Walking the WEG
There's been a lot of walking in the last week - most of all on Saturday night, when we lost the truck in the parking lot, still full for the Opening Ceremonies.
View ArticleTime Travel
I was taking a shortcut through the Hall of Champions last Saturday to spell Cathy and Jas at the WEG Akhal-Teke booth for an hour or two when a volunteer suggested I might want to wait for a minute....
View ArticleBucky’s Luck
Five years ago, I spent $3,000 on surgery for a “free” horse. Maybe that decision didn’t make sense to some people at the barn, but using 20-20 hindsight, I can say that not only was it the right thing...
View ArticleThose are yearlings?
Every year it’s the same. I look at the sale youngsters at Emerald Downs and marvel. The thoroughbred industry’s focus on precocity, early foaling dates, and elaborate sales prep creates youngsters who...
View ArticleRetired Racehorse Challenge
Somewhere between the Extreme Mustang Challenge and the colt starting showdowns that are a staple of equine expos comes a new entry in the field. The Retired Racehorse Training Project is sponsoring a...
View ArticleSchool’s in Session
The Retired Racehorse Trainer Project has promised to upload video of the weekend at Timonium – after they work with the horses, that is. They are attracting an audience who are expecting the USEF...
View ArticleThe Predictions Office
In what country is racing such an irrepressible tradition that even the strong rule of Islamic law has bowed to allow it? I’ll give you a hint – they have magnificent horses like this one, a stallion...
View ArticleA Thoroughbred Challenge, West Coast Style
“Every good idea should be stolen.” — Sophia McKee, director of marketing for Emerald Downs. This one was stolen with the blessings of its originator, Steuart Pittman. Yes, Western Washington is...
View ArticleWilly takes charge
I have a really difficult day to put in to words, and I am not ready to do that. So please indulge me in a little diversion instead. Willy has been due for a photo update. I tried to get some...
View ArticleThoroughbreds Rule at Donida
“Don’t forget that everyone in the leadline class gets a BLUE ribbon.” By mid-afternoon on Saturday, I was seeking the shade behind the announcer’s tent at Donida Farms (and eavesdropping on the show...
View ArticlePositive Reinforcement
Footage from A Thoroughbred Affair, last year’s Thoroughbred and half-thoroughbred show sponsored by the Prodigious Fund, was rolling. I recognized many of the horses from the 100-Day Trainer...
View ArticleTeeter-Totter Time
Spring is nearly here. Time to freshen up the obstacles! Well, okay, I am not quite that virtuous and prepared. The truth is, we had a virus show up at the barn. It wasn’t a horribly dangerous virus...
View ArticleBluff’s Big Day
What does a racehorse owner feel like before the race? Well, I don’t know if its true for absolutely everyone, but that’s what many of them really look like on the inside, even when they are smiling...
View ArticleBumpy!
A seller who didn’t really want to sell and a buyer who wasn’t quite ready to buy yet – how did that end in a transaction sealed with a handshake, and then a hug? Maybe because this was really a...
View ArticleMission Accomplished
As I walked towards the banner for the Thoroughbred and Half-thoroughbred Show at Donida Farms, I saw Emily Bullard-Clough and her husband John walking towards me with Onyx. Emily didn’t look happy. It...
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