Horse racing has always been more than a sport — it’s a story that breathes with life, rhythm, and emotion. To capture that heartbeat, every storyteller needs a defining rhythm of their own. For Nilay, that rhythm moves in sync with the thundering hooves of the racetrack.
A master of corporate communication turned equestrian storyteller, Nilay has created a space— Nilay’s Horse Land — where strategic storytelling meets the raw spirit of horse racing.Through Nilay’s Horseland, she doesn’t just narrate the sport — she revives its legacy, portraying horse racing as a living culture rooted in emotion, connection, and timeless tradition.
In this exclusive PETBIZS interview, Nilay shares her creative process, her view on the evolving identity of horse racing, and the passion that drives every story she tells.
Nilay, let’s begin on a personal note. How would you introduce yourself to our readers, and what parts of your journey shaped who you are today?
Thank you very much team PETBIZS for having me first of all. I’m Nilay — a storyteller who bridges marketing and corporate communication expertise with a lifelong passion for horse racing. My work brings the heritage, culture, and human stories of the sport to a global audience.
Looking back, how did your childhood or early experiences spark your passion for horse racing?
I grew up with horse racing as part of my life. The excitement of the races, the atmosphere at the track, and the stories behind them fascinated me from an early age. That early exposure planted a seed that later grew into my mission: to tell these stories to the world.
You also come from a strong background in corporate communication and marketing. How has that professional side influenced the way you tell equestrian stories today?
Was there a moment when you realized horse racing wasn’t just a subject for you, but the story you wanted to dedicate your voice to?
The moment I saw how horse racing stories connect people far beyond the racetrack, I knew this was more than a subject — it was my mission.
Nilay’s Horseland has become known for its mix of heritage and authenticity. How do you strike that balance between the traditions of the sport and your personal voice?
I always respect the traditions that define horse racing while layering my own perspective as a communicator and creator. My goal is to preserve the heritage while expressing it from the heart.
Could you walk us through your creative process? When you sit down to create a new video or narrative, where does it begin for you?
It always begins with emotion — a detail, a human story, a moment. From there, the story tells you the rest — all you need to do is listen.
Many describe your content as deeply emotional and human-centered. What do you think gives your storytelling that kind of authenticity?
I believe authenticity comes from being true to what I feel and see. I tell stories with honesty, and that sincerity is what resonates with people.
From your perspective, how is horse racing changing — both in Turkey and internationally?
Horse racing is becoming more global, more media-driven, and more connected than ever. In Turkey, the sport is opening up to broader audiences, while internationally it’s turning into a cultural bridge — bringing together traditions, innovation, and new generations of fans.
As someone documenting the sport, what challenges do you face in capturing equestrian culture for a wider audience?
The biggest challenge is translating a very tradition-rich and sometimes closed world into narratives that feel inclusive. Horse racing has its own language, and I like to speak this language from the heart.
Digital platforms like YouTube have transformed how people engage with niche sports. How do you see them reshaping the perception of horse racing?
They’ve made horse racing more visible and approachable. People who might never visit a racetrack can now discover the sport online, and that changes how they perceive it.
You often highlight themes of tradition and heritage. What do those values personally mean to you, and how do they shape your work?
Tradition and heritage are my compass. They remind me that this sport carries centuries of meaning, and it’s my responsibility to honor that legacy while making it relevant for today. They give depth and credibility to everything I create.
When you think about presenting horse racing to viewers who might not be enthusiasts, what guiding principles do you follow?
My goal is to share the success of the sport in a way that feels easy to follow and enjoyable for all viewers.
Looking ahead, what legacy would you like your storytelling to leave for future generations of equestrian fans?
I want to leave behind a bridge — connecting the rich heritage of horse racing with a global audience. My legacy would be to make the sport’s culture more accessible, inspire future generations, and ensure these timeless stories live on with dignity and passion.
Finally, Nilay, for young creators who dream of merging culture, sport, and storytelling, what advice would you give them?
Be kind, stay humble, and work hard – the rest will follow.
Thank you, Nilay, for sharing your journey and insights with us. Horse racing continues to thrive through storytellers like you — creators who merge heritage with modern storytelling to build meaningful connections.
By blending the sport’s legacy with the rhythm of today’s audiences, you’ve built a bridge between tradition and the next generation. Your journey reflects a powerful truth: stay true, stay humble, and let the story lead.
Through Nilay’s Horseland, you continue to inspire new voices to celebrate horse racing with passion, honesty, and purpose.
