Grove City, OH — The Ohio Harness Horsemen’s Association offered $12,500 in scholarships divided among five individuals this year. Alexis Schwartz of Washington Court House, Ohio, was a recipient of a $2,500 scholarship.

Alexis Schwartz was a recipient of a $2,500 scholarship. Photo courtesy of the OHHA.

She is the daughter of Bret and Robin Schwartz. She is a 2016 graduate of Miami Trace High School and a senior at the University of Kentucky, majoring in Equine Science & Management and minoring in Agriculture economics.

Schwartz is a fourth-generation horsewoman who grew up in the industry. Her great-grandfather began the family tradition when he bought his first horse, Zip And Zap, with her grandfather and father.

“I will never forget that horse,” Schwartz shared.

They purchased Zip And Zap in August that year and he won his first start with them at the Coshocton County Fair and the family was hooked.

Her grandfather, Dr. Robert Schwartz, is a veterinarian at Midland Acres. Her father, Bret Schwartz, is a trainer and Dr. Schwartz’s veterinary assistant. Her younger sister, Aubrey, is involved in the stable as well, along with serving as a USTA Youth Delegate.

Today, Schwartz and her family has a stable larger than it has been in the past with 14 horses.

“It has been a crazy time training all of our horses, but I wouldn’t trade the experience and memories made for anything in the world,” stated Schwartz.

Schwartz learned the business from stall cleaning to naming horses as a child. Today she gets to the barn whenever possible and every time she is home from college.

“My days start bright and early cleaning stalls to jogging and putting them away at the end of the day,” Schwartz explained.

She also travels with the stable and paddocks.

“This is the best part of all. You get to see the product of all the hard work you’ve put into these beautiful animals.”

Like many horsemen, her favorite part is putting the work into the horses then seeing them make it to the winner’s circle.

“Meeting your horse in the winner’s circle is something that will never get old,” commented Schwartz.

This summer, Schwartz went one step further and purchased two of her own. She commented how grateful she is for her family’s support.

“I’m very fortune to have such great teachers in my back pocket, my dad and grandpa. They have taught me so much and I hope to be half the horsemen they are.”

As she is planning her future and career, Schwartz shares that horses and horse racing must be part of her future.

“It’s in my blood and I love it too much to move away from it,” she explains.