Katie Gangell-Beyer, a prominent figure in the world of harness racing, has built her career on a foundation laid by her family. Born and raised in Simcoe, Ontario, she now resides in Delaware with her husband, Troy Beyer, where they manage a stable of 11 horses. Her journey began through the wisdom imparted by her parents and grandparents, who taught her invaluable lessons about caring for and training horses. After gaining experience with renowned trainers, Katie moved to the United States, working under various esteemed professionals before settling down with Troy. Together, they are dedicated to nurturing their horses and competing at top tracks like Chester and The Meadowlands Racetrack. Katie shares her love for specific horses, including her first racehorse, Hurrah For Dave, and her fastest trotter, Enzo Dk. Her passion for bringing out the best in each horse continues to drive her forward.
Katie Gangell-Beyer’s upbringing in Simcoe, Ontario, was steeped in the traditions of horse care and training. Her parents and grandparents instilled in her a deep understanding of equine rehabilitation and diagnostics. Despite owning modestly bred horses, they provided an unparalleled education that shaped Katie's future. One notable innovation was the installation of a horse swimming pool on their farm, which became instrumental in rehabilitating injured horses. This hands-on approach taught Katie to listen to the needs of each animal, fostering a lifelong commitment to the sport.
After completing her university studies, Katie ventured into professional training under several influential figures in the industry. Each mentor contributed unique insights, helping her refine her skills. Working with Chris Ryder, Ron Burke, Bruce Saunders, and Mike Vanderkemp, she gained exposure to diverse training methods. It was during her time with Mike Vanderkemp that she met her future husband, Troy Beyer. Their shared passion for horses led them to establish a thriving stable in Delaware, where they focus on developing young talent and rehabilitating project horses.
Their current stable includes a mix of personal and client-owned horses, competing primarily at Chester and The Meadowlands Racetrack. Among their notable achievements is the success of Danish import Enzo Dk, who set a lifetime mark of 1:53.2 at Chester. Another standout is Jet Zette, a trotter who has become Katie’s cherished companion. They also take pride in Hi Maintenancechic, whose legacy lives on through her offspring, Big Chic Magnet, earning over $200,000 in races. These milestones highlight the couple's dedication to both competition and compassionate care.
Beyond their immediate successes, Katie and Troy aspire to cultivate a high-quality stable while maintaining a hands-on approach. They aim to develop promising young horses and continue to rehabilitate those in need. Living in Delaware offers them proximity to premier training centers, ensuring optimal conditions for their animals. As they look toward the future, Katie remains committed to her dream of making every horse thrive, embodying the values passed down from her family. Her journey exemplifies the enduring spirit of harness racing, driven by love, perseverance, and an unwavering dedication to the sport.