1
Puyallup, Washington, 2006
Aaron M. Hanna
It was the last day of the Washington State Fair’s summer season. Big crowds drew in and many were beginning to fill up the stands. An announcer loudly calls out the speaker, “Place your bets, you won’t want to miss this competition.” The loudspeaker announcement alerts Aaron to quickly check the horse’s galloping boots and ties are fastened. He looks up and sees the jockey making his way over to the stall ready for the competition.
As Aaron says with short breath, “Good luck out there. Good thing we’ll miss the rain tonight, right?”
The jockey silently nods and keeps his chin down, indicating his concentration and focus. He climbs up on the side of the horse and maneuvers one of his legs to the other side. They ride off to the track and to the starting line gates. Aaron rests his left arm on the wooden stalls while his right arm is relaxed by his side. He spits out the musk-scented chewing tobacco to help relieve anxiety right before a race.
“This rain has been coming and going, on and off; I cannot remember the last time the sun has shined brightly during a race.” Aaron says as he looks up at the sky. The state of Washington is known for year-round rainfall. During wet conditions, the tracks become muddy, which leaves all of the equipment dirty for Aaron to cleanup, he has no time to watch the race.
For as long as Aaron could remember, he was always at the Washington State Fair. Rain or shine, the fair was what taught him about competitive horse racing. He has always worked alongside any industry crew member, whether it was a trainer, a competitive jockey, or a veterinarian. While trying to make a name for himself working among various roles, Aaron identifies as an heir to a family legacy of famous thoroughbred horse trainers and jockeys.
Aaron M. Hanna is 18 years old and is living in Pyuallup, Washington. Fresh out of high school, he lives in Pyuallup to be near the fair. He has joined Jeff Bondie’s team, a well-known veterinarian specializing in thoroughbred horses, to travel between the state of Washington and California. When the horse races move to California for 7 months out of the year, competitions are held at Golden Gate Fields, Santa Anita Park, and Del Mar tracks. Aaron will be traveling up and down the Pacific West Coast with Bondie’s team to care for the horses during the race.
When Aaron recites his story, he recalls the lessons and adversity he faced on his migration. Aaron embarks on a journey from Washington to California in search of his own ambitions, while fulfilling the duties that are expected of him and the identity of his family’s long history in the horse racing industry.
2
Pyuallup, Washington, 2006
Aaron M. Hanna and Dr. Z
Aaron Hanna exits horse stable – evening.
It wasn’t too long before my crazy idea to stay with the trainers caught up with the owners. The pressure before a meet in California dawns on everyone and affects their roles in the horse racing industry. Although the competition is not until months away, my team is packed for the road to California. The timing was not right to break the news and it surely was not about fulfilling this unknown craving from within.
Dr. Z’s office
Dr. Z is notating specific results after completing the horse’s physical. A completed physical indicates the final step prior to moving the horses into their trailers. Aaron is sent to pick up a copy of the physical for Jeff Bondie.
Aaron Hanna:
I was a bit distracted while helping Dr. Z scan through each horse during the exam. My focus was wandering into unknown thoughts, specifically the money and fame I have been hearing from my father. He was a big-name jockey in the industry and he was a man that I've always looked up to. We’ve exchanged phone calls about his competition winnings from California. All of this money talk we have been discussing is inspiring me to seek work, perhaps outside of the horse racing industry. But what about my recent commitment to Jeff and his team? I could have waited to consult my ideas with Jeff alone. However, the excitement and the respect I have for Dr. Z encouraged me to open up to him.
Aaron: What happens to the owners that stay in California?
Dr. Z: Well, the horses stay of course.
Aaron: Not only the horses; I mean to the owners, the team and especially the organization?
Dr. Z: Well, the organization has a reason to go back between Washington and California. They play a big role in the horse racing industry, as well as your role.
Aaron: What would happen when one person stays?
Dr. Z: Will you be joining another team?
Aaron: Not exactly, I’ve been thinking for a while what would happen if I left Bondie’s team.
Dr. Z: The horses are the ones that play their important roles, you will need to find your role among the process.
Aaron: No one understands how much money can be made here in California. What if it’s not only just for the horses?
Dr. Z: Sure, money can flow from every direction. Where do you see yourself contributing to that success?
Silence filled the air. I paused to think about Dr. Z’s question the moment that sentence was done. Dr. Z saw my reaction and kept his pen moving, as an indication that all that he needed to say has been said. I looked back up in search for any clues or additional tips from Dr. Z, but I figured that in this industry, it is already tough enough to stick to your word, work hard, and let the ranks speak for the organization. The time Dr. Z and I spent during these brief moments in the office, at the end of a 12-hour day, was enough peace he can offer me. The unknown craving impedes my thoughts, one cannot admit how much gossip has spread between the owners. Soon I have to find time to speak with Bondie alone to discuss my unsettled future.
3
Highway 13 junction to Highway 24, 2006
Aaron M. Hanna and Ryan Kenney
This is not the first time for Aaron to drive long-distance with a trailer filled with 8 horses in the back. Aaron was joined by his cousin, Ryan Kenney, a shot-gun passenger along the journey. Both boys were hollering, laughing, sharing stories, and eating their weight in snacks, as they drove from Washington to California. If given the choice, Aaron would have taken the shot-gun seat instead, but was determined to prove his worth as long-haul driver and a versatile employee to his boss. On this particular drive, the experience was an eye-opener, newly coming into the bay area for Aaron.
On the drive, they passed by different terrains, landscapes, and cities. Both boys were in charge of stopping three times for the horses to stop for water, bathroom, and rest break. Their final destination was Golden Gate Fields in Albany, CA.
“..and I told my old lady she will never do right if we don’t get an early head start out the door.” Ryan explains to Aaron the importance of leaving on time for a long journey.
“You see cuz, the art of being on time..” Ryan turns over toward Aaron and flips his hand across the back of his neck. “.. is like your ugly face, as it is about to turn red as I rip you up.” Aaron hunches his neck and shoulders as both boys were laughing hysterically. Ryan was right, as Aaron thinks to himself on the suggestions his cousin just expressed. Aaron was a bit distracted as he navigated real time traffic based on the map quest instructions printed out the night before.
Ryan turning his eyes back to the road ahead and loudly hollers, “Bro, where are you going? We just passed our merging lane back there.”
Aaron losses focus and realigned his attention back on the road. “It’s alright, we can just take this exit at Fish Ranch Road.” says Aaron with a nervous tone. Aaron was supposed to stay on highway 13 instead of merging onto highway 24. It became clear they were reaching the city limits and the drive became difficult to navigate with a horse-trailer attached. Within half a mile, Fish Ranch Road approached and Aaron drove onto the exit ramp.
“This doesn’t look right, this exit looks like a narrow one-way.” Ryan says as he is navigating their surroundings. It became clear to both boys they entered a one-way street that leads up to a dead end. Anxious to arrive on time, Aaron made sure to do his best to get out before any highway state patrols caught on. If so, Aaron could lose his driver’s license and his employer would be alerted. Once the vehicle got as close to the end of the street as possible, Aaron switched gears into reverse and slowly began to back out of the 700 feet street. The vehicle’s reserve signal alarmed the horses and each of them quickly shrieked out of fear. Aaron felt out of control; he has never been in this scenario before. He wanted to give up and call someone for help. He stopped for a moment, exhaled to calm his heart beat, and channeled a moment of silence to himself to stay focus. Ryan was also no help rambling loudly on the side. There was not much Aaron could do but use his side mirrors to get their vehicle and trailer out of the street. Aaron says with relief, “Just spot me on your right and check for any incoming traffic from behind. I’ve got this, we just need to stay clear of any structures from the side.”
Alas, Aaron maneuvers out of the one-way street and drove across the ramp back on to highway 24. Out of relief, Aaron was happy nothing else went wrong. There was no time to ponder on the negative, they were expected to arrive to Golden Gate Fields the same day to meet with the trainers. A lot was riding on Aaron and he silently felt triumphant in that moment.
4
Golden Gate Fields, Albany, CA 2006
Aaron M. Hanna and Jeff Bondie
“Thanks for getting the crew here, we were worried you did not arrive for the early start time with the trainers.” Says Jeff as he completes the end of trip paper work.
Aaron shakes Jeff’s hand and took a step back for Jeff to unload the remaining equipment off the trailer. Although Jeff was known for specializing in horse care, their services include hauling horses prior to a competition.
“Jeff, any chance we can talk? I know it’s a busy week ahead of us, but something came up and it is only right you hear it from me.” Aaron says with concern.
“Sure son, what is it you need?” Jeff says as he is turning his head to check for any dust on his body.
Aaron:
“Sir, you know my family for as long as my dad was a young jockey and you were starting out shoeing for the same organization. I am grateful for every opportunity you allowed for me when taking me in with your team this year. Sir, you need to understand that I have made the decision to stay in California when this year ends.”
Jeff:
“You made this commitment when we spoke back in Washington. Our team stays for the three competitions in California. Will you be there for all of them?”
Aaron:
“I will not break our commitment; a man doesn’t shake hands to break their word. You can still count on me.”
Jeff:
“Somehow, I hear it in your voice you are not clear of your own promises, is that right?”
Aaron:
“When this year it up and after we have completed the tour through California, I plan on staying. Perhaps I break away from the expectations everyone has on me back home and I search for work here, in California.”
Jeff looks at Aaron, man-to-man right at the eyes. He crosses his arms with a stern look and is taking in what Aaron had told him. There was a long pause between them and it almost scares Aaron, but he keeps his chin held high. Jeff places his hand across Aaron’s right shoulder and calmly says, “Don’t hold back on me when I need you. You have my support on anything you need. I will be sad when you won’t be there to drive my horses in a ditch” Jeff winks at Aaron and smirks, knowing what Aaron attempted back at Highway 24 with his cousin.
Aaron quietly nods but is thrilled inside. A man like Jeff holds so much respect and can offer many connections, but for Aaron this is one step to achieving his goal of finding his own wealth in California.
At the end of the competition, Aaron calls his father to announce his news. Aaron continues the remainder of the year traveling with Jeff Bondie’s team across California. When 2006 ends, Aaron moves in with his father and step-mother in Danville, CA, and Aaron receives a job horse-shoeing at Golden Gate Field. This job will allow Aaron the freedom to work as a freelancer, instead of traveling, or working long hours around a competition. While keeping in contact with the network within the horse racing industry, Aaron can continue to pursue his ambition for riches and wealth in California.
Works Cited
1. Aaron M. Hanna. In-person interview, February 13, 2020
Comments
Post a Comment