The National Youth Leadership Conference of 2016 was truly one for the history books. We had several amazing speakers that touched our hearts. One unplanned speaker left a group of us in admiration.

We traveled through the horse capital of the world to a place that houses many champion racehorses. Upon arrival we took pictures at the magnificent bronze statue and gravesite of Man O’ War. A group of us headed toward the hall of champions. What we found was so much more. We met a man by the name of David McMillan. Mr. McMillan shared his wealth of knowledge about several champions housed at Kentucky Park.

He then began to tell us the story of an incredible man named Gene Carter. Gene was one of only three men to ever throw a leg over Man O’ War. He grew up in a small town where Man O’ War’s caretaker, Will Harbut, resided. Gene fell in love with his daughter, Lillian.  Before he could date Lillian he would have to work with Mr. Harbut. After working at the farm for a few weeks, he was given two amazing opportunities. The first was when he was told he was able to date Harbut’s daughter. The second was that he was able to hoist himself upon Man O’ War.  Gene married the love of his life two years after their first date, in 1947. He and Lillian grew their charming family, adding four sons and four daughters.

Gene wasn’t just the son-in-law to Will Harbut, but he was also an admirable jockey prospect. His dream was cut short when segregation struck the United States. As an African American, he was not permitted on the track. Gene made his living within the racehorse industry another way. He was one of the greatest horse trainers who traveled the country working with the most unruly horses. It was said by more than one employee at Horse Park that he was a true horse whisperer, having an unspoken way with the wild horses. After he left those disorderly horses, they were ready to win races.  Gene was also noted for getting colts ready for sales, prepping a colt that sold for more than $7 million. After he lost his wife to breast cancer in 2003, the ache in his heart lead him to return to work to keep busy.

As the group stood listening to the story, we couldn’t help but be inspired by Gene’s story. Then something incredible happened. David, our story telling new friend, pointed to an elderly man leaf blowing in the barn. The man emerged and we all met Gene Carter. Even at 90-years-old Mr. Carter continues his passion for horses by volunteering at Kentucky Horse Park. Our group was inspired by Gene’s perseverance and work in the industry he loved. It gave us all reassurance to pursue our dreams even if the road we choose gives us an unexpected curve. It also taught us, as Dr. Brett Kaysen always says, “The most important choice you make in life is choosing who you marry.”