Thoroughbred Training Spotlight: Custom Care Equine
Interview with Donna Freyer of the Camden Training Center
Originally called Custom Care South – the spin-off of a business started in New York, Custom Care Equine has established itself as a consistent producer of solid race horses that continue to perform year after year.
Being in one spot has enabled trainer Donna Freyer to maintain a balance of family and friends, business and community. She has served on the board of the Chamber of Commerce and the Fine Arts Center (which boasts Betty Moran as its biggest benefactor). What she cherishes most is starting the Thoroughbred Retirement Foundation of S.C. with horseman Kip Elser. Before it was fashionable to talk about the welfare of race horses upon retirement, they forged an unlikely alliance and launched a campaign to build a farm at the local state prison, Wateree Correctional Facility. It has become a template for all such programs across the county under the name they coined, Second Chances. The horses have new life and the prisoners learn a new skill.
Other accomplishments include starting the S.C. residency races for horses that have spent 90 days training S.C.. The filly division of this race is named after her. As vice president of the S.C. Thoroughbred owners and breeders, she is determined to highlight the horse industry in the state.
Q: Hi, Donna! Do you mind telling us a little bit about what brought you to the Camden Training Center here in Camden South Carolina?
A: Absolutely! At the urging of an early equestrian mentor, Andrea King, I came to work for Mr. Frank Whiteley in the early 1980s. He started wintering horses here in 1965, which was a trendsetting move in those days. Whiteley was a Hall of Fame trainer, Ruffian is most likely being the most recognized of his trainees. The Camden South Carolina Archives even has a “Frank Whiteley Room” as a permanent part of its collection, founded in his honor!
Q: We couldn’t be happier that Ms. King made that suggestion to come down here to Camden! In your own words, why do you think that Camden is the best area to train and break thoroughbreds?
A: As I have such a long history with The Camden Training Center, my opinion is definitely biased. Not only has it produced good horses, but great horse people also! There is something about the land and atmosphere that seeps into your bones . . . I think the horses feel it also. Whenever I bring people here for the first time, they get it.
Q: Could you tell us one of the accomplishments of your training career that you are the most proud of?
A: That I survived! I carved my way through the industry, and established a business in a place that I love to live and work.
Q: That is, in and of itself, certainly quite the accomplishment. What is your favorite part of training horses?
A: I love horses—plain and simple! All shapes, sizes, varieties . . . all of them! I just happened to find a niche with thoroughbreds. They teach you something every day whether you are paying attention or not!
Q: Well, they certainly love you too! I know this is probably an impossible question to answer but could you tell us one of your favorite stories about one of your favorite horses that you’ve worked with over your career?
A: I think the best story is that of JW Blue, a homebred for the Elkstone Group. He made it to the 2011 Travers Stakes in Saratoga (also known as the Summer Derby), and he placed third which thrilled all of his fans! There were a lot of us there thanks to the generosity of the Grants, but 2011 was also the year that Hurricane Irene was upon us and it descended quickly that same evening. Needless to say, it was “Planes, Trains, and Automobiles” getting everyone home . . . I fear I’m probably dating myself with that Steve Martin movie reference!
Q: What is something that people don’t know about the thoroughbred industry that you would like them to know?
A: There are so many facets and nuances to the industry from breeding, sales, to racing which includes barns and administrative offices, van and feed companies, veterinarians and farriers. For anyone that is looking to break into the industry, there are so many different ways to be involved and there are always people within the thoroughbred industry that are looking for qualified and eager people to work!
Q: Last question: in a few words, why do you love your job?
A: See my answer to question number four, about my favorite part of being a trainer! But seriously, I am so lucky to be able to run my business in such a beautiful place. I have also worked very hard to develop and keep a core group of people close to me that make my job easier. I genuinely enjoy coming to the barn every single day.
Contact Donna at 803-243-4848 for services and rates, and visit her website at www.customcareequine.com
