Arson Squad Storms the Keeneland Paddock

re: Arson Squad Storms the Keeneland Paddock

Dawn in MN — Wed, 09 Oct 2013 11:25:23 GMT

The pictures, videos, story and comments about Arson Squad and I'm Charismatic were very nice. Thanks for featuring this horse.

As much as I love Thoroughbred horses, racing, and the beauty of the sport; the way the unwanted, injured, or worn out Thoroughbreds are discarded keeps me away for months, and sometimes years at a time. Until the slaughter pipe-line is shut down racing will have a black eye, that no amount of p.r. can cover.

To read of the few horses that are retired with the respect and dignity that all living beings deserve is bittersweet. For every Arson Squad, and I'm Charismatic the number of Thoroughbreds that don't have a happy ending is unimaginable.

The dangers of racing are enough. The animals that face that danger in every race for our entertainment need to receive the best of care.

Livestock-shmivestock

For the record, I am a meat-eating, liberal who would probably not have taken a chance on that surgery for Arson Squad. I'm o.k. with humane euthanasia for people and animals. To see what horses go through on the way to slaughter is unimaginable. Sorry to rain on the parade. I should have kept my comments to myself. Seems to me mom always said if you can't say something nice don't say anything at all...

re: Arson Squad Storms the Keeneland Paddock

Mike Relva — Sat, 27 Apr 2013 05:52:26 GMT

IC2001KY

A couple years back I donated a modest amount to I'm Charismatic. When he first came to Old Friends I followed his progress. Was in Kentucky in Feb and got to see him and his friend Arson Squad. Great to know the care they have at Old Friends.

re: Arson Squad Storms the Keeneland Paddock

PatsyK — Sat, 27 Apr 2013 02:23:56 GMT

Great Story. I am the lucky owner of four OTTBs...none were very good (in fact one never even placed in any of the races he was in) but it is an honor to care for these backbones of the industry. OF is a wonderful organization, and I urge everyone to donate to them or New Vocations. And kudos to the owners who cared enough about Arson Squad and others who get the care they need to retire to a happy life...these owners are real heroes!

re: Arson Squad Storms the Keeneland Paddock

Louie Dula — Fri, 26 Apr 2013 19:22:50 GMT

What a treat to get to see these photos and videos of such a wonderful boy. I miss him dearly but am so happy that he's where he is now and has such a good buddy in I'm Charismatic. Old Friends is the BEST and so is Samantha Siegel for taking such good care of this champion. A long and happy life to you Arson!!!!!

re: Arson Squad Storms the Keeneland Paddock

Margaret Lewis — Fri, 26 Apr 2013 01:24:49 GMT

OF is a great organization!

re: Arson Squad Storms the Keeneland Paddock

IC2001KY — Thu, 25 Apr 2013 22:33:06 GMT

I am the owner of I'm Charismatic. The fact that these two horses are alive today and able to share their lives with each other and with us is a true blessing. I'm Charismatic went through a long road to recovery and only through the amazing work of Dr. Bryan Fraley, Dr. Doug Byars, Michael Blowen, Kent Ralstin, and most of all, I'm Charismatic's adopted Aunt, Janet Beyersdorfer is he alive today.

I especially want to thank Samantha Siegel for sending Arson to Rood and Riddle for surgery and the chance at a long life. Arson Squad and I'm Charismatic may have come from different levels of the racing pyramid, but they don't know any better and were truly destined to be best friends.

re: Arson Squad Storms the Keeneland Paddock

greyghost — Wed, 24 Apr 2013 19:20:11 GMT

We must give credit where credit is due. Samantha Siegel is an exemplary owner. The good works of Old Friends cannot be overstated.

re: Arson Squad Storms the Keeneland Paddock

LongStoryTB — Wed, 24 Apr 2013 15:56:06 GMT

He looks wonderful! Keep up the good work with the outstanding work you do with OTTB's. I have owned three, and they were the joy of my life. One of my bucket list "need to do's", is come visit Old Friends.

re: Arson Squad Storms the Keeneland Paddock

Shelby's Best Pal — Wed, 24 Apr 2013 15:46:04 GMT

Thank you so much for sharing Arson Squad's story, videos, and photos. I enjoyed it so much. Visiting Old Friends is on my bucket list.

re: Arson Squad Storms the Keeneland Paddock

MRO — Wed, 24 Apr 2013 14:41:08 GMT

Great photos! I was at Keeneland Friday & regret not staying in Lexington overnight to see Arson Squad Saturday. It has been too long since I've made a visit to OF.

re: Arson Squad Storms the Keeneland Paddock

Linda in Texas — Wed, 24 Apr 2013 05:02:22 GMT

Very nice article and thank you Adam. You had a very handsome subject to talk about. And thanks to Semantha Siegel for caring about him and having him 'repaired' - they should all be so lucky. He for sure is living the Life of Riley with the busiest 'carrot cutter' and friend of all at Old Friend's, Michael Blowen.

re: Arson Squad Storms the Keeneland Paddock

Mike Relva — Wed, 24 Apr 2013 01:13:24 GMT

Adam

Thanks for this update. I'm a contributor of Old Friends. Michael's great,if only we had more like him.