the top of my head, Linda Toscano winning my favorite race, the Little Brown Jug with It's My Show, Lauren Tritton became the first woman to win the Battle of Lake Erie and drive in the Meadowlands Pace, and Nancy Takter winning the Hambletonian. These are just a few that immediately come to my mind for the year 2023. Seeing these women accomplish these things, I believe will only bring more women into the sport and encourage those already involved to possibly do more. "To pick a role model is hard question! I think any woman in this industry that's successful is a role model for me. It's hard to pinpoint just a few because there are so many." Nancy Takter was fourth by earnings in the national harness racing ranks in 2023. With over 103 wins from only 401 starts, she also earned a place on the leaderboard for wins. Takter trained many award-winners last year to add to her lengthy resume, including top-performing Karl and Hambletonian winner Tactical Approach. Her team enjoyed the Dan Patch Awards as they took home the hardware for multiple categories. Takter was born into a family of horsemen. Her dad, Jimmy, is a Hall of Famer in three countries and her grandfather Bo W. Takter was a legend in Sweden. She, herself, has held the role of caretaker, vet assistant, trainer, owner, and working at the Hambletonian Society doing staking in her 20's. "My favorite is being a trainer. I like being a part of conditioning these great athletes and helping them perform to their potential," Takter said. "I think it's hard as my father's daughter to sometimes get the respect and acknowledgement that I deserve at times. People are quick to assume that my dad does my work, which I think if I was his son instead, people would be more accepting of the handing off of the torch and acknowledge my work differently. "It's nice to see an increase of women in the sport. It's a difficult career to take on if one wants to raise a family because it is a very time-consuming job," Takter added. "Linda Toscano is a great role model. She's had a long, successful career. I also admire Dr. Patty Hogan and have the upmost respect for her work as a surgeon and vet. She's simply the best in my opinion." Drivers Women make up a fine percentage of drivers that handle their own horses, amateur drivers, or catch-drivers. Well-known present-day names include Hannah Miller, Devan Miller, Stacey McLenaghan, and Lauren Tritton to name a few. Devan Miller was born into the business as a fourth- or fifth-generation horsewoman. She has done it all, from driving and training to grooming and outriding. She said she can even tack a shoe on. She drove frequently in the amateur races at Pompano Park in the final year, even having the opportunity to drive against her dad in a couple of the special event races. "It's tough to pick my favorite," said Miller about her preferred activity. "I honestly love the sport so much. I enjoy all the work. I guess if I had to pick one it would be outriding, maybe because it's newer to me. "I am very blessed to have the parents I do. My dad has opened a lot of opportunities for me as well as my mom. I'm very grateful for them. "I think women in harness racing are finally getting the respect we deserve. There are a lot of strong women in this business that I admire for different reasons. Growing up, I admired the Rucker women – Debbie, Jamie, and Kelly. They were doing exactly what I wanted to do and good at it!" Vicki Stratton shares in the same extensive résumé as Miller with driving on her list, too. She was born and raised in the business but earned her role in it at the age of about 16. She grooms, owns, trains, and drives, but her favorite role is a toss-up between training and grooming. "I love sitting behind them every day, but I also love the day-to-day in the barn bonding," Stratton said. Stratton took home the gold in the biggest race at Saratoga in 2023 – the annual $250,000 Joe Gerrity, Jr. Memorial with Idealsomemagic A – to add to the already extensive list of women who won big races last year. "I think the representation is a lot better now than before. There's a lot more bigger-named female trainers and even drivers than there was before," Stratton said. "Lauren Tritton is my role model. She just proves to show that girls can compete with the big guns and beat them driving. And obviously Linda Toscano, Casie Coleman, Nancy Takter, all the successful female trainers. But really, every female in the business putting in the work and not giving up and pursuing their dreams." Caretakers The greatest percentage of women can be found behind the scenes in the barn caring for the horses. Joanie Pontieri won the caretaker award at Tioga Downs, Joanie Uszak had a race named after her for Pompano Park's final program, and Margaret Gillon was named USHWA's 2023 Caretaker of the Year. Women are at the backbone of the sport, keeping the horses fit and healthy and making sure everything is in order. Whether they are trainer or groom, or anything in between, women in racing can be found at the barn caring for their horses. Autym Lynn Robinson is a caretaker and trainer from New York. She only recently got introduced to harness racing in 2022 when she moved from Maine to live with her now fiancé, McGwire Sowers. "I knew nothing about harness racing when I moved. I pretty much just watched and learned from his family and her I am now!" said Robinson. "I have pretty much learned a little of everything. McGwire and I have a stable of 15 horses currently. I ship and paddock almost all of them. I jog and I have my trainer's license. My role model in harness racing is my sister-in-law, McKenzie Sowers. She trains horses and drives. She was the first female I have ever seen drive and ever since then I root for her." Outrider Pocono, Pompano, Tioga, Hoosier Park, Batavia Downs, Saratoga – just a few of the tracks that feature women outriders and some of the best in the business. The strength and balance that it takes to be able to hold yourself on one horse, hold that horse with only one (or sometimes no) hand, and manage a second horse to your side is unthinkable, and yet women dominate that field in racing, both harness and thoroughbred. Missy Rothfuss is currently the outrider at Batavia Downs. She is a third-generation horsewoman under her parents, Sharlene and Dennis. When she was in high school, the race secretary Tom Leasure asked her mom if she would be interested in outriding as a backup. Since 1996, Rothfuss has been an outrider at The Meadows, Buffalo, Batavia, county fairs, Pocono Downs, the Little Brown Jug week for seven years, two Breeders Crown events, Running Aces, and Vernon. She has also worked as a charter, clerk of course, saddlepad puller, and tattoo and equipment checker. Now she and her husband Jim Rothfuss have a stable together of racehorses and babies for the last 15 years. She has groomed, jogged and trained and is looking to go to judges' school this summer to learn how to be an assistant race secretary. "We were parade marshals when I started, but I was lucky to have a couple of drivers like Brian Sears, George Brennan and Don Rothfuss work with me out there," Rothfuss explained. "Now, I'm respected out on the track because I'm the one who saves them. It is harder sometimes because a lot of women aren't respected. I have been grateful for individuals who have given me a chance to learn new things other than outriding. "Women are just as fierce out there as a man and I personally think women see more on a horse," Rothfuss added. "I look up to two former outriders – Cindi Johnson and Diane Winters. Cindi was just a tiny thing but so scrappy outriding. Diane was always so elegant looking out there. Also, my mom and all her sisters. They all trained and drove growing up., They were all impressive horsewomen." Breeders I can name over a dozen breeding farms that are backed by women in racing – the breeders, the caretakers, the owners, the people on the ground and in the barn every day to make sure the whole operation runs smoothly. One of the greatest names in the business, Crawford Farms, is supported by Michelle Crawford with operations under Heather Reese Marshall. Michelle Crawford joined harness racing 16 years ago when she met Al Crawford and his family and attended the Lexington Selected Sale for the first time. She has been a breeder, owner, and advocate for the horses. "I think my most important and favorite role is saving and retiring horses so they can have a safe haven when they are done on the track and being mommas. I am also an avid treat giver!" Crawford said. "As far as being able to break into the sport that is primarily male dominated, I found it fairly easy to navigate, and most everyone was cooperative and welcoming. At least to my face, haha. I think that women have always had a difficult time breaking through in most career paths and disciplines. However, I think after a while the men in the sport had no choice but to deal with me, since Al was primarily running our finance company, therefore when it came to making day-to-day decisions it just became the norm for everyone to have to deal with me. "I think that the representation of women in our sport has come along slowly, but there are a few that are definitely making an impact since I have been involved. I'm sure we all appreciate Victoria Howard's column about women in harness racing and being a recipient of the Good Guy award," Crawford continued. "I think that there is definitely an appreciation for women but probably not enough. Linda Toscano along with others like Joanne Looney King have also been recognized for their efforts and great accomplishments, but I think there are so many more women that should be considered for that as well, and it should maybe be renamed the good person award instead of the Good Guy award. Just my two cents.  There are so many roles that women play in this industry from the USTA to the tracks to the trainers, breeders, owners and caretakers that it would be nice if there was definitely a little bit more recognition. Saying that I also think that there are some male individuals that could probably use some more recognition, so hopefully we can all do better and give everyone the equal attention they deserve. "As far as female role models in the industry, the obvious answer to me immediately would be Heather Marshall, given that I see that I can't even take her out to dinner because she works eight days a week and there's never an end to her days. She pretty much does it all for a very large herd of over 120 mares and not including the amount of weanlings, yearlings, retirees, and everything else we throw at her at any time. She blames it on breeding season and then she blames it on yearling season and then the cycle begins again, but we actually do get some dinners in and have some fun once in a while. "I have a lot of respect for Nancy Takter, who has proven to be a top trainer and I see the hours she works and the effort she puts in and the champions she develops. Heather and Nancy have such extensive horse knowledge that sometimes I wish I had a little bit more of my own, but then again, it's nice to leave that part up to the experts. This is a loaded question and I would definitely be leaving many, many women out so I hope I am not offending anyone when this is just my short answer. I love to see successful women, and there are many women in all aspects of the sport that should have a shout out, but too many to name in this paragraph!" Crawford concluded. Advocate A role that many in harness racing hold is that for the love of the horses. A voice for the horses and an action to help them in aftercare is important. This role holds many forms, as we see Molly D'Agostino and other women pushing for aftercare for horses through retirement and retraining programs. Wanda Polisseni and Purple Haze Stables are another brand name for that same goal. Ellen Harvey has taken a stance advocating for "Stand For The Brand" and Ellen Taylor advocates for education in harness racing through the Harness Horse Youth Foundation (HHYF). These are only a small portion of the women who advocate and act for the horses. D'Agostino was born into the business, as her uncle Lon Rosenfeld was a top Vernon trainer and driver and got her mother Laura, then her dad Joe, involved in the business. She started out cleaning stalls as a kid and then got her grooms license, working for Lon, her dad, Frank Davis, and David Dewhurst. Then her career in and out of harness racing has taken an interesting journey, leading to advocacy for the horses. "I've been a groom, an owner, and an advocate. I stopped grooming when I got my first record deal as a musician to travel and tour, eventually venturing off to become a lawyer," D'Agostino said. "A few years later, I bought a yearling and have owned ever since. In 2020, I started an all-standardbred horse show team (MMXX) in hopes to get the standardbred breed out there, to open up opportunities for horses beyond the track. Soon after, we started beating prominent riding stables of stock horses, warmbloods and even thoroughbreds all over the northeast. We were constantly asked ‘what is that and where can I get one?' regarding our standardbreds. "The next logical step was to utilize my racing connections to help owners and trainers place their retired horses in riding homes to promote second careers in safe, exciting and loving environments. MMXX Standardbreds, now a non-profit organization, hosts both our show team, and an adoption program. The adoption program began in fall of 2023 and we have helped place almost 100 horses to date at tracks and centers across the country including Pocono, Saratoga, Yonkers, Vernon, Bangor, Batavia, Plainridge, Ocean Downs, Tioga, The Meadows, Chester and more. My favorite harness job by far is my role in aftercare and MMXX Standardbreds." D'Agostino believes that it is difficult to break through as a female in the sport with barriers still in place, but that big strides towards gender equality have been made. "Women like Linda Toscano, Michelle Crawford, Jessica Hallett, and Hannah Miller are really helping to open doors that the rest of us can walk through," D'Agostino added. "My role models are any of the females out there kicking butt on the track, behind the scenes, or in the owners' box. From the start my mom Laura Rosenfeld has always been my strongest role model, always encouraging my participation in harness racing. I also very much look up to several women from my home state, New York, including Vernon Downs driver/trainer Whitney Goodblood; Michelle Crawford & Heather Reese of Crawford Farms; Jessica Hallett, one of the best promotionists we have in the sport itself; and Roberta Spudie, lifetime groom at Vernon Downs." ► Sign up for our FREE DRF Harness Digest Newsletter Broadcasters Broadcasting can be an unsung hero-based career in harness racing because no value can be placed on the time we need in the press and on the air. Being a broadcaster, being a content creator, and placing a face on the information that we should be sharing is a pinnacle of racing's new generation. Many women have been at the front of it all, with the new podcast through Pennsylvania as Hot2Trot, broadcasts at Woodbine Mohawk Park and Hoosier Park, and more. One well-known name and 2020 USHWA Dan Patch Breakthrough Award winner is Jessica Otten. Otten is a third-generation horsewoman, born and raised in the industry. She has been a groom, helping with her dads stable and working for a few other trainers. She has helped keep books and enter horses for her dad, and now, she works on the media side. Otten hosts shows as an analyst, conducts interviews, works as a marketing coordinator, runs the social media pages and creates racing content. "My favorite part will forever be the horses. I really enjoy anything that has to do with the business, but I love getting to spend time with the horses. I enjoy my job and where I am at in my life right now. As long as the horses are a part of my career, I am happy," Otten said. While Otten feels that over the last couple of years the representation of women in racing has grown stronger from top to bottom, she agrees that it was difficult to step into her role as part of the media team. "From day one, though, I had a group of people help me get better each time I stepped in front of a camera and they were mainly men," said Otten. "And I wouldn't say it's hard to break through within the people in our business, but for instance in my case, the people and/or gamblers that either hide behind the computer screen or see you at the track use words like ‘silly young girl doesn't know what she is talking about.'" Nevertheless, Otten continues to shine as one of harness racing's stars from the media team. She joined the stage in February at the Dan Patch Awards to accept two awards as part of the Fox Sports/NYRA team that won the President's Award and media award for their Breeders Crown broadcast. "My role model is harness racing is Moira Fanning," she continued. "She is a superwoman and is amazing. I also really look up to Acacia Clement, she's on the thoroughbred side, but getting to work with her over the last couple of years has been awesome. She presents herself well and very professional." We've listed so many categories and names above and yet there are so many more that haven't been mentioned. Kim Burris and Laura Aldrich are two of the prominent blacksmith names that I am personally familiar with and caretaker Natasha Steacy is perhaps the heart and soul behind Dan Patch winner Sylvia Hanover. There are photographers, like Wendy J. Lowery from Batavia Downs and Amanda Stephens from The Red Mile; owners; writers; charters; judges; veterinarians; business owners; and the list goes on and on. Women hold so many titles in harness racing, but they are also wives, mothers, daughters, and sisters. They balance life in the barn, at the races, and behind the scenes while also managing life at home. You can find trainer Maggie Chindano holding her newborn in the winner's circle picture of one of her own horses or trainer Kimberly Asher teaching her kids all kinds of new things in and out of harness racing. Trainer/driver Stacey McLenaghan has homeschooled her daughter while also teaching her the values of horse care and Saratoga outrider Natalie Rutigliano balances her kids with her horses, her outriding job at the harness track, and her ponying job at the flat track. My own grandmother, Linda Aldrich, would go to chemo treatments and return to the paddock that same day. My mom, Michelle Hallett, has always balanced life and kids and the horses. She still does it today when we are running off to a new track for me to take pictures and she manages to get me there while still balancing her own life and stable. So, if you would like to know who my role models are, it's them. They defined the fact that you are not restrained by one title or one job, you can do many things, and you can do anything. Even our mares warrant a mention as they have broken through among the horses, colts, and geldings in the sport. Atlanta (2018) and Ramona Hill (2020) became only the 14th and 15th fillies to win the Hambletonian since it's installation in 1926, with both winners happening within three years of each other. Sylvia Hanover deserves a second mention as she took home the O'Brien Award as the 2023 Horse of the Year in Canada. Moni Maker, Bee A Magician, Anndrovette, Peaceful Way, and Bunny Lake, to name a few, are some of the most prolific mares in harness racing. Even more mares are getting their spotlight for their roles as mothers to superstar Standardbreds. There are no limitations to what a woman is capable of, especially in harness racing. They have broken through and set a new normal for our sport with some of the best in the business paving the way. Every day a new standard is set and every day history is rewritten. Here's to women across the world, women that make history, and women in harness racing.