Isabelle Wenc: A Paramedic and a Jockey

Following an extensive period spent as a patient in the back of an ambulance, the ex-jockey has made the switch from wearing racing silks to donning a paramedic's uniform.

Isabelle Wenc paused for a moment, allowing her words to sink in before continuing her story. The room fell silent, and all eyes turned to her, curious to hear more about her unique background as a jockey and her personal experiences as an ambulance patient.

She took a deep breath and began recounting her journey. “I had to introduce myself, and the question came up, ‘What did you do before this?’ I told them I was a jockey and that I had spent a lot of time in the back of an ambulance as a patient, so now I’m ready to make the transition to be the one to help people.”

Isabelle's voice carried a hint of nostalgia as she recalled her time as a jockey. 

She looked around the room, making eye contact with her classmates. 

Isabelle's smile widened as she continued, her passion evident in her voice. "That's why I decided to pursue the Primary Paramedic Program here at Oxford College. I wanted to transition from being the patient in the back of the ambulance to the person providing care and support to those in need."

As she finished speaking, the room erupted in applause. Isabelle's story captivated her classmates, and her determination to make a difference resonated with everyone in the room. From that moment on, Isabelle Wenc became an inspiration to her peers, a reminder that a person's unique experiences and personal journey can shape their path towards making a meaningful impact in the world of healthcare.

After spending a decade in the racing world, navigating the exhilarating highs and challenging lows of riding powerful Thoroughbreds weighing over 1,000 pounds, Wenc, now 29 years old, finds herself embarking on a new chapter in her life. However, the origins of this chapter can be traced back long before she ever mounted her first horse.

The decision to become a jockey was, in many ways, a fitting pursuit for someone who had learned to defy the odds from the moment she entered the world. Wenc was born three months prematurely, and doctors informed her parents, Brian and Carolyne, that their daughter might not survive. Even if she did, there was a significant possibility that she would face physical or mental challenges.

During her early years, Wenc's legs required bracing and casts as she learned to walk. "I had to overcome a lot," Wenc reminisced. “There were always hurdles to get over and I think that made me both resilient and strong-willed. If there was something I was told I couldn’t do or wouldn’t be able to do, I found a way to do it.”

Her unwavering determination eventually led her to the racetrack, although it was not her initial career aspiration. “I always had it in the back of my mind that I wanted to be a paramedic, even before I wanted to be a jockey. My dad is a pediatric intensive care nurse, and my sister, Tiffanie, is going into nursing and works at a hospital. My brother, Ben, worked security at a hospital, and he is now a corrections officer.”

Originally, her plan after high school was to pursue a path in paramedicine. However, life took a different turn, and she began her journey as a jockey. Yet, deep down, Isabelle knew that one day she would fulfil her dream of becoming a paramedic.

Thoroughbred racing career

On August 16, 2014, the 4-foot-11 rider from Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, participated in her first race, which took place at her hometown track at Marquis Downs. Lasting Cash was the horse she partnered with in the 6 ½-furlong race, and they finished sixth.

In 2014, Wenc had a winless record in 19 starts. Her most notable achievements included securing second place twice and third place three times.

The subsequent year saw Wenc's fortunes change as she triumphed in 11 races, including her maiden victory. On June 13, 2015, she steered the 20-1 longshot Misty's Last Storm to a narrow win at Marquis Downs.

By the end of the season, she received recognition as a finalist for the 2015 Sovereign Award in the Outstanding Apprentice category.

Then, on the afternoon of September 9, 2016, at Northlands Park in Edmonton, an accident occurred.

During morning training, there was a spill on the track, resulting in multiple broken vertebrae for Wenc. She was knocked out, so she didn't remember anything from that incident. The only thing she remembered from that accident was waking up in the ambulance, and then she didn't recall anything for a while. The next recollection she had was when she was in the ER. That entire day was somewhat hazy because she was drifting in and out of consciousness.

Eight hours after the incident, she was informed that her T-4 to T-8 vertebrae were fractured. She spent five days in the hospital and wore a back brace. Surgery was not performed since she was young, active, and healthy, so the decision was made to allow the vertebrae to heal naturally. She wore the back brace for four months. This was not her only severe riding injury.

On one occasion, she fractured her right clavicle in half and dislocated her shoulder.

On April 21, 2017, on the Opening Day at Woodbine, while exercising a horse in the morning, Wenc was thrown onto the all-weather track.

She had a fracture in her left humerus bone, which sidelined her for approximately five weeks.

A New Beginning

Approximately four years ago, Wenc began contemplating a change in her career. Wenc reflected on her challenging journey and how it had taken a toll on her mentally, realising one day that it was time for a change.

That moment occurred on December 15, 2023. Isabelle expressed that leaving was a very difficult decision. She mentioned that she had been considering it for several years, highlighting that it was not an impulsive choice.

“I can’t even tell you the number of tears that I cried.," she added. Whenever she recalls or shares that experience with others, she becomes emotional. Horses and horse racing had been her entire life and defined her personality.

During her last few rides, she would cry each time she returned to the room. However, when she walked away on that final day, she felt a sense of peace.

With 69 career wins under her belt, Wenc reached for her phone while heading to her car. “I was on the waitlist for the paramedic program in Saskatchewan for two years and later found out it would be at least another year or more before I got in. So, I decided to apply here in Ontario and figured I would see what happens. I was hesitant about doing it out here because my family is out west, but I knew I had to make a change. I took a shot, and I got in right away.”

Isabelle expressed some reservations about pursuing her studies in Ontario because her family resided in the western part of the country. Nevertheless, she pointed out the necessity for change and took a chance. To her surprise, she was accepted immediately, as she learned in September of the previous year.

Adapting to a new lifestyle and returning to school presented its own set of challenges for Wenc. Saying goodbye to the world of horse racing had also been difficult.

She was glad she had pursued a career as a jockey first. It's an incredibly demanding profession that toughened her up. It made her more resilient than she was before. She believed that everything she went through, the ups and downs of being a jockey, would benefit her in the long run. Wenc viewed it as a matter of destiny. Living out her dream and gaining valuable experiences have shaped her into the person she is at present.

One constant in Wenc's life is her high personal standards. Her father pointed out this characteristic from an early age. According to Brian, "She has always been a perfectionist. As a kid, when she drew a picture, it had to be a good one, not so-so, or it would go in the garbage. From the day she was born, she’s just found a way to never give up. This mindset continued to guide Wenc".

She acknowledged that her schedule was demanding, but she found it acceptable because of the future prospects it held. Isabelle declared her readiness to face any challenges that may arise.

Her long-standing aspiration of becoming a paramedic was now rapidly progressing.

Discovering tranquillity

Transitioning from being a professional racehorse jockey to working as a paramedic has been a perfect match for her, both in terms of suitability and alignment with her values. When she completes her studies at Oxford in 2025, she will be fully dedicated to providing care for the injured, a role that she believes she was destined for. Being a naturally empathetic person who derives satisfaction from assisting and looking after others, she couldn't envision herself transitioning to a desk job. She craves an environment where she can actively engage and make a difference. This inclination is reminiscent of her experiences during her extensive racing career, which comprised 829 starts on the racetrack. She firmly believes in the notion that everything happens for a reason, acknowledging that all the challenges and setbacks she encountered in her racing career contributed to her personal growth and shaped her into the person she is today.

The decision to retire from horse racing and pursue a different path has garnered support from various sources, including the horse racing community. She has received encouraging messages from her Facebook followers, who are genuinely pleased to witness her success and progression. It is heartwarming for her to know that people acknowledge and appreciate her hard work. These supporters are also excited to witness the beginning of her new journey.

A significant conversation with her long-time jockey agent, Al Raymond, stands out in her memory. Al, who has been like a second father to her, has consistently provided unwavering support in every aspect of her life. Whenever she needed a shoulder to lean on, Al was there. When she approached him about the opportunity to pursue an education, she sought his opinion. In response, he looked at her and simply said, "You know what you should do." His words resonated with her, confirming what she already knew deep down.

Most nights, she immerses herself in studying, fully dedicated to her academic pursuits. Despite the demanding nature of school life, she finds solace and tranquillity in her chosen path. Although occasional doubts may arise, she genuinely believes that she is exactly where she is meant to be.