Title: Female Jockey Skyler Spanabel Breaks Barriers On and Off the Track
Female jockey Skyler Spanabel is making waves both on and off the race track, defying odds and breaking barriers in a male-dominated industry. At just 24 years old, Spanabel has not only pursued her childhood dream of becoming a professional jockey but also found a passion for nursing following a life-changing accident.
Spanabel hails from a racing background, with her mother being a former jockey who started her career at Tampa Bay Downs. Inspired by her mother and her love for horses, Spanabel set her sights on a career in horse racing from a young age. Despite the challenges and the fact that only 2% of professional jockeys are women, Spanabel remained determined to pursue her dreams.
Since 2017, Spanabel has participated in over 800 races across the country, winning an impressive 83 of them. She attributes her love for the job to the incredible connection she feels with the horses. She describes them as amazing creatures who respond to her energy and share a willingness to run with her. For Spanabel, there’s nothing else that compares to the thrill of being on a horse’s back, feeling their power and their desire to perform.
However, Spanabel’s promising career took an unexpected turn when a racing accident resulted in a broken arm, leading her to spend time in the hospital. During her stay, she realized the importance of compassionate and empathetic nursing care. Moved by the care she received from one particular nurse, Spanabel decided to pursue a career in nursing to make a difference in people’s lives.
Enrolling at the Arizona College of Nursing in Tampa, Spanabel has been dividing her time between her jockeying career and her studies. She discovered surprising similarities between these two seemingly different professions. Both require a deep understanding of others’ emotions and non-verbal cues. Just as she reads horses to understand their needs, she now applies the same intuition and empathy to her patients. Patience is also key, whether it’s waiting for a horse to cooperate or providing care for those under her watch.
Faculty member Cheryl Miller at the College of Nursing was amazed to discover that Spanabel was not only a student but also a professional jockey. Miller commended her for her determination and ability to balance both careers. With Spanabel’s racing days scheduled for three days a week, which coincides well with her nursing schedule, she believes she can successfully manage both and even have an extra day to herself.
Skyler Spanabel’s journey as a female jockey breaking barriers in the horse racing world while pursuing a nursing career demonstrates her resilience, passion, and dedication. She has gained a new fan base at her school, with friends eagerly awaiting her races at Tampa Bay Downs. Miller summed it up perfectly, saying, Always bet on Skyler. With her relentless spirit and determination, it’s clear that Spanabel is a force to be reckoned with both on and off the track.
In conclusion, Skyler Spanabel’s inspiring story serves as a reminder that pursuing one’s dreams and embracing unexpected opportunities can lead to a remarkable journey of personal and professional growth. Her achievements in the world of horse racing and her simultaneous pursuit of a nursing career exemplify the power of passion, resilience, and breaking gender barriers. Spanabel is paving the way for future female jockeys and leaving a lasting impact on both the racing and healthcare industries.
