Cheyanne Mandy keeps her busy schedule in focus
by Chris Lomon
Cheyanne Mandy sees the world of standardbred racing through a most fascinating lens.
Whether it happens to be a good day, bad day, or a blur of something in between, Mandy, who hails from Rock City Falls, a hamlet in the town of Milton, Saratoga County, NY, always finds an unwavering focus the moment she walks into the barn.
“What motivates me is when I walk into the barn in the morning and all the horses in the barn greet me with a whinny – being able to get them ready for their day, to jog or race, and just taking care of them,” Mandy said.
Her connection to horses can be traced back to her teenage years in the Empire State, including the times she would accompany her mother to the backstretch.
“When I was around 14 or 15, I would go to the track with my mom on Saturdays and Sundays when she worked for [trainer] Perry Simser and hang out and watch her throughout the day and learn what she’d do and try to help out,” Mandy said.
It was there where Mandy connected with a trotting son of Credit Winner.
The bay gelding with two white hind pasterns had no shortage of character.
“When I was there, I found a horse in the stall named Wintermint, aka, Mr. Mint,” she said. “He was a big, goofy horse, so I’d always go and see him and pet him. He had such a goofy personality that would just attract you to him.”
It did not take long for Mandy to feel drawn to the sport and its equine athletes.
“Perry’s daughter, Melissa Simser, had me babysit and help with the winner’s circle photos after I graduated high school,” Mandy said. “Just getting to go to the track every weekend was so much fun, watching the horses and photographing them as they crossed the finish line.”
Her calling soon became crystal clear.
When she read of a job opportunity posted on social media, she didn’t hesitate to apply.
“After a while, I saw a post on Facebook that someone was looking for help, and I started out doing stalls and eventually they started teaching me how to harness the horses and put them away and get them ready for race days,” Mandy said. “Once I started getting more involved is when I knew I couldn’t get away and I just loved doing it every day and spending time with the horses.”
Four years later, Mandy, who works in the barn of driver/trainer Chris Long and trainer Robyn Mangiardi, still feels the same way.
It is very much a win-win for the doting caretaker.
“I absolutely love working with Chris and Robyn,” she said. “They’re such great people and their horses are amazing to be around. They have such great personalities, and they try hard to be good racehorses. I would not trade their barn for anyone else.”
Watching the horses shine, whether it is in morning training or on race night, is a huge thrill for Mandy.
“When the horses have good training days and then they have a good performance on the track, it is a great feeling,” she said. “It is the same thing when you get to watch a project horse excel and do well when they are racing.”
Working for Long and Mangiardi has also afforded her the opportunity to experience memorable moments throughout the New York racing circuit and out-of-state racetracks.
One of those times came when everything clicked, so to speak, in East Rutherford, NJ.
“I got to go to the Hambletonian at The Meadowlands and photograph some of the races, which was amazing,” Mandy said.
As was the opportunity to share a special moment with a horse who won 42 races over 361 lifetime starts, and recorded purse earnings of $342,849.
When the time came for Northern Virgin, a son of Always A Virgin, to pace his final race, Mandy was given the honor of walking the bay for his retirement ceremony at Saratoga last June.
She considers it her favorite horse-related highlight to date.
And then there is Miki De Vie, a son of Always B Miki, who left an indelible mark on Mandy.
She continues to keep tabs on the now 6-year-old bay gelding, who moved to another barn in February of 2024.
Out of sight, yes, but by no means out of mind.
“My heart horse is definitely Miki De Vie,” she said. “He had a heart for racing. Even though he could not always be number one, he gave it 100 per cent every time he raced. Every time he would see you, he would perk up and want your attention. He’s still racing now with another trainer. I always keep an eye out for ‘Miki’ and cheer him on.”
As for the best part of her caretaker role, Mandy’s answer comes in the form of a dead-heat.
“It is when the whole barn has a great day, but also when the horses show their personalities, and want to be goofy,” she said.
Like any job, there are also challenges.
“The biggest one is trying to keep myself safe and the horses safe throughout the day,” she said. “When working with large animals you have to stay alert, especially when a loose horse is running around the track or if my horse is acting up.
“Working in the winter when it’s freezing, trying to keep the horses warm and in the summer trying to keep the horses cool and staying hydrated – you have to be alert at all times.
“When I watch my horses race, I hope that they stay safe and try their best. I am always amazed at how they move because trotters and pacers move differently.”
Mandy, a former dancer, figure skater, and horse show participant, is almost constantly in motion herself.
Yet, despite the demands, she has found a picture-perfect game plan for what is a busy and fulfilling life, in the barn and outside of it.
“I still do photography and I have 17 horses that I take care of and play with after I am done at the track,” she said. “I always have a lot to look forward to.”
