“When I was two, they put me on a horse and I cried when they took me off,” she said.

“I only stopped crying when they put me back on the horse.”

Ludeman, 20, has gone on to do what most people dream of, making a career out of a love.

She works as a stablehand at Darren Weir Racing in Warrnambool.

Her daily duties include helping look after the welfare of 56 horses, while on race day she takes on a role of strapper. 

This year she worked the Spring Carnival, including the Melbourne Cup.

“It was pretty exciting working at Flemington on Cup day, it was a great atmosphere,” Ludeman said.

“Leading horses out through the tunnel at Flemington is special, you feel very proud of your horses.”

Ludeman said she was keen to expand her knowledge of the racing industry.

“I would like to get into the business side of it,” she said.

“I have done some work in Ballarat doing pre and post-race reports and enjoyed that.”

Ludeman is looking forward to the comeback of her favourite horse, Gailo Chop, who will soon return from a tendon injury.

“When he got hurt I drove four hours to see him,” she said.

“I’ve just loved him from the first time I saw him, when he was big, fat and hairy, he has a beautiful nature.”

Gailo Chop, who last ran in April, has won two group one races.