Thoroughbred Incentive Program Youth Ambassador of the Month

Meet Gracelyn Mogelnicki.

Photo by Denise Hawkins

T.I.P. presents March’s featured Youth Ambassador: Gracelyn Mogelnicki. Gracelyn, 13, is from Georgia. Gracelyn and her Thoroughbred, Rio, participate in both eventing and hunter disciplines.

Gracelyn Mogelnicki (13, GA)

Horse

• Registered Jockey Club Name: Dee Ron
• Show Name: Dee Ron
• Barn Name: Rio

How did you start riding?

My grandparents had horses and ever since I was around them, I fell in love and started riding when I was 3.

What is your favorite thing about riding/or your horse?

My favorite thing about riding / my horse is the training involved and the horsemanship to build a bond.

What would you like to do when you are older?

I want to be a large animal vet or helping special needs students ride horses.

Tell us your favorite quote and why:

My favorite quote is “You never fail until you stop trying” because everyone wants to succeed. This quote is encouragement to keep going, to not give up. I live by this!!

What do you think the most important aspects of horsemanship are?

I think relationship, manners, and care are the most important aspects of horsemanship. I think this because if you do trust in your horse, have a bond, keep it well cared for, and not let it be the boss of you, you will be successful. You will be able to reach your goals and aspirations you have had forever!

More Fun Facts

• How many pets do you have (and what kind)?

I have 2 dogs, 1 tortoise and 3 horses. My dogs are a yorkie and boxer, red foot tortoise and a thoroughbred, quarter horse and tricanter.

• What is your favorite animal (apart from a horse)?

My favorite animal besides a horse is a zebra.

• What is your favorite color?

My favorite color is blue.

• What is your favorite food?

My favorite food is steak.

• What is something unique about you?

Something unique about  me is I have a lot of hair, people call it a horses tail!

• What is one word that your friends would describe you as?

Kind

What is one thing you would like to tell people about Thoroughbreds or the Thoroughbred Incentive Program?

One thing I would like to tell people is Thoroughbreds have a different life besides racing. They are so willing, brave, and amazing personalities. One thing about the program I would like to tell people is it allows you to share your love and spread joy of happiness of thoroughbreds to the world.

What are your goals for your horse in 2017?

Goals for me and Rio in 2018 in eventing is to be competitive in beginner novice/novice. I would also like to take Rio in hunter classes doing equitation!

Is there anything else you would like to tell us?

Something interesting I would like to include is that I love to be a part of the team. It brings many people together and you learn responsibilities taking care of the horses. I love having a big horse “family” and becoming close friends with others outside of my team as well.

The Thoroughbred Incentive Program was created by The Jockey Club to encourage second careers for Thoroughbreds when their racing days are over. The T.I.P. sponsors Thoroughbred-only classes and high point awards as well as Performance Awards, special year-end awards specifically for Thoroughbreds. The T.I.P. also recognizes non-competing Thoroughbreds through its Young Rider program as well as a special award for Thoroughbreds in careers such as therapy horses or other non-profit outlets.

To learn more about the Thoroughbred Incentive Program, please visit the organization’s website.