Tony Weldon announced the appointment of Don Mace to the training staff at Callaway Hills. Moving to Missouri from Junction City, Oregon, Mace is a second-generation horseman who brings a wealth of experience with him, in spite of not being nationally known. Mace came up under his father, Gene, as they worked for Lyle Cobb in Oregon for many years.
Following his long tenure working for Cobb where he learned everything from cutting tails to shoeing, training and foaling, Mace opened his own stable. During that time he produced and sold several top horses including CH Hero’s Jumpin’ Jack Flash, CH The Rain Man, Black Knight On Broadway, and Knight’s Reflection.
Most recently Mace was at Jennifer Rumberg’s Shoot The Moon Farm. One of his stars there was All Mighty who was sold to Tim Shea about a month before Louisville and Shea’s trainer, Jim Taylor, won a Reserve World’s Champion Three-Year-Old Fine Harness title.
Mace has had a few months to settle into his new position at Callaway Hills and loves the challenge. Mace and Kyle Peel have a large selection of prospects they are preparing for private sales and the show ring.
"There’s enough of them here," replied Mace when asked about his new position at Callaway Hills. "There are so many nice young horses to work with. They are hard knockin’ with lots of go forward. There are lots of gaited horses here."
Continuing the heritage established by her mother, the legendary Betty Weldon, Tony has had her work cut out for her but is doing everything she can to see that Callaway Hills is the leading breeder of American Saddlebreds for years to come. With the recent deaths of both Callaway’s Blue Norther and CH Caramac the junior sires at Callaway Hills are ready to take over. In the meantime there are still a few years worth of Blue Northers and Caramacs to develop, market and take their place in the winner’s circle at the nation’s premier shows.
"I am so grateful for the young horsemen and women who have maintained Callaway Hills’ training barn," said Weldon. "We are all so fortunate to now have Don at the helm. The addition of his vast experience, talent and work ethic has already produced some exciting results. It is incredibly rewarding for me to watch the horses, as well as our loyal staff, flourishing under his guidance. The future of Callaway Hills Stable appears to be glowing brighter."