NSA welcomes Rosella Hunter
By Tod Marks
A critical job in any office rests on the shoulders of its business manager, and effective Dec. 1, the National Steeplechase Association has a new one in Rosella Hunter, a native Californian who now makes the NSA’s base of Fair Hill, MD., her home.
Besides running the office, Hunter, an equestrian with an eclectic background, will shoulder all financial matters, including general and horseman’s bookkeeping, and insurance. In addition, she will act as liaison, servicing all licensed owners, trainers, and riders. Rosella can be reached via e-mail at rosella@nationalsteeplechase.com.
Growing up in a small farming community on the central coast of California, Hunter moved East, to Fair Hill, to campaign an eventer in 2007, and never looked back.
“I grew up showing horses on the West Coast, which led me to working with trainers at Golden Gate Fields, Bay Meadows, and some of the Southern circuit racetracks to re-train and re-home Thoroughbreds retired from racing,” Hunter said.
While attending the University of California at Fresno, Hunter studied agriculture business and pre-veterinary medicine, earning a bachelor of science degree.
With a growing interest in the thoroughbred industry, Hunter landed a job with WinStar Farm in Kentucky after graduation, where she was foreman of the barren/maiden barn and helped keep watch over the newborn foals at night. Next, she moved on to WinStar’s yearling division, prepping them for the sales at the farm and handling them in the ring.
Following her relocation to Fair Hill, Hunter purchased a barn at the Training Center and also continued her education at the University of Delaware, becoming a certified paralegal. But her resume doesn’t end there. A licensed realtor in Maryland, Pennsylvania, and Delaware, Hunter has managed the daily operations for a racehorse trainer, been an executive assistant for a property developer, and business manager for an excavation company.
Living near Fair Hill has its perks, and Hunter enjoys being able to walk her English Lab, Crew, and hacking out on her former lead pony turned pasture pet. In addition, she’s an avid fisherman and in the warmer months can be found on her boat exploring the Eastern Shore.
What was it about the NSA job that attracted her?
“I love equestrian sports in general, but racing especially. I have a great appreciation for the horse and human athletes, as well as all the hard work and countless hours that are invested by everyone behind the stable gate. Now that I’m not hands-on in the barn, supporting our horsemen with a well organized and professional association, like the NSA, is the next best thing. My hope is to provide excellent service and support to our members, jockeys, and volunteers, and help grow our sport across the region.”