Marsha Downing

Board of Directors

Marsh Downing recently relocated to Ocala with her husband, daughter, and three cherished off-track Thoroughbreds (OTTBs). Her love for Thoroughbreds began as a child at a local riding stable where horses balanced lesson work and racing. As a teen, she kept her first horse, sparking a lifelong passion.

After graduating from Massachusetts College of Art, she taught public school art while starting her first OTTB, showing him successfully as a hunter and jumper. Later, she transitioned to farm management, overseeing several farms before purchasing her own in New Hampshire. There, she started young Thoroughbreds for racing, transitioned retired racers to new careers, and cared for broodmares and foals.

Licensed as a trainer and riding instructor, she’s worn many hats—from groom to exercise rider and now volunteers with Run for the Ribbons’ “Bell” program at Tampa Bay Downs. Outside the barn, she enjoys trail riding and showing her OTTB, “Red,” whose personality matches his big name. Marsha is also a Reiki Master and her gentle energy brings a calming presence to the OTTBs she touches.