Horses have always been more than a hobby for Kimberley Dunsmore.
They’ve been partners, teachers and friends. One special horse will carry her to Kentucky this fall for the chance of a lifetime.
Dunsmore, who lives and works in Lloydminster, will compete at the Retired Racehorse Project’s Thoroughbred Makeover. The event takes place from Oct. 8 to 11 in Lexington, Ky.
She will ride Goodbye New York, a four-year-old black mare she calls Jade. They will compete in Ranch Work and Freestyle against trainers from across North America.
Read more: GALLERY/VIDEO: CPCA finals at Halstead Downs
The bond began years before Jade was born.
“I rode a few of her siblings at Northlands and got to know their breeders & owners (Matt Monaco and Lori Brickman) quite well,” said Dunsmore. “I really enjoyed the minds that their mom (Crystal Kris) passed on to her babies and got along great with them.
“Near the end of the 2018 season, Matt and Lori gave me the opportunity to purchase All About Laughs. I co-owned her with my dad, and she got us our first win as racehorse owners.”
All About Laughs, Jade’s sister, became Dunsmore’s closest partner.
“I always told Matt and Lori I would like to own another Crystal Kris baby,” she said.
On Jan. 21, 2021, Jade was born in New York.
“From the first picture they sent me, it was love at first sight,” said Dunsmore.
Jade raced in New York and Toronto, then came to Alberta.
“We went to the track to watch one of her morning workouts on June 21 and met her for the first time,” said Dunsmore. “We went back to Edmonton to watch her race on June 28, where she finished fifth.
“She ran once more on July 6 and finished third. Matt and Lori made the decision that maybe she would be happier with a change of scenery and I got to pick her up on July 7.”
Jade’s arrival
When Jade arrived, her personality was clear.
“She is a very sweet and confident mare. It’s not very often you find a young horse that is this confident and independent,” said Dunsmore.
She knows retraining a racehorse takes time.
“Probably our biggest challenge has been getting her to relax between maneuvers and not anticipate things,” she said. “She is a bit of an overachiever and is often trying to guess what I’m going to ask of her next.”
Dunsmore and Jade have already shared proud moments together.
“Being the Canadian flag bearer at the CPCA Finals. I think thoroughbreds don’t get enough credit for how versatile they can be, and doing that for the wagons just shows how great the minds of these horses truly are,” she said.
That versatility will be on display in Kentucky.
“I look forward to representing Alberta and showing people how incredible this mare can be,” said Dunsmore.
She hopes this will help people to see beyond the stereotypes.
“When people think of thoroughbreds, I think they often think of them as being crazy and hyper horses,” she said. “I like to compare them to a border collie or working type breed of dog. They need to be stimulated as they are incredibly intelligent animals.”
For now, she focuses on Jade’s steady growth.
“I’m hoping she’ll turn into a great all-around horse like her sister,” said Dunsmore. “For now, we are just taking everything one day at a time and I look forward to seeing her mature and grow.”
For anyone considering a racehorse of their own, she has one tip.
“The biggest advice I can give is to do your research and ask questions, and have someone you can go to for help if you run into trouble. A good coach is invaluable.”
You can follow Dunsmore and Jade’s journey on Facebook at TB Makeover 2025- Goodbye New York & Kimberley Dunsmore.
Read more: VIDEO/GALLERY: CPCA: Getting ready to ride
