2023 Dedication to Breeding Award Finalist - Thoroughbred Industry Employee Awards

DANA MCCREARY

Owner & Director of Farm Operations

I have grown up with horses since I was a young girl. When I was 6 years old my father asked me what I wanted to do when I grew up. My response was, "I want to have a horse farm". Horses were my first love … my first passion. Owning a horse farm took a few years longer than what I hoped because I decided at the age of 16 to follow my other passion … flying. I became a professional pilot and, after 28 years of flying, I retired as a DC-9 Captain from Airborne Express.

My passion for horses never ceased during my flying years and, in 1989, my late husband, Gerry Aschinger, and I purchased our first farm together where we stood a stallion and owned a couple broodmares. In 2002 we moved to Kentucky and purchased the land that is now home to War Horse Place Farm.

War Horse Place has become known for its vibrant broodmare operation but the early years were tough. Fortunately, our hard work paid off and we grew the initial 90 acre operation into 180 acres where we now manage 60 mares along with their weanlings and yearlings. Although we are built on the broodmare operation, we do have a complete stallion barn and breeding shed where we currently stand 5 stallions. I am proud of what we have built and truly believe that our improvements and commitment over the years have brought to life one of the most beautiful and complete thoroughbred facilities in the area.

Another aspect of my life that has always been a driving factor is my innate competitive nature. I love the rush that competing gives me. The combination of my love for horses and my competitive nature led me to the game of polo. I began playing in the early 90’s and thoroughly enjoyed the sport for over 25 years. It provided me some of my greatest memories while enabling me to see incredible places and meet amazing people.

Most people work their whole life trying to realize the dream they are pursuing. It is safe to say that I am truly blessed for I have had the chance to chase … and realize … two dreams in my life. Although my flying days may be over, I still feel like I am soaring above the clouds as owner of War Horse Place.

RAFAEL ZAMBRANO

Farm Manager

My love for animals began at an early age growing up on a family farm in Mexico. We grew avocados and raised cattle and horses. I came to the United States determined to make a better life for myself and my family. I came to Kentucky with my brother to work on his farm in Versailles. My love for horses began and my yearning for knowledge started my journey to be the best horseman I could.

I was blessed with the opportunity to work with the renowned Podiatry Veterinarian Rick Redden when first coming to Kentucky. As I gained more experience, I knew I wanted to be a bigger part of the horse industry in Kentucky.

I started that journey as the yearling groom at Vinery. While in this position, I was fortunate to gain valuable experience in yearling prep, foaling, breeding and eventually, as a nightwatchman. I found a passion for foaling and decided to pursue a job in the field.

With my new passion for foaling, I took a position at Hopewell Farm as a Foaling Barn Foreman. I quickly felt deep enjoyment and excitement with each foaling. As the farm grew so did my responsibilities, including a new role on the yearling side of things as the Assistant Yearling Manager. I quickly learned that I had a knack for the yearlings which led me to the next chapter in my story.

That chapter began when I accepted a position as Yearling Manager at Summer Wind Farm. I had the chance to work with some amazing horses and found joy and satisfaction in watching each horse grow from gangly little kids to beautiful filled out yearlings ready for the sales. I found great satisfaction in knowing I was a small part of the horses’ development as I provided a program of proper nutrition, regular exercise, good grooming and, of course, a lot of love and care. As my success grew in that role, I was asked to take on greater responsibilities as their Assistant Farm Manager. The knowledge I obtained while during my time at Summer Wind was invaluable.

One part of my life that I am as passionate about as the horses is my love of running. I am as committed to my training as I am to my horses. I have had the privilege to run in several marathons such as Chicago, New York and Philadelphia. However, my ultimate goal was to run in the Boston Marathon. After years of training and hard work, I was successful in qualifying the event on four different occasions. Needless to say, it was an amazing experience to personally run the Boston Marathon…one that left me knowing that I could truly do anything with enough focus and passion.

War Horse Place - Rafael Zambrano - Farm Manager

MATT HOWARD

Assistant Manager

Growing up in western Kansas around farming and quarter horses, I developed an interest in racing by going to small races in Holly, Colorado at Gateway Downs with my grandfather. I worked through high school with local crop and cattle farmers, truly learning the value of hard work through learning to work with what you had, and fixing it if it was broken. Throughout my college years at Manhattan Christian College and Kansas State University, I grew my knowledge of business and networking, while playing collegiate basketball and rugby.

After moving to Kentucky in 2006 with my wife, I discovered working in corporate America was not what I truly enjoyed, and sought to find a position in the horse industry. Over the past 18 years I've had the privilege to manage and work for some truly amazing farms and owners, gaining insight into multiple facets of their diverse businesses. I've worked extensively with multiple breeds, including racing quarter horses, standardbreds, and thoroughbreds. I strive to continue to learn as much as possible, be it pasture management, equipment maintenance, or the latest advanced reproductive techniques.

Through all my years working on management teams, I've found the best cultures are when everyone is working as a team towards the same goal. I'm always open to new ideas and delight in healthy debate, and seeing the passion for horses at War Horse Place is thrilling. I feel truly blessed to join the War Horse Place team and see the farm flourish in the future.

In my free time, I enjoy spending time with my wife and two sons. We spend a lot of time outdoors, be it camping, sports, or trying to perfect my impossibly bad golf game. I also relish in taking an active part in our church, leading youth groups and men's bible study.

ELIZABETH ZAMBRANO

Office Manager

When I was a kid, my dad used to bring home all sorts of orphaned animals for us to take care of. From flying squirrels to raccoons, we always had our hands full on our farm. This early exposure to caring for animals sparked a passion in me that has stayed with me ever since.

After graduating from Morehead State University with degrees in Veterinary Technology (Associate) and Veterinary Science and Technology (Bachelor), I started working at a vet clinic in Georgetown. It was there that I met my husband, Rafael Zambrano, and we decided I would focus on being a stay-at-home mom to our three kids. During this time, I also worked as a traveling technician, helping to spay and neuter shelter and low-income animals all over Kentucky.

Although I was born and raised in Kentucky, I had never been exposed to the Thoroughbred industry until I met my husband. Thoroughbreds quickly became a big part of our lives, and I fell in love with the excitement of horse racing and watching foals grow into incredible athletes.

Now, I’m proud to be part of the War Horse family, where family values are at the core of everything we do.

War Horse Place - Elizabeth Zambrano - Office Manager

KEVIN MCCREARY

Business Manager

Many young boys dream about following in their father’s footsteps. For me, that was the case except for the fact I only followed in part of his footsteps … until now.

What I followed during my young adult years was his love for athletics and the competitive spirit that it develops within you. I spent most of my young adult years immersed in sports and earning my way through college on a baseball scholarship.

Once my playing days were over, I needed to find an outlet for my competitive desires. That avenue was the business arena. It was in this platform that I spent 30+ years leading organizations to business excellence. I spent that time focusing on the leadership of people, development of strong business strategies and bottom-line performance. I believe in treating every staff member with the utmost respect while demanding greatness from them and myself. It is this universal combination of care and commitment that produces an organizational culture capable of delivering the highest level of client care and experience.

That leads me to the "until now". You see, my father also had an incredible love for animals … specifically horses. As a young boy he raised several of them in which he cared for and rode as a major part of his enjoyment. He always had a place in his heart … until the day he died … for the beauty and majestic nature of horses. Little did I know that he put a piece of that in my heart as well. Today, I have the opportunity to work closely with Dana and our team in building strong relationships with our clients, medical professionals, vendors and other business professionals for the purpose of creating a world class environment for all to prosper … especially the horses that we are blessed to have on the farm.

Growing up an athlete has created a strong desire within me to be part of a "team" rather than a focus on individual based activities. I love to celebrate team victories and I believe that each of us want to be part of something more significant than we can be on our own. My role on this farm gives me the opportunity to be part of an incredible team.

When not focused on the demands of the farm, I enjoy exercising some of my competitiveness on the golf course. It gives me the best of all worlds … competing with myself to be better while using the time to enjoy some laughs and make a few memories with those who are part of my life.

DR. BRAD TANNER

Veterinarian - Reproduction, Foal Medicine, & Herd Health

I am a shareholder at Rood and Riddle Equine Hospital in Lexington, KY. As a native of Kentucky, I attended and graduated from the Auburn University College of Veterinary Medicine.

My practice includes reproduction, foal medicine, and herd health.

In addition to my relationship with War Horse Place, I service several other large breeding farms in the Lexington area and am committed to practicing the highest level of veterinary medicine.

Away from work, I enjoy horse racing, UK sports, and spending time with my wife Susie and our two sons.

War Horse Place - Dr. Brad Tanner - Veterinarian

DR. PAGE MAUK

Veterinarian - Dental

I am a veterinarian with Lexington Equine Medical Group. I grew up riding and working with horses. Long before vet school, I knew that my place was in the barn.

I have a background in eventing, polo, and fox hunting and each discipline has solidified my love of Thoroughbreds.

I spent some of my younger years in Lexington before moving to Franklin, TN. where I attended the University of Tennessee for both undergraduate and veterinary school.

Following graduation, I completed an equine internship in Lexington before becoming a resident veterinarian first at Winstar Farm and then at Don Alberto Farm. I appreciate the experience that I gained through those years but enjoy now being part of a larger equine community that includes War Horse Place.

JUAN CARLOS SAMBRANO

Farrier

I was raised on a farm in Mexico, where I learned the importance of hard work from a young age.

In 1995, I made the decision to move to the United States in pursuit of a better life for myself and my family back in Mexico. Upon my arrival, I had the privilege of working alongside the esteemed lameness specialist, Dr. Rick Redding.

In 1999, I had the opportunity to attend and successfully graduate from the prestigious Kentucky Horseshoeing School. Following my graduation, I spent several years apprenticing under Dr. Redding, absorbing as much knowledge as possible about horse movement.

I devoted countless hours to observing horses as they walked, honing my ability to detect even the slightest changes in their gait and learning how to correct them.

Now, for nearly two decades, I have had the opportunity of working independently in the equine industry, specializing in the care of Thoroughbred foals, weanlings, yearlings, stallions, and mares.

War Horse Place - a full-service boutique Thoroughbred operation located in the heart of Kentucky's Bluegrass region.

That is the equestrian.