Meet the New Ologist Betsy By Laura M. LaVoie at dpeg Marketing Company
Let me start by saying that I am an indoor kid. Don’t get me wrong, I love horses. However, my horse-girl era was mostly about collecting models and watching racing and the Olympic equestrian events from the comfort of my parents’ very 1970s family room. When tasked with the opportunity to visit horseOlogy at GoldMark Farm, I couldn’t pass it up, even though it meant being outdoors and around real-life horses. I spent much of my time observing the team and shadowing the newest Ologist, Betsy. Here’s what I learned.
Dawn’s Early Work
Being an early riser took on a whole new meaning during my visit to the farm in Ocala. Typically greeting the sunrise with a semblance of enthusiasm, I found my routine challenged by the predawn awakening required here. Each morning commenced in the quiet moments before dawn as I prepared for the day ahead with a quick breakfast, making my way to the core of horseOlogy’s operations. Betsy relied on caffeine to navigate these early hours, a sentiment I quickly understood despite not drinking coffee myself.
The essence of the morning’s work lies in the meticulous observation of the thoroughbreds on the track. The team’s expertise becomes evident as they assess subtle shifts in gait across the track, demeanor within the barn, and any changes from the previous day. These signs were elusive to an observer like me, yet it was unmistakable that Betsy and her colleagues possessed an acute awareness of what to discern.
A Pillar of Dependability
Betsy’s role can be described as “Ensuring that all ‘departments’ are tended to seamlessly.” This mantra reflects her indispensable presence at the farm, especially highlighted during the intense period leading to the OBS sale. With Jena and Katie managing the transition of horses to OBS, Betsy remained at the farm, ensuring its smooth operation.
The week of my visit was marked by the anticipation of foaling among three mares—a spectacle I regrettably missed. However, Betsy’s leadership during this period, particularly with Katie and Jena’s significant focus at OBS, provided a reassuring constancy. Her ability to maintain order and security at horseOlogy underscored the trust placed in her capabilities.
Comprehensive Equine Wellness
Betsy’s responsibilities extend to the complete welfare of the horses, overseeing their health care in coordination with veterinary, dental, and farrier services. During my stay, the visits from the equine dentist and farrier illustrated Betsy’s organizational proficiency, as she ensured all appointments were executed seamlessly.
Her role is pivotal in identifying and reporting significant changes among the individual horses and communicating with the team. Betsy’s dedication to the well-being of horses and the human team members at horseOlogy encapsulates her commitment to fostering an environment of comfort and happiness—a cornerstone of effective equine health management.
Work Hard, Play Hard
Even though I am usually behind the scenes working on the website or marketing, I was so happy to be in the office and on the farm with the women of horseOlogy. I have worked alone for so long that I often forget what it’s like to have that level of camaraderie in a workplace with people you like to spend the day with while working toward a common goal. Add an idyllic setting on a farm lined with gorgeous live oaks and beautiful pastures; it doesn’t get much better.
On my last day there, my partner at dpeg Marketing, Teona, treated us all to lunch, and we sat in the office and chatted while we ate. I was grateful to spend time with Betsy and the rest of the team to experience what a day in the life of horseOlogy looks like. From babies to retired thoroughbreds, every horse on the farm is loved and cared for, and owners couldn’t ask for a better experience.
You’re invited to visit the farm too.
Meet the Ologists
Follow horseOlogy online and on Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube to learn more about our team, thoroughbreds, and services. Call us at 855-HORSIES (855-467-7437) to set up your visit to our facility.
