by Victoria Howard

The phrase “it takes a village to raise a child,” is more than just a bunch of words; it’s a powerful expression that ties into deep values of community. The idiom means an entire community of people must provide for and interact positively with children in order for those children to experience and grow in a safe and healthy environment.

It’s no different in the sport of harness racing. From the moment a foal is born until he/she (hopefully) makes it to the winner’s circle and breaks their maiden, there are many important people with which the horse will cross paths.

First, there’s the person I call “the midwife.” This is the one who is there to help the mare if she encounters trouble delivering, as there are many things that can happen in foal birth, such as Dystocia (the foal is too large or not in the right position) or the foal decides to come into the world upside down.

One in 10 equine births unfortunately have Dystocia and a veterinarian is notified immediately to help the mare/foal, and if needed, surgical intervention will be required.

Second, there’s the person who works with the foal on a daily basis; grooming, feeding and eventually teaching it what it was born to do, race. This person will bathe and brush the foal and teach it manners and how to interact with a human.

Just like a mischievous child, the colt may get himself in trouble by jumping a fence, getting kicked while playing with other foals or perhaps getting a belly ache that needs attention.

By the time the colt is old enough to race, he would have made many two-legged friends — many he may not have liked — along his journey.

So, yes, it certainly takes a village from the moment that tiny foal takes its first wobbly steps, an undeniable charisma that turns heads and melts heart, to, hopefully, becoming a champion.

From the midwife, veterinarian, caretaker, blacksmith, dentist, trainer, driver — and yes, we can’t forget the owner who most likely thinks “his child” will be the next Superstar — it definitely takes a tribe.

Born in Mississauga, ON, Allison de Biasi plays a crucial part in bringing along a knobby-kneed colt to one day getting behind that funny looking contraption called the starting gate.

This year de Biasi helped bring the first foal at Winbak Farms into the frigid, chaotic world. It was a filly by McWicked out of Sweet Report.

Helping a mare foal and bring a new life into the world is definitely one of the most gratifying experiences a human can encounter.

The newborn foal will begin to draw his first breaths within about 30 seconds of birth, and within two minutes, he should be breathing regularly at a rate of about 60 second breaths per minute.

From its first whinny to watching the newborn awkwardly find the “milk truck” (mom) it is truly a remarkable miracle.

After attending the University of Guelph Ridgetown for equine care and management, young de Biasi knew what she wanted to do with her life, work with the incredible animal called a horse.

“My family was not involved in the business, but I grew up riding and felt a strong connection with the animal and knew I wanted to spend my life helping and working with horses,” de Biasi said. “At Winbak Farm in Canada I have had the pleasure of meeting and working with many great horse trainers. I’ve even paddocked for several of them at times.

“I don’t own any racehorses, yet, but I own an ex-racehorse named Ellis Park, who is my child. He is an off the track standardbred from OSAS. Ellis was a great racehorse and I feel so privileged to spoil him for the rest of his life.”

According to de Biasi, working as the assistant manager at Winbak Farm of Canada is never dull. Although it can be very exciting, there are times when it can be heartbreaking.

“I work in the barns with the mares and foals, handle the stallions, and work with our fantastic vet for breeding season getting mares ready to breed,” she said. “I also work closely with the yearlings for sale season. The breeding shed is a busy time of year and I’m there as well, so, I guess you can say I wear many different hats.”

According to de Biasi, she has worked at Winbak for six years now, alongside many of their top stallions.

“Currently there are 150 horses on the farm,” she said. “There are some very nice stallions such as McWicked, Beach Glass, Betting Line, Lawless Shadow, Betterthancheddar, Tattoo Artist, Archangel, Trixton and MVP.”

She said her goals for the future are to continue to expand her knowledge.

“There is something new to learn every day,” de Biasi said. “It is something I think I will never tire of and every day I learn something new.

“I absolutely love [working at Winbak] and feel so blessed to be here. Working at Winbak is never boring. Every day is a new adventure. My favorite thing is working with the foals, watching them grow and enjoying each one’s unique personality. To watch them grow and go to their racing career is a rewarding experience. I’m like a proud aunt watching each one grow and hopefully make it to the races.”

When asked if there was anyone de Biasi admires in the business, she said, “There are so many people in the business who deserve credit, but I think I admire the horse the most, to be honest. The horses are fantastic beasts who love doing their job.”