About EquiSports Media

Founding Editor, EquiSports Media

With love for the horse and a passion for riding, Shawnah Shelton has been a part of the Thoroughbred Racing industry for over 13 years. At an early age, Shawnah knew she wanted to pursue a career as a jockey in the Racing world; even though her grandfather- and Ellis Park trainer George Shelton Sr. snubbed the idea stating, “you’ll never be able to hold those horses back…you won’t be strong enough or small enough”. His admonition propelled her ambition.

The day after graduating high school, Shawnah moved to Lexington KY and began as most inexperienced riders do—cooling out horses after training, and breaking babies on a farm in the afternoon. Her first riding job was with trainer Neil Howard in Camden SC. Shawnah has had the pleasure of riding for some of the best trainers at the greatest race tracks across America, including- Belmont Park, Saratoga, Churchill Downs, Keeneland, Monmouth Park, and Gulfstream Park, just to name a few.

Shawnah began her jockey apprenticeship at Hialeah Park in 2001, where she led Playasultrytune to victory for her first career win. She continued to ride at Hialeah, Calder Race Course, and Finger Lakes in upstate New York. A devastating shoulder injury would end her racing career later that same year. George Shelton Sr. never had the opportunity to see his granddaughter ride, he died a couple years prior.

Anxious to learn the other side of the industry, Shawnah received her Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration with an emphasis in Equine Management from Midway College in Midway KY. She has worked in numerous aspects of the industry such as Thoroughbred Sales, Bloodstock/Research, Client Relations, Data Analysis, Consultant, and Host.

Today, Shawnah is Founder, and Editor in Chief of EquiSports Media. She spends the majority of her time writing, traveling, and speaking at various Equine organizations. Shawnah still rides on a regular basis.