Thoroughbred Incentive Program August Youth Ambassadors
Meet Lottie Crawford andKatie Kalfayan!
T.I.P. presents the August featured Youth Ambassadors: Lottie Crawford and Katie Kalfayan. Lottie, 15, is from Virginia. Lottie and her Thoroughbred, Get It In Ink (Ink), participate in Dressage and Hunters. Katie, 18, is from New Jersey. Katie and her Thoroughbred, Flo Rida (Petey), participate in Dressage, Hunters, and Jumpers. Both Lottie and Katie are returning Youth Ambassadors.
Lottie Crawford (15,VA)
Horse
- Registered Jockey Club Name: Get It In Ink
- Show Name: Get It In Ink
- Barn Name: Ink
How did you start riding?
My mom worked for a rescue and ran one of the rehab barns. She decided to share her lifelong love of riding with me.
What is your favorite thing about riding/or your horse?
My favorite part about riding is the reward when you’ve been working so hard on something and you finally master it.
What would you like to do when you are older?
I would like to be an equine vet and specialize in internal medicine. I would also like to retrain Thoroughbreds.
Tell us your favorite quote and why:
George Morris said, “The best of any breed is the Thoroughbred horse.” This is my favorite quote because it is true; you cannot find the heart and athleticism in any other breed.
What do you think the most important aspects of horsemanship are?
Patience. Developing a true bond with your horse and a firm foundation to develop on is key to success.
More Fun Facts
- How many pets do you have (and what kind)?
I have 9 pets total. 1 hound, 2 pitbulls, 2 cats, 3 Thoroughbreds, and a Chincoteague Pony. - What is your favorite animal (apart from a horse)?
A dog or cat - What is your favorite color?
Purple - What is your favorite food?
Mac and cheese and steak - What is something unique about you?
I was diagnosed with vasovagal syncope syndrome in September 2019. - What is one word that your friends would describe you as?
Determined - Other Activities or hobbies:
FFA, 4H, Junior Dressage Rep – Thoroughbred Heritage Show, Beta Club Honors Society
What is one thing you would like to tell people about Thoroughbreds or the Thoroughbred Incentive Program?
Thoroughbreds don’t just have great athletic ability and endless talent. They have so much love to give and can teach you so much about yourself. The Thoroughbred Incentive Program is great for someone to participate in whether you show your horse or not.
Anything else you would like to share?
My love for Thoroughbreds has been with me for a while because my mom has only ever had Thoroughbreds. The first time I laid eyes on Ink in 2014 he was just a skinny, pitiful red-headed Thoroughbred. But, even with all the people that had let him down throughout his lifetime he had so much love and was honestly the sweetest horse I had ever met. He instantly won my heart. I wouldn’t want to go through all the ups and downs of life with an other horse. Ink is truly my best friend. I believe he is an amazing example of what a Thoroughbred truly is, a lifelong, reliable horse who will become the best thing that has happened to a person.
Photo courtesy of Lottie Crawford.
Katie Kalfayan (17, NJ)
Horse
- Registered Jockey Club Name: Mo’ than Enough
- Show Name: Flo Rida
- Barn Name: Petey
How did you start riding?
My mom rode as a child, but stopped when she left for college. We both started together when I was about 6 years old.
What is your favorite thing about riding/or your horse?
My favorite thing about riding is the bond you get to create with your horse. Petey is one of my best friends!
What would you like to do when you are older?
When I’m older, I hope to become an equine veterinarian, possibly for Thoroughbred racehorses.
Tell us your favorite quote and why:
“The Thoroughbred horse is the greatest invention since sliced bread” – George Morris; this is easily my favorite quote because it is so true. Thoroughbreds are the best thing that ever happened to me.
What do you think the most important aspects of horsemanship are?
The most important aspects are patience and empathy. You need patience because you cannot speak to a horse, so you need to be able to communicate in other ways, which may be frustrating and you need empathy to be able to put yourself in your horse’s shoes.
More Fun Facts
- How many pets do you have (and what kind)?
Three: two dogs named Cora and Harley, and a fish named Cat. - What is your favorite animal (apart from a horse)?
Whales - What is your favorite color?
Green - What is your favorite food?
All pasta - What is something unique about you?
Something unique about me is I am a racehorse exercise rider at Monmouth Park Racetrack. - What is one word that your friends would describe you as?
Driven - Other Activities or hobbies:
Cooking, volunteer, special people united to ride, 4AH
What is one thing you would like to tell people about Thoroughbreds or the Thoroughbred Incentive Program?
I would love to tell people about the amazing programs T.I.P. has. My personal favorite is the performance awards, but there also is the recreational riding program and awards such as horse and young rider of the year.
Photo courtesy of Katie Kalfayan.
