BY SARAH WELK BAYNUM
Equine veterinarian, Thoroughbred breeder and racehorse owner Tiffany Atteberry first moved to Ocala in 2002.
“One of my main specialty interests has always been reproductive medicine and neonatal young horse care,” says Atteberry. “So, it was a natural fit for me to get into Thoroughbreds since I have patients and clients in that industry. We bought our first broodmare in partnership with one of my clients that had been successfully breeding for many years—he really helped us understand the industry.”
One of her most successful moments in the industry came as the breeder of her first stakes winner, Charlie’s Brother.
“He was a colt we sold to a long-time veterinary client, Dr. Stanley Moles, and it was exciting seeing him race and do well. It was very gratifying because his mom was my first solo purchase and the breeding was one that I thought out and nicked by myself.
“Any little success can be so rewarding because we all know how difficult the business can be.
“Charlie’s Brother was quite a handful on the track. But he’s retired with us and now lives in Weirsdale as a riding horse for one of my clients. He is much more docile now.” Atteberry said.
Another special memory for Atteberry came with a filly they kept and raced instead of selling.
“By far, watching our filly win her first start down at Tampa Bay Downs is my best racehorse memory so far,” Attedberry said. “It was our first runner, her first race, wearing our silks for the first time. It wasn’t a high value race, but to us, it might as well have been the Kentucky Oaks. It’s always special when you hand pick the stallion, go through the foaling process and then all the ups and downs that come with raising a horse.
“I’m laughing right now because I don’t think she ever hit the board again after that. But it’s still a very special memory.”
Attebery also has experienced another unique race—The Mongol Derby—considered the longest and toughest horse race in the world.
“The Mongol Derby was one the most amazing experiences of my life. It combined all the things that I love—competition, endurance, grit and horsemanship. The race is around 1,000 kilometers and competitors ride 25-plus horses over the Mongolian Steppe. The horses are also semi-feral, but they are hardy and tough animals. I did the race in 2022, was the fifth horse to finish and ended up third place out of 40 or so riders.
“I think the biggest takeaway from a race like that is it whittles you down to your truest self. And for me, there was a strong feeling of gratitude.
“It was also very flattering to find out when I got home how many people were following my journey. I was really shocked about that!”
Atteberry also competes in endurance riding.
“I have a homebred gelding whose Jockey Club name is Nudl, by former Ocala Stud stallion Greenpointcrusader. He unfortunately did not make it to the races due to some setbacks in his 2-year-old year. However, he has recovered and I told him that he needs a job on the farm. So he’s become my new endurance mount.
“He’s done well, been quite competitive in the 25-mile races and I hope to move him up to 50-mile races next winter.
“It’s funny seeing this giant Thoroughbred alongside the compact Arabians. He seems to like doing it and it’s fun seeing any homebred horse do well—even if it isn’t quite what we had in mind for him originally.”
Today, Atteberry’s horse business consists of a few yearlings and a broodmare with a focus on pinhooking.
“A couple of years ago, we decided to try pinhooking weanlings to yearlings and I absolutely loved it! I enjoy looking at weanlings and trying to imagine what type of yearling they will make. It’s also helpful to be able to vet them for myself. However, we have one homebred yearling colt by Neolithic that we are excited about keeping and racing. It’s been awhile since we’ve had that opportunity! Right now, we have just one homebred broodmare that we were able to claim back last summer. She is tough as nails and very solid and sound—I really like mares like that! We bred her to Zandon this Spring,” Atteberry said.
