Amy Lynn Butewicz, a lifelong New Jersey resident and equestrian, was awarded the 2025 Spirit of the Horse award by the Rutgers University Equine Science Center for her dedication to the New Jersey equine industry. Butewicz, who was crowned New Jersey State Equestrian of the Year in 2001, transitioned from a career in pharmacy to real estate and now specializes in equestrian properties. She is actively involved in various equine-related boards and initiatives in the state.
Butewicz emphasizes the importance of fostering youth leadership in the New Jersey horse industry and advocates for more collaboration and networking across disciplines. She suggests creating more accessible events, such as open houses at riding and racehorse barns, to increase public interest in the equine industry. Butewicz also aims to promote the positive aspects of horse racing and explore ways to showcase adoptable racehorses for second careers.
As a licensed harness horse owner and resident of Millstone Township, New Jersey, Butewicz owns a farm where she cares for her personal horses and racehorses. She believes that social media has negatively impacted the perception of horse racing and emphasizes the need for strong aftercare programs for horses. Butewicz’s dedication to the equine industry and her efforts to promote a more balanced view of horse racing have earned her recognition as a leader in the New Jersey horse community.
