Thoroughbred Incentive Program December Youth Ambassadors
Meet Kat Abrams and Morgan Presley!
T.I.P. presents the December featured Youth Ambassadors: Kat Abrams and Morgan Presley. Kat, 19, is from Florida. Kat and her Thoroughbred, Spintastic (Cody), participate in Eventing. Morgan, 18, is from Georgia. Morgan and her Thoroughbred, The Mystery Machine (Scooby), participate in Hunters, Jumpers, and Dressage.
Kat Abrams (18, FL)
Kat and Cody. Photo by Marian Abrams.
Horse
- Registered Jockey Club Name: Spintastic
- Show Name: Spintastic
- Barn Name: Cody
How did you start riding?
As long as I can remember, I have wanted to ride horses. From the time I was about 4 years old, I started asking for lessons. Finally for my 6th birthday, my mom signed me up for lessons. The rest is history.
What is your favorite thing about riding/or your horse?
Running cross country – there is something amazing about letting your horse run as fast as he can and then jump over solid objects. My horse seems to really enjoy it as well.
What would you like to do when you are older?
I would like to be a large animal veterinarian. I would also like to continue to ride horses and do some training and possibly breeding in the future.
Tell us your favorite quote and why:
My favorite quote is “What you think upon will grow.” To me, this means that if you allow something to occupy your mind, it will become greater in your life.
What do you think the most important aspects of horsemanship are?
For me, the most important aspects of horsemanship are partnership and creating a bond. If you are able to work as a team, you have a better chance of being successful. That also means taking care of your horse as well as yourself.
More Fun Facts
- How many pets do you have (and what kind)?
I have 3 pets: my horse, Cody, a shepherd-mix dog named Copper, and a yorkie-mix dog named Milo. - What is your favorite animal (apart from a horse)?
Corgi — they are just too cute. Unfortunately, my mom is allergic. - What is your favorite color?
Purple — it is the color Cody and I wear for cross country. - What is your favorite food?
Oatmeal cream pries — they are also Cody’s favorite treat. - What is something unique about you?
In addition to eventing, I also take and teach taekwondo. I am a 3rd degree black belt and a level 4 instructor. - What is one word that your friends would describe you as?
Wild - Other Activities or hobbies:
Taekwondo – 3rd degree black belt, photography, baking, drawing
What is one thing you would like to tell people about Thoroughbreds or the Thoroughbred Incentive Program?
[Cody] is the perfect example of the potential of a retired and retrained racehorse and I get to call him mine.
Anything else you would like to share?
I know everyone thinks their horse is unique, and I am no different, but I believe my horse has his own angel watching over us. Cody belonged to my teammate, Lisa. He was her heart horse, her once in a lifetime horse, her you only live once horse. She had him for about two years and she spent so much time with him training him, not just as an eventer, but as her partner. Lisa was an adult amateur, so this had been a lifelong dream for her. She put her dreams on the back burner when she married her husband, then raised their children. Finally, she felt it was her time and she found Cody. In 2017, Lisa was diagnosed with a brain tumor. Unfortunately, she was never able to ride Cody again after her diagnosis, but he was at her home for her last month, and he brought her such comfort just being there with her.
When she passed away, Cody came back to our barn where I was able to take over his training while her family decided what would be best for Cody. He was a bit lazy after having time off, but my trainer, Maren Foster, and I spent time taking small steps and reminding him what he was supposed to be doing. He quickly got back into his routine and we have been progressing every day. We even finished in 3rd place in the Area III, Junior Novice Eventing. I often feel Lisa with us, especially when we are running cross country. Lisa loved the freedom she felt running across the open fields with Cody, sailing over jumps, and galloping through the water. She always had a huge smile on her face and a “good boy” for Cody. I’m sure now that she rides along with me, cheering us on and keeping us safe. It’s my voice you hear yelling “good boy” over every jump now, but it comes from Lisa, the angel who rides with us. #rideforlisa
Morgan Presley (17, GA)
Photo courtesy of Morgan Presley
Horse
- Registered Jockey Club Name: Dazzieslastchance
- Show Name: The Mystery Machine
- Barn Name: Scooby
How did you start riding?
I began riding when I was four, but I had an accident on the horse I was riding at the time. I was hurt pretty badly. Because of this, I took a break for awhile, but in 1st grade I took a field trip to a farm and rode again and I fell back in love.
What is your favorite thing about riding/or your horse?
I love training my horse and other horses. I find it so much fun to contribute to the improvement of the horse I am riding.
What would you like to do when you are older?
When I am older, I want to be a Park Ranger in Montana.
Tell us your favorite quote and why:
My favorite quote is “Remember, family and friends are everything. Money, greed, and power are a dance with satan.” This quote means a lot to me because many times when people get rich or in power, they lose sight of what should truly matter in their life. If I am ever in a position like this in the future, I wish to keep this quote in mind and stay humble.
More Fun Facts
- How many pets do you have (and what kind)?
I have three pets. These include, a cat named Weirdo, a dog named Bailey, and a horse named Scooby. - What is your favorite animal (apart from a horse)?
I like both beluga whales and electric eels equally. - What is your favorite color?
Neon green - What is your favorite food?
Cookie dough - What is something unique about you?
I have a passion for music. I love to play many different types of instruments. I’m currently trying to perfect the guitar, drums, and keyboard. - What is one word that your friends would describe you as?
Unique - Other Activities or hobbies:
Guitar, drums, kayaking, hiking, horse camp counselor, 4H
What is one thing you would like to tell people about Thoroughbreds or the Thoroughbred Incentive Program?
Thoroughbreds are so forgiving and kind. Every Thoroughbred I have ever worked with has been willing to do anything I have ever asked of them. Retraining them from the track is so much fun because of how willing they are.
Photo courtesy of Morgan Presley
