Jan Yarberry is a self trained artist that has developed the gift of transforming canvas into a trackside seat.  This is an ability that only the passion of a lifelong horseman turned artist could achieve.  A step into the thoroughbred game with Jan’s art brings to life the power, grace and beauty that is unique to the equine athlete.

Warren Yarberry winning a race at Churchhill Downs for world famous Calumet Farm and Hall of Fame trainer Ben Jones. May 7, 1940.

Born into racing, Jan is a third generation horseman.  In 1928, Jan’s grandfather William Jenkinson entered the thoroughbred business.   In a time when an emphasis was put on a farmers son William was the father of five daughters.  Jenkinson hoped to use the fortune he had achieved in the dairy business to become a successful thoroughbred owner and trainer.  This would also allow his oldest daughter Lillian the opportunity to reach her dream of becoming a jockey.  Lillian Jenkinson-Holder would take full advantage of the situation as she went on to have a riding career that spanned over four decades.   Lillian has been documented as one of the pioneers that helped break the gender barrier at recognized racetracks.

Jan’s mother Ellen “Babe” Yarberry followed in her fathers footsteps as a thoroughbred owner and trainer for over fifty years. Jan’s father, Warren Yarberry, left his Texas home as a young boy and eventually became one of America’s leading jockeys in the late 1930’s and early 1940’s.  Warren’s rags to riches story started with shining shoes at Hialeah Park and ended by winning riding titles at such tracks as Keeneland Racecourse and Monmouth Park on some of the great horses of the era.

Constantly surrounded by thoroughbreds as a child, forever etched a place for the horse in Jan’s soul.  As a youth Jan spent her summers joining the family business on the racetrack and fair circuits of the time.  These colorful memories mixed with an understanding of the equine athlete helps create the detail and pageantry evident in Jan’s art.  Although Jan had an early ability to bring a race scene to canvas her dream of becoming a successful trainer left little time for painting.  Becoming the mother of two

forced Jan to seek a more stable income than the track can offer so she earned her degree and taught middle school for twenty-eight years.  During her teaching career Jan never let racing get to far away as she always managed to have a couple of horses in training.  Although it meant early mornings and late nights Jan was able to balance motherhood, career and her dream.  During the school year Jan could always rely on painting the life she loved even when circumstances did not allow her to be at the races. It was during these times that Jan utilized her understanding of horses and their movement to master her art.  Jan is now retired on a small farm outside of Louisville Kentucky where she is able to devote full time to the horses and art she loves. In the spirit of many self-taught Kentucky craftsmen Jan has mixed talent, hard work and dedication to master her trade.  Jan’s paintings can bring a smile to the face of both the horse lover and the most hardened of horse player alike.  Whether you are on millionaires row or rail side it is easy to appreciate the art of Laura Jan Yarberry, who creates from a life of racing memories and the heart of a horseman.

Jan's mother, Ellen "Babe" Yarberry.

Young Jan and her brother Jay sit with their Aunt
Lillian Jenkinson-Holder after riding another winning race.