“It’s Winston Churchill who said the outside of a horse does something for the inside of a man. I know through my own battles with addiction that you can be left feeling pretty wrung out emotionally and even physically. The horse was always an individual in my life who looked at me the same. There was no judgment passed. There was just a connection between me and the animal that was unparalleled and it’s always been there—a really strong connection. If I can provide somebody the opportunity to experience that for themselves, then I’d be wrong not to,” said racehorse trainer William Walden in an interview with BloodHorse magazine last fall.
The first weekend of May, the infamous Kentucky Derby was held in front of a global audience. The race’s historic run has seen the industry’s greatest athletes run and go on to greatness. Since its first race in 1875, horses like Secretariat, Gallant Fox, Orb, Seattle Slew, Barbaro and American Pharoah have all been crowed winners. The list of almost winners is much, much longer.
The Kentucky Derby was initially 1 1/2 miles but changed to 1 1/4 miles in 1896, and like many success stories, had a somewhat rocky start. In fact, in 1892, there were only three horses that raced. Today, the entire world watches the race and it is an opportunity for people to celebrate horses, culture and heritage. Known for its fashion, the race means so much more. It’s a driver on the global stage for bloodlines, racing and standards. The race hasn’t been without controversy, but it has stood as a symbol for the ultimate goal.
Behind the scenes of each horse is a group of trainers, each having their own story. This year was highlighted by a 34-year-old trainer named Will Walden. His father, Elliot Walden, is one of the most accomplished trainers in the industry. He trained for over two decades before becoming the CEO of WinStar Farms, one of the most recognized programs in the nation with over 1,000 winning horses to his name. His grandfather was also a well-known horse trainer. Will’s pedigree himself is impressive, but it was his decision-making toward the end of his high school career that Will’s story became different.
A standout athlete himself, Will was awarded a basketball scholarship by Asbury University in Kentucky. It was at this time that Will began making choices with substance and alcohol abuse that led to a 12-year battle with addiction. He lost his scholarship, dropped out of college and bounced around under horse trainers as his addiction took full control. His ability to maintain his lifestyle eventually caught up to him. He was in and out of hospitals, being brought back to life and waking up and not knowing how he got there.
It was at this low point that he met a retired armed forces veteran, Christian Countzler, who worked at Shepherd’s House, a drug treatment program in Lexington, who helped Will straighten his life around. Will eventually won his battle and has been sober since Nov. 23, 2020.
During rehab, Walden met two individuals with zero experience in racehorses, Tyler Maxwell and Michael Lowery. At that time, Will was trying to get back on his feet working a part-time shift at a Wendy’s restaurant. He tells the story of picking used ketchup packets off the concrete, but happy to do it because he was getting back in control of his own life. Tyler and Michael showed interest in horses, and the trio started crafting the idea to start their own stable. From there, the three guys set up shop in Ocala, FL, and began training. Today, Will has been a source to help recovering addicts get back on their feet and has provided a healthy environment for horses, trainers and beginners. He’s built a team of qualified individuals and says he takes the most pride when people come through his barn and then take another job somewhere else as a “technical promotion.”
At the Kentucky Derby on May 3, his horse, Bless the Broken, broke out from the middle of the pack to finish third in the historic race. Will, now married with two young kids, shows his humility for life, passion for horses and love for his situation. He’s again a student of the trade and is excited for his team.
“I’ve been learning more about the mental side of these animals and how the pieces all fall together a little bit easier if they’re mentally wrapped around what we’re asking them to do. I think some of that … you can’t put in what God left out,” Will said.
As Will’s team continues to grow and more horses enter his program, he’s starting to have multiple strings at major tracks. His life experiences helps him connect with individuals and his knowledge of the sport is undeniable. Everyone deserves the opportunity to make their life better, and when success is earned by those who are willing to reach for it, it’s worth cheering for. — LOGAN IPSEN
