Sarah Nowland: From the stables to the stage

Sarah’s journey into the world of racing began in a somewhat unexpected fashion. Having trained as a full-time dancer for years and worked professionally since 2017, she found herself craving a new challenge. “I wanted to keep my mind stimulated,” she said. Growing up riding ponies and competing, Sarah naturally gravitated toward horses, and in early 2022, she took a leap, diving into the racing industry. “I saw a job post on Horse Jobs Victoria and thought, ‘Why not?’”

A trial at Gai Waterhouse and Adrian Bott’s Flemington stable swiftly turned into full-time work, and before long, she was strapping and even riding trackwork. “Gai and Adrian were so encouraging, pushing me to start my track rider apprenticeship,” she says. The experience proved to be transformative, laying the foundation for her new career path.

“She’s developed so much – muscle, top line, and in her overall attitude. It’s been amazing to see her transform. She’s very beautiful, sweet, and quiet, with a great understanding of her job and how to take care of her rider.” - Sarah Nowland on mare Positivity

When Andrew Forsman, a prominent New Zealand trainer, set up his Flemington stables, Sarah saw an opportunity for growth. “I wanted to see how things were done at a different stable,” she explains. The transition has been rewarding, and Sarah speaks highly of her team, especially her foreman, Chloe. “We currently have a handful of horses. Andrew is considering expanding, which could be a great opportunity. Chloe has been fantastic – very supportive and encouraging. It’s a lot of fun.”

One horse in particular, Positivity, has stood out during her time with Forsman Racing. “When she first came over from New Zealand, she wasn’t used to the hustle and bustle of Flemington. She was a little like a deer in the headlights.” But Sarah, along with Chloe, nurtured Positivity, helping her grow in confidence and strength. “She’s developed so much – muscle, top line, and in her overall attitude. It’s been amazing to see her transform. She’s very beautiful, sweet, and quiet, with a great understanding of her job and how to take care of her rider.”

Running seventh in The Lexus Bart Cummings on TAB Turnbull Stakes Day, Positivity will no doubt have more chances to show her talents in the spring. “She’s clever, recognising when the jockeys are coming out and knowing it’s time to race. Though she can sometimes be a bit strong in the mounting yard, she stays sensible, saving her energy for the race. Her personality is gentle and affectionate, and she’s easy to handle – well-mannered and a joy to work with.”

While her racing career flourishes, Sarah continues to pursue her passion for dance. Her team at Forsman Racing has been incredibly supportive, allowing her the flexibility to balance rehearsals and performances. “I was in New York recently for a dance gig, and the team was fully behind me,” she notes. Even when rehearsing for the AFL Grand Final – dancing with Katy Perry in front of 100,000 spectators – Sarah worked the morning shifts before heading off to rehearsals. “They encouraged me to go out and put my best foot forward.”

This experience was a career highlight. “It was surreal,” she said. “Dancing on a field with an international artist and that many people – it was a full-circle moment for me.” Having started with smaller gigs, Sarah knows the importance of perseverance.

“In both racing and dancing, you start with bread-and-butter work, but if you keep showing up and working hard, opportunities come your way.” - Sarah Nowland

Now, as she continues her journey in both worlds, Sarah reflects on the unique connection between her two passions. “Both jobs definitely complement each other, particularly with flexibility and strength. I’ve noticed through my apprenticeship that track riding requires a lot of endurance and stamina. When learning to gallop, you need to be able to hold the horse, which requires upper body and core strength, as well as flexibility in your hamstrings to stay up and over the horse. It’s a technique that demands enough strength to execute properly, which is different from the equestrian disciplines I came from.”

This type of strength differs from what’s required in dance. “In dancing, you mainly work with your own body weight or partner with someone for lifts, which requires flexibility, strength, and cardio."

Sarah does see a parallel between the intense bursts of energy required in both fields. “Dancers perform intense choreography for two and a half minutes, which is similar to the endurance needed in riding,” she says. “Though with riding, you’re controlling a heavy animal.”

She appreciates the physicality of both passions and expresses gratitude for her unexpected career path. “I enjoy being active and appreciate finding this incredible job in racing, especially since I had no prior connections to the industry.”