by Dean Hoffman, President of the Ohio Chapter USHWA

Columbus, OH — Senena Esty of Spring Haven Farm has been chosen to receive the Rambling Willie Award for two decades of service to Ohio harness racing.

The Utica woman was selected by harness writers in the state and will receive her award at the Ohio Harness Horsemen’s Assn. banquet on Jan. 16 in Columbus. The award is named in honor of the Ohio-owned pacing gelding that earned more than $2 million.

Esty and her husband Jeff operate Spring Haven Farm in Utica, breeding and boarding mares and raising and prepping sale yearlings. The Spring Haven Farm consignment is part of major Standardbred auctions, selling both its own horses and selling as agent for many others.

This year Spring Haven Farm was a member of Muscle Hill Racing LLC, owner of Muscle Hill, a shoo-in for Horse of the Year honors. Senena’s sister, Stephanie Smith-Rothaug, bred the 2008 Horse of the Year Somebeachsomewhere.

Senena began working with the late Terry Holton, an Ohio trainer, and also gained experience in the Quarter Horse business before establishing Spring Haven Farm. Her services are in great demand to manage broodmare and showcase sale yearlings.

Esty has been active in many phases of Ohio harness racing over the last 20 years, including serving as a director of the Ohio Harness Horsemen’s Assn. She currently serves as chairman of the Breeder Section of the OHHA board of directors.