Inspired by Lights

re: Inspired by Lights

Dawn in MN — Sun, 18 Dec 2011 22:41:40 GMT

Esther, Mary, and Donna,

Thank you for telling the story of Lights on Broadway. Last month a spending bill that went through congress and was signed by the president removed the ban on horse slaughter. I am disappointed in those persons who are in a position to stop this barbaric practice, but do nothing. Time and again those in power have neglected the welfare of the horse.

When the last slaughter house closed after the USDA stopped funding the inspection of horse meat at the slaughter plants, I thought that would be the end of it. I was horrified to learn that the horses were being shipped to Canada and Mexico.

I am not against euthanizing horses, but I cannot stand the thought of anything less than humane euthanasia by a veterinarian. These noble companion animals should not be shipped to slaughter, but instead should be humanely euthanized in familiar surroundings. I think the person responsible for the decision to euthanize the horse should be required to witness the euthanasia of every single horse that is put down at their behest.

I love horses, especially Thoroughbred horses. I am inspired by the courage and the beauty of the Thoroughbred. Unless something is done to ensure that not one single OTTB ever goes to slaughter the sport will lose fans one by one.

I struggle with my conscience when I follow the sport. Until today I haven't read The Bloodhorse since the spending bill was signed into law by President Obama.

I saw Lights on Broadway on the Top Bunk list some time ago. While the occasional story of a happy ending for an OTTB is told, there are countless others who do not have a happy ending. Thank you Mary for telling his story and thank you Donna for all you do.

re: Inspired by Lights

Amy — Fri, 16 Dec 2011 05:07:51 GMT

Wonderful article! I am concerned about another racehorse who has given so much, but has fallen to a very low level. The other day (I think it was Tuesday, Dec. 13th) I was watching races on TVG. Sunland Park, race 4, $5,000 claimers. #6 was Diamond Stripes, who at one time ran in high level stakes races and I believe it stated that he had earned $1.4 million. Previously owned by Four Roses Thoroughbreds & trained by Rick Dutrow Jr. (not anymore). Diamond Stripes finished last in this $5,000 claiming race. I am worried about his fate after this race. Can anything be done to help him, so he doesn't end up on a slaughter truck? thanks, Amy

re: Inspired by Lights

Mike Relva — Fri, 16 Dec 2011 00:18:21 GMT

Esther

Thanks for all the great writing. Enjoy reading about horses that end up with a happy ending.

re: Inspired by Lights

Esther Marr — Thu, 15 Dec 2011 16:20:43 GMT

Thanks for the comments everyone. Make sure you check out Mary's awesome blog at www.pastthegrandstand.blogspot.com

re: Inspired by Lights

A Horsey Canuck — Thu, 15 Dec 2011 10:24:04 GMT

Thank you Mary, for your wonderful account re Lights on Broadway. Thank you, Esther for asking Mary to share Lights' story with all of us. I love the first picture of Lights'. He reminds me of my Arabian cross, gelding, Daal Shetan. The story brought tears to my eyes; tears of joy for Lights and tears of hope for others that will be lucky enough to find the Keen's Remember Me Rescue. Imagine the tales that would be told if these horses could talk.

re: Inspired by Lights

bluebluesea — Thu, 15 Dec 2011 00:04:37 GMT

This is another wonderful story in your series, and all involved are to be highly commended!

re: Inspired by Lights

MRO — Wed, 14 Dec 2011 02:01:23 GMT

I knew his name from the Top Bunk list, but did not know the story behind the story. Thanks for sharing.

re: Inspired by Lights

Delrene — Wed, 14 Dec 2011 00:10:34 GMT

What a wonderful story with such a great ending. Hope there are many more. Thanks to all for this incredible effort to give him a life after racing.

re: Inspired by Lights

Past The Grandstand — Tue, 13 Dec 2011 22:31:09 GMT

Thanks for the kind comments and of course, Esther, for this opportunity! I'm glad that Remember Me Rescue and Lights on Broadway are getting the attention they deserve.

Mary Cage

pastthegrandstand.blogspot.com

re: Inspired by Lights

NickTammaro — Tue, 13 Dec 2011 20:45:04 GMT

This was a terrific piece, Mary. Donna and Dallas Keen are two of the best people in racing and I am lucky to have met both of them. Their tireless work with horse rescue could teach a lesson to all of us that these horses who provide us so much enjoyment and occasional financial gain deserve much better than to be sent to a slaughterhouse. Having watched Lights on Broadway run many times I am thrilled that he was able to find a home with the Keens.

re: Inspired by Lights

Esther Marr — Tue, 13 Dec 2011 17:49:01 GMT

LongStoryTB: Thanks for your comment. I would love to hear more about your OTTB's. Feel free to email me at emarr@bloohorse.com if you would like to share your story for Beyond the Blinkers. Thanks!

re: Inspired by Lights

LongStoryTB — Tue, 13 Dec 2011 16:59:25 GMT

Wonderful heart warming story. Thank you ALL for finding a way for Lights. Just think of all of the others that are not so lucky. I have had the honor of owning 3 OTTB's, and each one of them was amazing, smart and beautiful. My life was much the better because of them. I am in Nebraska and have a number of riding students that have helped rescue amazing TB's from the track. And there are still so many that need our help. Hopefully your article will continue the rescue of these magnificent horses. They give everything they have for those people, and they deserve a fitting retirement.

It will be the young folks like Mary that will continue the fight for their lives. Well done all of you!!!!