by Ken Weingartner, Media relations, Harness Racing Communications

Ken Weingartner

Goshen, NY — Olivia Kimelman is no stranger to harness racing, but her familiarity with the sport doesn’t keep her from wanting to learn more.

Kimelman, a high school sophomore, is the daughter of Mike Kimelman, the president of Blue Chip Farms, one of the sport’s top breeding facilities, not to mention a driver and trainer. Her mother, Sara, also is a trainer.

So some people might be surprised to find Kimelman among the 67 participants at this year’s U.S. Trotting Association’s Driving School. The annual four-day program, which runs through Sunday, is being held at Goshen Historic Track and the Harness Racing Museum and Hall of Fame in upstate New York for the first time after 13 years in central Ohio.

“You can never have too much knowledge,” Kimelman said. “I go to so many different programs because I love the exposure and advice. I love it.

“I have my dad,” she added. “I love my dad; he’s great and he knows so much. But sometimes it’s better to get help from other people.”

Kimelman is considering a career as a veterinarian, although she still has plenty of time to decide on her future.

“If not a vet, then something horse related,” she said. “No matter what, I would definitely like to have a couple horses. I don’t know if horse racing would be my main thing, but I would definitely have some horses and be involved.”

Participants at driving school receive hands-on experiences at local stables as well as classroom sessions with trainers, drivers and veterinarians. Trainers opening their stables to the students include Ray Schnittker at Goshen Historic Track plus Mark Ford, Scott Blackler, Tyler and Amber Buter, Jean Drolet, Rob and Patty Harmon, and Brandon Simpson at the Mark Ford Training Center.

Friday’s classes included sessions on care and conditioning with Ford and stable management with Amber Buter, Kelly Ford and Michelle Smith. Following the sessions, students were treated a guided tour of the Harness Racing Museum and Hall of Fame.

The driving school continues through Sunday, when participants can take the written portions of the trainer’s and driver’s exams. There also will be a special race at Historic Track for several of the students in conjunction with a matinee card that starts at 1 p.m. and is open to the public.

Nearly one-third of the school’s participants – 22 students – had never jogged a horse prior to attending the program. Seeing people embrace harness racing makes Kimelman proud.

“I think it’s great,” Kimelman said. “It makes me feel good because harness racing can make these people so happy and it is so important to them. It’s cool.”

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USTA/Mark Hall photo

Ryan Riboldi.</TD

Among the participants who got to drive a horse for the first time were Brian Benzenberg and Ryan Riboldi.

Benzenberg, who lives near Monticello and works in home construction, was told about the school by his father, William, who trained horses 30 years ago.

“He was in the business and it’s always been an interest of mine,” Benzenberg said. “I never had the opportunity to get into the business, but I saw this and figured I’ve got to do it. I’d love to pursue it and drive a little bit and see where it goes. I know my dad wants to get back in the business. We’ll see what happens.”

As for getting to sit behind a horse for the first time, Benzenberg said it was “exhilarating.”

“It was a lot of fun,” he said. “It was what I was looking forward to. The power of the horse gets your attention. She had a lot of go. Whenever she saw another horse she wanted to take off a little faster.”

Riboldi, who lives in Pennsylvania and became a harness racing fan by going to Pocono Downs, does not own any Standardbreds – he’s had Quarter Horses in the past – but is looking forward to getting more involved in the sport.

“I just fell in love with the sport,” Riboldi said. “It’s something I always wanted to do. It’s just a matter of having the time to commit to it. This was a good start for me to learn a little bit more about what it takes. I’d like to own and maybe later be able to train my own horses.”

Riboldi, who works as the senior director of quality assurance for a vaccine manufacturer, got to jog a horse with Schnittker and was thrilled with the opportunity.

“It doesn’t get much better than that for me,” Riboldi said.

“It’s hard to imagine the power of those animals until you’re behind them,” he added. “Just to feel that is awesome. It was a great experience. I’ve been wanting to do that for a long time.”

As for the school so far, Riboldi said, “It’s well exceeded my expectations.”

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USTA/Mark Hall photo

Sophie Engerran.</TD

Sophie Engerran was not among the driving newbies, although her experience in the U.S. is limited. Engerran drives and races under saddle as an amateur in her native France. She splits her time between Normandy in France and Connecticut, where her husband works.

“I’m very interested to know more about the equine industry here,” Engerran said. “I just wanted to know the differences and how it is organized and if it is possible for me to race in the United States. I’m here to learn more about the racing and the rules. It is a good opportunity to work a little more. I can meet people as well because it is very important to know people, as well.”

Engerran has been competing in France since 2004.

“I love the speed and I love the horses,” she said. “I tried to work with Thoroughbreds as well, but I prefer the Standardbreds.

“You are very lucky here because there are a lot of people around to take care of horses. It is more difficult in France. In France, we do it all on our own. I’m the groom and driver as well. The groom I met (at the Schnittker Stable) was very good. They are very nice.”