Executive Director, Caitlin Yelick, standing outdoors next to a large bronze horse statue, with green trees and a house in the background.

Caitlin Yelick
Executive Director

Caitlin Yelick is a Lexington-based equestrian with extensive experience in Thoroughbred aftercare, sport horse development, client relations and equine business management. After many years working with show horses, Caitlin shifted her focus over to the racing industry, working at Juddmonte Farms developing young Thoroughbreds and laying foundations for successful racehorses, including countless graded stakes winners. While working at Juddmonte, she simultaneously started and developed her own Thoroughbred after care program through Machmer Hall in Paris, KY earning a strong reputation for thoughtful horse evaluation, careful matching, and continued support for horses and their new owners.  Caitlin has always had an affinity for Thoroughbreds and has dedicated her career to ensuring they get the second career they deserve.  She strives to deepen the relationships across the sport horse and racing communities, strengthen support for horses in transition and aims to continue advancing the Center’s mission and expanding its impact.

Trainer, Rachel Snyder, riding her gray horse over a wooden obstacle decorated with autumn leaves, with Halloween decorations including a pumpkin and skull nearby.

PC: @connecticutphoto

Rachel Snyder

Facilities and Equine Manager

Rachel grew up in upstate New York where her love for horses started at a young age. She grew up in 4H, taking lessons and leasing horses until getting her first horse, an OTTB mare named Bella (JC name: Dead Flowers) at 16. That was when her passion for retraining OTTB’s started, and continued to increase into her college years. She graduated from SUNY Cobleskill in 2020 with a Bachelors Degree in Animal Science, and an Associates Degree in Agricultural Business Management all while furthering her equine managing and training skills. She moved to Kentucky in 2021 and plans to continue to keep horses a large part of her life.

Office Administrator, Caren Cartwright, stands beside her horse under a dark, dramatic, cloudy sky.

PC: Wendy Wooley

Caren Cartwright
Office Administrator

Caren grew up in the Northwest but discovered her passion for horses at the age of four during a visit to her aunt’s farm in Georgia. Her love for Thoroughbreds and horse racing took hold at ten when she watched the Kentucky Derby on TV for the first time. She later moved to Kentucky to attend Midway College, attaining a degree in Equine Business. With extensive experience across various facets of the equine industry—including office administration, racetrack operations, and hands-on horse care at Thoroughbred farms—she brings a well-rounded perspective to her work. Her own OTTB, Mugs (JC: Two Steppin Bob), became part of her family 20 years ago, deepening her commitment to Thoroughbred aftercare. Caren is passionate about helping OTTBs successfully transition into new careers and find their perfect forever homes.

Operations and Facilities Manager, Caroline Noneman, smiling, wearing a black top, against a dark gray textured background.

Caroline Noneman

Farm Operations and Facilities Manager

With over 14 years of experience riding and working with horses, Caroline brings both lifelong passion and hands-on experience to her role at the Secretariat Center. She began riding at the age of nine and has since developed a deep understanding of equine care, stable management, and the horse–human connection. Caroline graduated from the University of Kentucky with a Bachelor of Science in Equine Science and Management. She began her journey at the Secretariat Center as an intern before transitioning into a part-time role and eventually joining the team full-time. Her academic background, combined with her hands-on experience within the organization, allows her to effectively support daily farm operations. Her dedication, attention to detail, and genuine love for horses are evident in every aspect of her work.

Close-up of a black horse wearing a bridle, with a building and blue sky in the background.

Board of Directors

Whitney Allen, President

Matt Lyons, Vice President

Taylor Wienold, Treasurer

Jessica Miller, Secretary

Brandi Nicholson

Cole Sandow, DVM

David Osborne

Gary Bush

Sarah Hargrove

Sarah Telle

Tess Fortune

Ryan Martin

Craig Brogden

Leigh Miracle

Kaitlyn Morgan

Horse and rider in a horse riding arena with a green treeline and sky in the background.

Advisory Committee Members

Leigh Anne Claywell

Judy Miller

Holly Schmitt, DVM, Immediate Past President

2026 Interns

  • Rorey Eddleman - University of Kentucky

  • Josie Lawson - University of Kentucky

  • Patricia Jackson - University of Kentucky

  • Rylee Thomas - University of Kentucky

2025 Interns

  • Caroline Noneman - University of Kentucky

  • Cate Kupper - University of Kentucky

  • Gwen Schmidt - University of Kentucky

  • Reese Smith - Centre College

2024 Interns

  • Carolyn Parker - University of Kentucky