Harding County woman had a hand in the Kentucky Derby
Misty Lewis made collar for the horse that led the winner to and from race
Updated: 9:02 PM MDT May 4, 2025
Misty Lewis had a hand — literally — is this year’s Kentucky Derby, won by a horse aptly named Sovereignty.Co-owner with her husband of a business named Iron Horse Head Brand, Lewis made the handsome breast collar worn by the “pony” — actually a full-sized Palomino ridden by Greg Blasi — that led Sovereignty to the starting gate and from the finish line.”It was really neat, that something I made way out in New Mexico, Harding County, is all the way over at the Kentucky Derby,” Lewis said. “I’m a small town girl.”She watched the race online and was thrilled to see Sovereignty come from the back of the pack to pass Journalism, the runner-up.The breast collar, bought by Blasi for $185, was the first one of hers to make it to a horse race, never mind the most prestigious horse race in history. “I was very humbled that Greg Blasi purchased something from me,” Lewis said.She has no way of knowing how having her work seen by the many millions of people watching the Derby might bring, or whether it might even be seen at the upcoming Preakness Stakes, the second race of the Triple Crown. Some more business for her, her husband, and their 9-year-old daughter would be welcome, but this “small-town girl” seems content right where she is.”We live in a county that has way more cattle than people,” Lewis said, with a smile.But Sovereignty could be headed for bigger and better things. After all, his name describes one who “has the ultimate authority over other people and to change existing laws.”
HARDING COUNTY, N.M. —Misty Lewis had a hand — literally — is this year’s Kentucky Derby, won by a horse aptly named Sovereignty.
Co-owner with her husband of a business named Iron Horse Head Brand, Lewis made the handsome breast collar worn by the “pony” — actually a full-sized Palomino ridden by Greg Blasi — that led Sovereignty to the starting gate and from the finish line.
“It was really neat, that something I made way out in New Mexico, Harding County, is all the way over at the Kentucky Derby,” Lewis said. “I’m a small town girl.”
She watched the race online and was thrilled to see Sovereignty come from the back of the pack to pass Journalism, the runner-up.
The breast collar, bought by Blasi for $185, was the first one of hers to make it to a horse race, never mind the most prestigious horse race in history.
“I was very humbled that Greg Blasi purchased something from me,” Lewis said.
She has no way of knowing how having her work seen by the many millions of people watching the Derby might bring, or whether it might even be seen at the upcoming Preakness Stakes, the second race of the Triple Crown.
Some more business for her, her husband, and their 9-year-old daughter would be welcome, but this “small-town girl” seems content right where she is.
“We live in a county that has way more cattle than people,” Lewis said, with a smile.
But Sovereignty could be headed for bigger and better things. After all, his name describes one who “has the ultimate authority over other people and to change existing laws.”
