KINGSTON, Jamaica - Tamicka “Barbie” Lawrence is not frequently used in the saddle in competitive races at Caymanas Park, but in order to stay afloat, she uses her time away from the Park to educate young riders at the Kingston Polo Club, Caymanas Estates, St Catherine.
“I have a job here at the Kingston Polo Club. I exercise the horses, plus I am the educator of the young riders. I teach them how to handle themselves, and with not getting many rides at the track, I spend some of my time out here working,” Lawrence told the Supreme Racing Guide.
“I started working at the Kingston Polo Club last week, but I’m not new to this because I used to work here before I became a jockey. Anything or anywhere to do with horses, I am there, as I love horses,” she added.
Lawrence, who had taken a break from the saddle, has resumed exercising horses since last week.
“I took a break from the game for personal reasons, but I am back now working out horses with the hope of getting some rides. I want to earn everything that comes my way, so I am willing to put in the dedication and commitment necessary in order to achieve, “she said.
Lawrence, who started her career as a jockey at Caymanas Park on September 25, 2018, along with two other females, Samantha Fletcher and Abigail Able, has so far been unable to ride a winner from 27 mounts, but she is keen on doing all it takes to be successful. Fletcher has so far ridden 35 winners, while Able has visited the winners’ enclosure 10 times.
“This is my dream. This is what I want to do. Becoming a jockey was a dream come true for me and is still my dream. I have failed to ride a winner since I graduated, but I am still happy and will continue riding high till my day comes,” said Lawrence.
Lawrence, who attended Ocho Rios High School before finishing her studies at Fair Prospect, knows full well that success only comes with hard work.
“Nothing happens before its time. Nothing beats hard work. I am not rushing anything as I will eventually get what I am working towards,” she said.
Lawrence said that plying her trade as a licensed rider at Caymanas Park doesn’t get in her way at Kingston Polo Club.
“No, I don’t have a problem doing both. I work out horses in the mornings and then I have the whole day for the Polo Club, and I manage them both well,” she explained.
