Well Armed: A Horse With Gumption

re: Well Armed: A Horse With Gumption

Aragorn8763 — Thu, 08 Dec 2011 12:24:45 GMT

Hi everyone. I was wondering if someone could tell me how they make the decision to geld a racehorse? It seems that Well Armed was pretty successful so I was curious as to why he didnt remain a stallion. I ride, but cant say I know much about this industry.

re: Well Armed: A Horse With Gumption

Past The Grandstand — Thu, 24 Nov 2011 23:40:44 GMT

Here's another horse with gumption, Lights on Broadway:

pastthegrandstand.blogspot.com/.../inspired-by-lights.html

I love hearing about and meeting horses like this.

re: Well Armed: A Horse With Gumption

Susan W. — Thu, 24 Nov 2011 10:31:31 GMT

This is a truly beautiful story and I am enjoying all the comments as well. The most telling fact is that Mr. Casner and Well Armed are true friends. True friends will do anything for each other, as is shown by the devotion and love these two continually exchange. Thank you for the story, the comments and the lovely photos that show Well Armed enjoying life. This is as it should be.

re: Well Armed: A Horse With Gumption

Shelby's Best Pal — Thu, 24 Nov 2011 02:01:05 GMT

I feel lucky to have seen Well Armed in a race. It was the Pacific Classic at Del Mar several years ago and he ran a very good second. His story preceded him to the track and watching him race is a memory I cherish. I also met Mr. Casner at Lone Star Park where he graciously signed photos of another equine star, Super Saver. Great story. Thank you.

re: Well Armed: A Horse With Gumption

Ida Lee — Sun, 20 Nov 2011 23:01:12 GMT

Reading about Mr. Casner and Well Armed has always brought a tear to my eye. Mr. Casner's love for this horse is so heartwarming. That he would still be such an upbeat and loving human being after losing his daughter the way he did and finding forgiveness...well, it's more than I would do. When I first heard Well Armed was being retired, I realized that I did not worry for one second what would happen to him off the track. I just knew he would be a loving pet and friend and live happily ever after. If only all TB's had a future this beautiful. And, yes, I saw the Dubai World Cup and Well Armed's amazing performance. It's right up there with the greatest races of all time.

re: Well Armed: A Horse With Gumption

Archangel — Sun, 20 Nov 2011 22:09:04 GMT

Bill Casner and Well Armed are two peas in the same pod and I dare say that if each had not had the other we might have had a different story here. Well Armed definitely has the gumption, then and now, along with the fighting spirit to make it through all of the hard times (and good times). But I think it took Bill Casner to make him realize that heart and fight and spirit. And it was Well Armed that made Bill Casner realize what was in him, and bring him back. It is true that the outside of a horse is good for the inside of a man and I think in this case - vise versa. Bill Casner and Well Armed are tied at the heart and their story, which I have known of for several years has taught me an important lesson - never give up b/c good will come from bad - if you are willing to work and wait long enough. Bill, and Well Armed, thanks for the lesson. Clare

re: Well Armed: A Horse With Gumption

arcadiagirl — Sun, 20 Nov 2011 20:56:17 GMT

All I can say is "wow".

re: Well Armed: A Horse With Gumption

newsline2 — Fri, 18 Nov 2011 11:42:26 GMT

Sharing stories like this are at the heart of all legends. Bill's candidness allows us to experience it a little, too. Stories like this create a portal that allows the public to pass through and be part of horse racing community. They need to be told-again and again. Kudos to Well Armed's connections for their dedication to this horse and a job well done.

re: Well Armed: A Horse With Gumption

tanzkd — Thu, 17 Nov 2011 22:23:58 GMT

since I live in Tx. - would love to visit Well Armed if possible to thank him personally for all the great thrills he gave me during his career & for being such a great ambassador for the sport . Any chance his adoring fans may visit?

re: Well Armed: A Horse With Gumption

Jennifer in Columbia — Thu, 17 Nov 2011 17:57:54 GMT

Thank you so sharing this wonderful story. I had no idea that Well Armed had such a challenging life. How amazing to see all that he accomplished thanks to the love and devotion of his people. Big thanks to all his connections for helping him achieve greatness. Thanks also for the wonderful photos of a happy, retired Well Armed. Love it!

re: Well Armed: A Horse With Gumption

RPREACH — Thu, 17 Nov 2011 16:14:59 GMT

I saw Well Armed run at Aquaduct. Being a big fan of Tiznow, I was interested in WA. He appeared to float over the track. He was a smooth runner and very fast. After all his trials, and successes on the track, it wonderful that he's safe and enjoying his friends in retirement. God bless his owners for giving him all the love and care they did. Wonderful story.

re: Well Armed: A Horse With Gumption

Ute Shepherd — Thu, 17 Nov 2011 13:15:07 GMT

Thank you for this wonderful story. I own a OTTB mare that came to me after suffering through abuse and neglect. She was a fighter though and never gave up. She learned to trust again and is happy and healthy today. Bill Casner is a wonderful horseman and it is wonderful to see how much he loves and cares about the well-being of his horses. It was great to see Bet Me Best again, who has always been one of my favorites too.

re: Well Armed: A Horse With Gumption

Lmaris — Thu, 17 Nov 2011 04:05:07 GMT

Considering the drought that has destroyed so many pastures here in Texas this year, its great to see lush pasture for Mr. Casner's horses. Also great to see a man really care about the horses he owns, and want to keep them close to him. Would love to be able to visit Well Armed and his buddies.

re: Well Armed: A Horse With Gumption

ofelia — Thu, 17 Nov 2011 00:19:38 GMT

Thank you for the wonderful story. I too have a horse with gumption and all heart. Two years ago my beloved QH palomino gelding, Golden Score, foundered severely in both front feet. After several months he stabilized only to have another setback. He abscessed in both feet and had to spend several weeks at the equine hospital with special plates in order to be able to drain the abscess and clean it.Throughout the ordeal he never failed to greet me with a nicker. He would also whinny at the cows in the nearby pasture no doubt dreaming of the day when he could nip at them once again. I cried on his shoulder begging him not to leave me. He did not. He then began to turn the corner and improved. He is now 17yrs old and fully healed. Even though he wears special shoes, we take extended trail rides on our ranch. He is my first horse and the one that taught me how to ride, to feel what it is like to have the wind in my hair and the one that makes me laugh after a thrilling ride. I know the day will come when I have to say goodbye but for now the ride is not over. I am grateful for him and for all he has enriched my life with.

re: Well Armed: A Horse With Gumption

A Horsey Canuck — Wed, 16 Nov 2011 20:54:09 GMT

Thank you Esther for another wonderful article. I just watched Well Armed's Dubai World Cup win. What a grand fellow he was and is. Thank you so much for such recent pics of him. How nice to see such a hero enjoying life. Kudos to Bill Casner and his family for taking such good care of this wonderful champion. Thank you, Esther, for giving both Bill and Well Armed the spotlight that they both so well deserve.

re: Well Armed: A Horse With Gumption

Barbara W — Wed, 16 Nov 2011 19:24:41 GMT

Thank you for filling in the parts of this story I didn' know. W.A. is one beautiful boy! God bless the folks at WInStar. They are first rate.

re: Well Armed: A Horse With Gumption

Zen4Zen — Wed, 16 Nov 2011 19:16:59 GMT

Kudos to the Casners! A great and poignant story of love and patience for a horse with abundant gumption.

re: Well Armed: A Horse With Gumption

Stellar Jayne — Wed, 16 Nov 2011 17:02:37 GMT

You brought tears to my eyes with Well Armed's and the Casner's story. I knew Well Armed won the Dubai World Cup, but I did not know the back story of the challenges he faced as a youngster and later. Truly he has Gumption and the good fortune to be owned and cared for and loved by Bill Casner, his groom Geronimo and the team who restored him to greatness.

The Casner's also have the same Gumption given the loss of their daughter Karri in that cruel bombing. There is no sorrow like the loss of a child, especially under those circumstances.

Bless them all!

re: Well Armed: A Horse With Gumption

edrul427 — Wed, 16 Nov 2011 16:38:36 GMT

All the best to mr. Casner and his wonderful horse

re: Well Armed: A Horse With Gumption

melanchthon — Wed, 16 Nov 2011 16:22:24 GMT

Wonderful story. Truth is stranger than fiction. Don't you wish all race horses had owners that loved them this much.

re: Well Armed: A Horse With Gumption

deb — Wed, 16 Nov 2011 15:34:18 GMT

there is nothing like a beloved friend and spending time with them.

thanks for sharing this tribute.

re: Well Armed: A Horse With Gumption

Daina — Wed, 16 Nov 2011 15:18:31 GMT

Thanks you soo much for this article. I have been searching for an update on Well Armed and hoped there might be an article someday in the BloodHorse. Well here it is. He looks so happy. Glad to see this. I have loved that horse since the first time I set eyes on him - - I think it was in an allowance race?? I just remember seeing him as he entered the starting gate and I remember thinking WOW. He just looked like a beautiful powerful horse - - something special - and he went on to win the race. So of course I continued to follow him and his story. I just knew that horse was going to be something. And then the Dubai World Cup - - I was jumping up and down and screaming at the TV when Well Armed was pounding down the homestretch. I was just so happy for that horse. I knew it - knew my instincts were right - WOW - what a race. After he won that race I thought to myself that after all the love Bill Casner and friends gave to him - he gave back to them on that day. I think he was running for them. I love to educate people that know nothing about horseracing and when I give them a list of races to watch - - Secretariat's Triple Crown, Zenyatta's Breeders Cup Classic's - - I always include Well Armed's Dubai World Cup. I think it ranks right up there with them. I get chills and tears in my eyes when I watch it. I'm going to watch it again right now. Thanks again for this post.....

re: Well Armed: A Horse With Gumption

Old Horse Lover — Wed, 16 Nov 2011 14:14:58 GMT

Thank you for the update on Well Armed.I have loved his story from the first time I heard it and have been trying to find some up to date information on him for a while.Thank you again for making my morning bright.

re: Well Armed: A Horse With Gumption

Cindy Rullman — Wed, 16 Nov 2011 12:17:59 GMT

Beautiful story about the great things that can happen when good people are committed to doing the right thing for their horses. The only part that I would disagree with is Mr. Casner's assertion that not all horses have gumption. All horses DO have gumption -- it's part of their God-given DNA -- but not all of them are fortunate enough to have good owners or trainers who understand how to inspire them to use it.

re: Well Armed: A Horse With Gumption

breeze10 — Wed, 16 Nov 2011 12:03:50 GMT

Esther: Thanks for a great article! It is always great to read about such wonderful horses and the connections who love them so much! I was always a fan of Well Armed (but did not realize all he went through to achieve)...God Bless him and I hope he lives many years in the company of his BFF's!!! Bless the Casner's for never giving up on him and always doing the best for him. Racing needs more owners/breeders like the Casner's!