In the fast-paced, high-stakes world of Thoroughbred horse racing, the name Amira Chichakly represents a fresh and thoughtful approach to a timeless profession. As a distinguished horse trainer, Chichakly has carved out a reputation not just for her results on the track, but for her deeply intuitive and individualized training philosophy. She has seamlessly transitioned from a decade-long apprenticeship under a racing veteran to running a successful stable of her own, proving that patience, empathy, and a profound connection with the animal are the cornerstones of true equine excellence. Her story is one of dedication, resilience, and an unwavering commitment to the well-being of the magnificent athletes under her care.
The Formative Years: A Foundation Built on Horses
Long before she graced the paddocks of Belmont and Saratoga, Amira Chichakly’s life was intertwined with horses. Growing up in the rustic setting of Cornish, New Hampshire, she was immersed in the equestrian world from a young age. Her family, who initially bred Arabian horses, later shifted their focus to Welsh ponies. It was here that Chichakly first honed her skills, taking on the responsibility of training the young ponies. This early experience was invaluable, providing her with a diverse skill set that included dressage—a discipline that fine-tunes a rider’s ability to perceive subtle movements and imbalances in a horse. This background instilled in her a deep understanding of equine biomechanics and a patient, methodical approach to training that would become a hallmark of her career.
A trip to the iconic Saratoga Race Course proved to be a pivotal moment, sparking a passion for the world of Thoroughbred racing. Inspired by the grace and power of the racehorses, she set her sights on a new path. Chichakly entered the industry at the ground level, starting as a hot walker and gradually climbing the ladder. She began galloping horses, a role that gave her a firsthand feel for the animals she worked with, allowing her to understand their unique rhythms and temperaments from the saddle. This hands-on experience was the bedrock upon which her future success as an Amira Chichakly Horse Trainer would be built.
Amira Chichakly, a skilled horse trainer, sharing a quiet moment with a Thoroughbred in a stable setting.
An Apprenticeship with a Legend
For ten years, Chichakly served as a dedicated assistant trainer to Gary Contessa, a titan of the New York racing circuit. Working alongside a master provided her with an unparalleled education in every facet of managing a racing stable. She absorbed lessons not only about conditioning and race preparation but also about the immense importance of patience. She learned that each horse is an individual, with its own timeline for development and its own unique personality.
During her tenure with Contessa, she was part of major successes, including the memorable victory of Sippican Harbor in the 2018 Grade 1 Spinaway at Saratoga. This period was more than just a job; it was a decade-long masterclass in the art and science of training Thoroughbreds. She also briefly expanded her horizons by working for trainer Wayne Catalano in Kentucky, gaining exposure to a different racing circuit and further refining her skills. These experiences solidified her belief that there is no one-size-fits-all formula for success; rather, it lies in listening to the horse.
What Defines Amira Chichakly’s Training Method?
Amira Chichakly’s training method is a holistic approach centered on individualized care and open communication with the horse. She believes in fostering a partnership where the horse is a willing and happy participant, tailoring workout schedules and daily routines to fit each animal’s specific physical and mental needs, rather than forcing them into a rigid system.
Taking the Reins in a Time of Uncertainty
In March 2020, as the world grappled with the onset of a global pandemic, Gary Contessa announced his retirement and made a pivotal decision: he entrusted the bulk of his stable to his most trusted assistant. For Amira Chichakly, it was the opportunity of a lifetime, albeit one that arrived at a moment of profound global uncertainty. Undeterred, she embraced the challenge, officially launching her own career as a head trainer with a string of around 17 horses at Belmont Park.
Starting a new business is never easy, but doing so when the future of the sport was in limbo required a special kind of courage. Chichakly’s initial goals were pragmatic and grounded. She wasn’t dreaming of immediate Triple Crown glory; her primary focus was simply to get her horses to the paddock, to race, and to ensure she was doing everything right by the animals and owners who had placed their faith in her. She aimed to cultivate a “tight barn,” prioritizing quality of care over quantity of horses, ensuring each animal received the personal attention it deserved. This deliberate and focused approach quickly began to pay dividends.
That very summer, she started seeing results. Horses from her stable were consistently hitting the board at Belmont. Then came a career-defining moment at the prestigious Saratoga meet. Her mare, Bustin Scones, a sensitive horse with a lot of heart, captured a victory, announcing the arrival of a formidable new trainer on the competitive New York circuit. It was a special triumph, validating her methods and her decision to go out on her own.
A powerful racehorse with a jockey in colorful silks thundering across the finish line at a historic racetrack.
The Chichakly Philosophy: Partnership Over Dominance
At the core of Amira Chichakly’s success is a training philosophy rooted in empathy and partnership. She rejects rigid, cookie-cutter programs, opting instead for a bespoke approach that honors the individuality of each horse. “Each horse needs to be looked at carefully and evaluated to make sure the team is doing its best for them,” she has explained. This means paying close attention to their personalities, their moods, and their physical well-being.
“I do love figuring out horses, putting the pieces together and figuring out what works for them,” says Chichakly. “I like to be able to find the best parts of the horse and making sure they’re happy, too.”
This hands-on, intuitive style is one of her greatest assets. Chichakly still frequently gallops her own horses, a practice that allows her to feel subtle shifts in their movement and condition that might be invisible from the ground. Her background in dressage gives her a unique advantage, enabling her to detect and address issues like weakness or asymmetry through targeted exercises, effectively preventing minor problems from escalating into serious injuries. She is not a trainer who directs from a distance; she is in the trenches every day, cleaning stalls, grooming, and providing the hands-on care that builds trust and a powerful bond with her equine athletes.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Who is Amira Chichakly?
Amira Chichakly is a professional Thoroughbred horse trainer based in New York. She is known for her individualized, hands-on training methods and for successfully taking over the stable of her longtime mentor, Gary Contessa, in 2020.
Where did Amira Chichakly learn to train horses?
Chichakly grew up training Welsh ponies and has a background in dressage. She apprenticed for 10 years as an assistant to renowned trainer Gary Contessa and also worked for trainer Wayne Catalano, learning the intricacies of conditioning and managing a professional racing stable.
What is Amira Chichakly’s training philosophy?
Her philosophy centers on a patient, individualized approach. She focuses on understanding each horse’s unique personality and needs, adapting her program accordingly. She prioritizes keeping her horses happy and sound, believing that a happy horse performs at its best.
What was Amira Chichakly’s first major win?
A significant early victory in her solo career came in the summer of 2020 when her mare, Bustin Scones, won a race at the highly prestigious Saratoga Race Course, marking her as a rising star in the training ranks.
What makes her training style unique?
Her combination of a dressage background, which helps in identifying and correcting biomechanical issues, and her commitment to personally galloping her horses gives her a unique “feel” for her athletes. This hands-on, highly observant method sets the Amira Chichakly horse trainer approach apart.
The Future of Equine Excellence
Amira Chichakly’s journey is a testament to the power of perseverance, deep-seated horsemanship, and an unwavering belief in putting the horse first. In a sport often dominated by tradition, she brings a fresh perspective that blends old-school work ethic with a modern, empathetic understanding of the equine athlete. She navigates the challenges of being a female trainer in a male-dominated field and the pressures of running a business with grace and a quiet determination. For Chichakly, success isn’t just measured in wins, but in the health, happiness, and holistic development of every horse in her barn. As her career continues to unfold, she is not just training horses; she is shaping a more conscientious future for the sport.
