My mother made me....

In 1993, jockey Julie Krone rode champion steed Colonial Affair into horse-racing history. Krone became the first woman to ride in and win the Belmont Stakes, a Triple Crown race. And her mother has been there with her from the start.

Both of my parents gave me the feeling that I could do anything I set my mind to. Even before I knew I'd be a jockey, my mom helped prepare me for the work.

For one thing, she helped me learn to ride. She bought me my first pony--a real spirited and spunky half-Arabian, half-Shetland named Filly.

At one point, my mom said, 'Julie, this pony is too mean. I'll buy you a new one.' But I'd already fallen in love with Filly, so my mom let me keep her. With my mom's help, I didn't give up. Eventually, I was able to train Filly. At twenty-two years old, Filly is still alive and kicking today. She--and my mom--taught me about not giving up.

My mom also enrolled me in the 4-H and Pony Club of America programs. I loved the horse show competitions. And at first, I thought, 'I have to win.' But then, I learned not to take myself so seriously.

When I decided at the age of fourteen that I wanted to be a jockey, I wasn't surprised that my mom was supportive.

But she did something amazing. Mom took me to Churchill Downs (a famous racetrack). Together, we got jobs walking racehorses. She wanted to make sure I did things the right way. Being there with me seemed to be the best way.