OTTB Update: Windy Jim; Plus a Giveaway!

re: OTTB Update: Windy Jim; Plus a Giveaway!

Ute Shepherd — Wed, 05 Dec 2012 17:28:15 GMT

My OTTB mare Torys Prospect came to me a little over 3-1/2 yrs ago. She had been through some rough times after being abused and nearly starved to death. She proved to be a fighter and was all heart. I was blessed to have her in my live until about 5 wks ago when she had to be humanely euthanized due to recurrent problems with cellulitis. During our time together, she and I had a wonderful time. She was the most loving creature and she had a special way of showing her affection, yes affection. I will never forget the day when I turned her and my 2 geldings out to pasture and she turned back from the field to gallop back to me. She put her forehead against my shoulder, gave me a little nudge and then headed out for a day of grazing. I was fortunate to be able to share my story in a blog recently. I miss her terribly, but she will always be with me and I am glad that I was able to have her be part of my life.

re: OTTB Update: Windy Jim; Plus a Giveaway!

Spike1 — Mon, 03 Dec 2012 21:02:31 GMT

Thank you for that wonderful story. My OTTB Bold Stuff, aka Stuffy tries to be polite and well behaved, but if he is fresh and just has to have a leap and a buck he will warn me by shaking his head. First time he does it, he is trying to contain himself, 2nd time, it is the get ready shake, and third time is usually accompanied by a squeal and a shake and a buck! With Stuffy, there is never a dull moment, but he is a treasure.

re: OTTB Update: Windy Jim; Plus a Giveaway!

Deltalady — Sun, 02 Dec 2012 16:00:36 GMT

Thank you so much for sharing this wonderful story! Windy Jim is indeed very smart and intelligent! Would love for more updates on this remarkable horse!

Someone mentioned Lava Man's new vocation, and at the same track, Hollywood Park, Awesome Gem will undergo training to be another famous pony horse, right alongside Lava Man! These two horses have brought such joy to millions on the track, and their fame and notoriety shines a light on aftercare for all our equine heroes!

re: OTTB Update: Windy Jim; Plus a Giveaway!

Wrensflight — Sat, 01 Dec 2012 17:51:55 GMT

What a great story. It's always great to hear about OTTB's who have found a wonderful home. My OTTB mare, Sound Advice, loves to sneak up on me when I'm doing chores outside. She is as quiet as a stealth bomber, and when I turn around there is her nose right in my face. She seems to think that her trick is hilarious, because after she is found out she'll start racing around and bouncing like Tigger. She'll also pick up any tools that I happen to leave on the ground and start experimenting with them. She is a sweetheart and I am so glad I found her.

Thanks so much for the success stories. I always look forward to the next one.

re: OTTB Update: Windy Jim; Plus a Giveaway!

LynnB. — Sat, 01 Dec 2012 14:27:57 GMT

My favorite OTTB story would have to be that of Lava Man. After failing at full retirement, he still wanted to work. He has been retrained as a successful pony horse and demonstrates to the world that every horse has something to give. Like people, many will have two or three careers throughout their lifetime. I enjoy reading about OTTB who are blessed with second (and sometimes third) chances. Thanks for the story!

re: OTTB Update: Windy Jim; Plus a Giveaway!

Linda in Texas — Sat, 01 Dec 2012 01:51:11 GMT

This is just decent. Nothing in the world but decent, loving, and exactly how they all should live out their lives.

Thank you for caring for all three.

Lovely idyllic place i might add for all of them to nudge the grass and you for a little scratchin':).

And thank you Jackie for keeping in touch with Esther.

I read this as i was just searching to find out what ever happened to a favorite of mine, EightyFiveInaFifty!

Thank you Esther for your article.

I always love to know how they end up once they are up for adoption.

Linda

re: OTTB Update: Windy Jim; Plus a Giveaway!

anna12 — Fri, 30 Nov 2012 20:05:09 GMT

hey you sould do a story on advice, who was adopted from new vocations earlier this yr, or the recently adopted joe vann.

re: OTTB Update: Windy Jim; Plus a Giveaway!

nu-fan — Fri, 30 Nov 2012 17:56:33 GMT

Great story. I bet Windy Jim knows exactly how great he has it! It also demonstrates the intelligence of animals, which too many people think is pretty much nonexistent. I have a dog that also insists that I scratch him where it itches and lets me know this with very similar "hints" to that of Windy Jim's. Perhaps, the primary thing that separates us from other animals is their inability to speak our language. But as with any groups of people, language is often more than the spoken word. Stories like this one should remind everyone why the horseracing industry must do better at safeguarding the welfare of all of its athletes. Our society may well be judged in how it treated its animals. (A nod to M. Ghandi.)

re: OTTB Update: Windy Jim; Plus a Giveaway!

bluebluesea — Fri, 30 Nov 2012 00:14:19 GMT

Wow! What a beautiful place for Windy and all his friends. So hapy to see the update!

You may remember my Blue Blue Sea who was featured in February 2011. He continues to do well and his brother Gran Huracan who was resuced out of Puerto Rico in November 2011 is still looking for his home.

I think most people know that there's little Blue does that I don't find endearing. :) His most endearing trait to me would be how he will come to the gate when he sees me arrive at the barn. This is especially touching when I've had a bad day. There is nothing more wonderful to see than your horse coming to you over the grass in the field and his horse pals.