Summer Bird in Paradise at Paul's Mill

re: Summer Bird in Paradise at Paul's Mill

kathy — Thu, 29 Jul 2010 05:22:57 GMT

PERFECT****

re: Summer Bird in Paradise at Paul's Mill

MGM — Sun, 11 Jul 2010 08:13:21 GMT

SummerBird is a gran addition to any farm. He ran magnificently. They are very lucky he is there. Classy guy he sure enough is!!!

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MintHillFarm — Fri, 25 Jun 2010 00:13:40 GMT

What a nice guy to come off the truck that quietly and stand for the photos. Looks like SB has a great mind! Good luck to all his connections on a sucessful career at Paul's Mill.

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Julia O. — Tue, 22 Jun 2010 12:17:11 GMT

Wow! Paul's Mill is beautiful! I just checked out their website. It is really nice! Best wishes to Summer Bird at Paul's Mill. Thank you for writing great blogs!

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Michelle — Thu, 17 Jun 2010 13:25:30 GMT

What an absolutely beautiful farm and an absolutely beautiful horse.

Thank you for sharing the photos and wonderful story with us.

re: Summer Bird in Paradise at Paul's Mill

ruffianruns — Wed, 16 Jun 2010 21:49:41 GMT

tbpartnerperson43,

I just stumbled on the video you might be looking for:

www.bloodhorse.com/.../summer-bird-fills-pauls-mill-stud-barn

re: Summer Bird in Paradise at Paul's Mill

ruffianruns — Wed, 16 Jun 2010 21:40:11 GMT

Thanks for the blog and the pics of Summer Bird! Gorgeous!

Thanks to "s lee" for the beautiful description of the Irish National Stud. Just amazing.

re: Summer Bird in Paradise at Paul's Mill

Melissa Pappas — Wed, 16 Jun 2010 18:47:24 GMT

Wow! I'm ready to head back to my Kentucky after reading this. It's a treat to see both Alexa King and Ben Walden, Jr. responding.

Lazaro, my story is very similar to yours. I was very involved in the business in the late 1980s and 90s. I also have photos of me with Secretariat.

Among my favorite stallion facilities back then were Claiborne, Gainesway, and Vinery. A dear friend of racing, Buck Stoops, was at Vinery in those days and I always felt very "at home" there. I believe the stallion manager's name was Allistair (I know I just butchered the spelling.) I remember when Black Tie Affair arrived. What a magnificent guy!

I miss those days (and those people). Does my heart good to know about Paul's Mill. A beautiful, quiet place is what these stallions need and deserve.

re: Summer Bird in Paradise at Paul's Mill

Steven — Tue, 15 Jun 2010 13:28:27 GMT

I have been to several farms in KY, this farm is on my list to visit soon. I would love the opportunity to visit Calumet some day, that of course would be my favorite choice. Have to say that so far it would have to be Claiborne at the top!

re: Summer Bird in Paradise at Paul's Mill

s lee — Mon, 14 Jun 2010 18:03:34 GMT

Sounds like a great place to start a new job (and a new life).

You asked about other great farms. If you're ever in Ireland, go to the Irish National Stud in Kildare. The barns are big, the stalls fantastic, the ceilings have moon windows (really) and there are big windows everywhere.

The stallions were civil, and held conversations over their pasture fences to other boys in the neighborhood.

But my favorite was the mares and foals. It was time to bring them for some grain and a vet check and the stud workers went out to this big pasture to bring them in. Many of the mares knew the routine and headed back to the barn, slowly, grabbing grass along the way, but going in the right direction. One mare made a game of it, ducking around each worker, sprinting to the far end of the pasture and sprinting back, ears up, eyes alight, her glorious chesnut coat glowing in the late spring light, and her bay filly dancing along with her. There was no malice, no anger, no fear, just a game of tag with these mere mortal earthbound men. And these horsemen had all the time in the world and slowly worked her back to the barn - and they knew and she knew that eventually, gently, she'd come in. But sometimes you just have to play. I remember when she came in to this one man he laughed at her and rubbed her ears and she nuzzled him and put her head down to his chest - you could see the affection ran both ways and they were saying to each other "now, wasn't that fun". I talked to him afterwards and he said she only did that when she was feeling good. She'd lost her foal the year before and sulked all summer. Now she was happy again and loved to play. He said, "Stallions get all the money and most of the glory, but a good broodmare is gold. Pure shining gold, and she's one of the best."

re: Summer Bird in Paradise at Paul's Mill

tbpartnerperson43 — Mon, 14 Jun 2010 15:13:04 GMT

Help... where is the video??? I have searched everywhere. I love Birdstone as a two year old, and was so thrilled with Mine That Bird, and lovely Summer Bird. Someone , please, give me the link to the video of his arrival at Paul's Mill.

re: Summer Bird in Paradise at Paul's Mill

Jamie — Mon, 14 Jun 2010 14:36:13 GMT

Take good care of our beloved boy! His many fans will surely miss watching him run! It's very comforting to know he retires to such a wonderful, peaceful home at Paul's Mill. Have some peppermints and thanks for giving us some spectacular race memories, Summer Bird <3

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Trebloc — Mon, 14 Jun 2010 12:12:49 GMT

Check out the photos on their website! I hope we can inspect the stallions during the yearling sales.

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Sandra in Lexington — Sun, 13 Jun 2010 20:16:16 GMT

Kentucky is absolutely honored to have Summerbird standing in the Bluegrass! Surrounded by all of this beauty...I love my Kentucky home!

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Freetex — Sun, 13 Jun 2010 19:39:01 GMT

Thank you for sharing Summer Bird's arrival at his beautiful home. May he always be treated so well and I sincerely wish all the best for him in the future.

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Love Those Birds — Sat, 12 Jun 2010 13:37:46 GMT

This has really made my day, so thanks for sharing Summer Bird's new home with us.

Wish SB and all his new friends much happiness at their beautiful Kentucky paradise. Peace to all.

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Gulchfan — Sat, 12 Jun 2010 03:42:32 GMT

to anna,

in the videos of Summer Bird arriving, you can hear vocalizing as he enters the stallion barn, hard to tell who it is, though

re: Summer Bird in Paradise at Paul's Mill

Lisa — Sat, 12 Jun 2010 03:35:24 GMT

I just watched the video of SB arriving at the farm coming off the van. Sorry, but I didn't notice the scenery 'cuz I couldn't take my eyes off SB. Boy, he is absolutely gorgeous with his shiny beautiful coat, and alert, expressive eyes. I was saddened that he was retired...I thought he would be top older male and give Quality Road competition, but his safety and welfare takes precedence. But, at least we have his half brother, MTB, who we can enjoy watching race. I hope at least he will stay around longer. Good life,SB.

re: Summer Bird in Paradise at Paul's Mill

Karen in Indiana — Sat, 12 Jun 2010 00:17:40 GMT

It sounds like Summer Bird has landed in the perfect spot. (Pun intended) He has such a classic and strong pedigree, I can't help but believe we'll be hearing a lot more of him. And after watching the video, he is impressive physically - very balanced, not like the front-heavy horses you see so much of today that look more like quarter horses. Thank you for giving us some background on where he'll be.

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Yvonne — Fri, 11 Jun 2010 23:35:31 GMT

I just Love Summer Bird!the photos were beautiful and Summer Bird will be very happy here I'm sure.Thanks. i like reading your blogs,very informative and real

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skyfire — Fri, 11 Jun 2010 22:20:49 GMT

Very beautiful -- can't believe an owner wouldn't have checked a place before committing their horse's stud career.

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Will Viviano ("Will from Louisville")here in Fl horse circles — Fri, 11 Jun 2010 22:07:43 GMT

I intend to visit Tommy, my stallion mgr.friend from Fl and am happyyou all have SB, that's quite a start at building a strong list. Your farm looks like a dreamscape for the mares , etc. heading your way. Congratulations Ben et al!!!

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Alexa King — Fri, 11 Jun 2010 21:11:26 GMT

Paul's Mill is in my neighborhood. It's absolutely gorgeous! When I was looking for property in this area I happened by on one of my driving expeditions. Sometimes I deviate from my usual path to town and just drive by to see the farm and mill down the road. Would love to visit the horses especially Summer Bird one of these days!!

re: Summer Bird in Paradise at Paul's Mill

Greg J. — Fri, 11 Jun 2010 20:12:17 GMT

Thanks for the update on Summer Bird and his new home, Place looks fantastic. While I just read about his Mother passing away, Hong Kong Squall, It was refreshing to read your piece right after I read about her, Thank You...

re: Summer Bird in Paradise at Paul's Mill

Dianne — Fri, 11 Jun 2010 16:17:10 GMT

Will the stallions be ridden or otherwise given jobs to keep them mentally connected? I've always thought that thoroughbred stallions needed the work even when "retired" to keep them fit and happy. I look at people who own other breeds of horses that continue to work and use breeding stallions. They get to view the world outside of the stud barn and learn that there are other things in the world other than the next mare. Sure, there's always the risk of injury, but that can happen at any time--stall or paddock. The human-horse connection is very important to the horse's mental well being.