2026: The Year of the Horse
February 2026 Newsletter
The Year Is Off to a Flying Start
Yes, yes every year is the Year of the Horse for us. But something rings very true about this actually and truly being the Year of the Horse. To gallop forward with intention. Okay that might be too much but I’m really feeling the horse girl vibes.
My whole life has revolved around the grace and wisdom and excitement of our horses - and for one reason or another I have kept that very much private. A special part of me and my family that there is no need to share. I cautiously decided to shift this mindset and have enjoyed leaning in to sharing my passion.
It’s been really fun speaking with other racing fans and I have, cautiously, appreciated engaging with individuals that feel negative around racing. It is interesting to me that when I am able to respond, with kindness, with a level head, and share my personal perspective or my personal story or opinions how quickly a negative comment will change to a positive. Or, at the very least, the dialogue is grounded in respect instead of some of the other words out there that are typically attached to the anonymity of communicating in today’s world of speaking through a screen.
I am very much looking forward to this year. Our horses and our teams are off to a wonderful start and that positivity is contagious. I hope you will come along with me and Kate on a year that is sure to be full of adventure. Because how could it not when it is centered around the love of the horse.
A Strong Start at the Races
We were thrilled to kick off the year watching one of the most seasoned members of our racing stable, Victory Way, run a valiant third in the Toboggan Stakes. He showed tremendous heart and reminded us why we love this game — grit, determination, and the thrill of competition.
Many of our runners enjoyed a well-earned freshening at the end of 2025 and early weeks of 2026. They’re now back in training, getting legged up, and steadily building toward their next starts.
Horses We’re Excited to Watch in 2026
Everyone on the team has their eye on a few standouts for the year ahead.
Kate’s pick: Table Flirt, Lennilu, and Beauty Reigns (She has trouble singling out a favorite!)
Emily’s pick: Beauty Reigns (though truthfully, Resilience is always my number 1! But if I say Resilience I should also mention Capitol Hill because you can’t pick favorite with the horses, you can only do that with your kids right?)
We can’t wait to watch our whole racing stable develop and see where the season takes them.
Winter Training Visits in Florida
We made several trips south to check in on the horses in training and enjoy some great racing days with friends. Hopefully we will squeeze one or two more in before we all head to Kentucky for the Spring.
There’s nothing quite like seeing the horses in person as they move through their training routines. These visits are always energizing and a great reminder of how many dedicated people work behind the scenes every day to keep our horses thriving. From the talented trainers to the dedicated grooms and the athletes that exercise the horses - it is rewarding to know each person that is working with our horses.
The Next Generation in Ocala
It is always a treat to go to Wavertree to visit our two-year-olds in training.
Ciaran and his team start all of the babies thoughtfully and patiently:
Beginning in the round pen
Moving into grass fields
Progressing to the track
Raised brave and strong, these young horses are already showing enthusiasm and professionalism as they learn the fundamentals of racing. Watching them step onto the track with ears pricked and energy in the bridle is incredibly exciting.
This year’s group includes:
Two exceptional fillies - Larksfly from the family of Winning Colors purchased at the Keeneland September Sale 2025 and Seneca Falls a full sister from Capitol Hill and Resilience.
Three solid colts - City of Mischief, Family Crest, and BB’s Big Buddy. Fun story, we auctioned off the naming rights for BB to support a cause near and dear to our heart. We think BB has some extra luck thanks to the adorable three little girls that named him.
We can’t wait to see what the future holds for this promising crop. I always kid that this is my favorite time of year when we can use words like exceptional and truly believe it before they have not yet had a chance to prove us wrong. Win, lose, or draw these equine athletes are being raised in a way for them to reach their maximum athletic potential.
Foaling Season Begins
Meanwhile, the next generation has started arriving in Kentucky and New York.
The team in the foaling barns provide extraordinary care to both broodmares and foals around the clock. Russell always said to get a good look at the foals in their first few days of life. This will tell you a lot about who they will be, physically and personality, as they grow up. So far, we’ve welcomed:
Kentucky (Lane’s End)
An Into Mischief filly out of Paradise Lane (first foal for this lovely mare!)
A Nyquist filly out of Meadowsweet (half sibling to Capitol Hill, Resilience, and Seneca Falls)
A Good Magic filly out of Into Chocolate (half sibling to Table Flirt and City of Mischief)
New York (Sugar Maple)
A Charlatan colt out of Shysheisnot
Connecting With Our Community
One of the greatest joys of the past year has been the growing interaction with fans of racing through our social media, blog, and website. We’ve loved hearing from so many of you.
Because of this enthusiasm, we’ve decided to share more updates about our foals, yearlings, and broodmares. We hope that offering more access and insight helps deepen your connection to our horses and brings even more people into the sport we love.
Here’s to a wonderful year ahead — we’re so glad you’re along for the ride.
— Emily + Kate