New Blog: Behind-the-Scenes Experiences and Happy Endings

re: New Blog: Behind-the-Scenes Experiences and Happy Endings

Jim — Tue, 11 Jan 2011 00:48:59 GMT

Buster Bailey was a favorite horse of mine. I live in the chicago area and my daughter stables at a barn that margaret did at one time. My father was a long time handicapper. This story really means alot to me. I have a high school friend named Brian Bailey. Brian knew my Dad and was also a horse player. Over the years Brian became known to my Dad as Buster Bailey after the horse. My Dad passed away 2 weeks ago. Brian came to the wake telling the story of how he was known as Buster Bailey because of the horse and my Dad. If you are looking for a place for Buster at a nice barn with an English rider, please let me know. I would be honored to provide that home and second life for Buster Bailey.

re: New Blog: Behind-the-Scenes Experiences and Happy Endings

CourtPick — Thu, 11 Feb 2010 17:35:47 GMT

Great story! Glad to see the blog is up and running--- Are you still "Marr" in all of your publications? ;)

Look forward to reading more...

re: New Blog: Behind-the-Scenes Experiences and Happy Endings

Rachel — Tue, 09 Feb 2010 11:30:22 GMT

Esther, I loved your "Heart of a Hero" article, made me cry...I knew Ranger Heartley had to have been named in honor of someone in our military, thanks for the "rest of the story".

You are a very good writer.

re: New Blog: Behind-the-Scenes Experiences and Happy Endings

needler in Virginia — Tue, 09 Feb 2010 02:55:28 GMT

Sorry about that, Jen R; you are absolutely right, and I was obviously having (as my daughter says) a "mental pause moment"! But Buster still moves beautifully, as I really have seen the get of Street Cry do, so cut an old, crazy broad some slack.......but Jen, you're welcome to correct me ANYTIME. Now I have to go back and try to figure out WHY I thought he is by Street Cry!

Cheers to Buster, and his connections, and all those who care for him; what you have done is a HUGE mitzvah.

Safe trips to all.

re: New Blog: Behind-the-Scenes Experiences and Happy Endings

Jen R. — Mon, 08 Feb 2010 21:20:35 GMT

Just a little correction to needler in Virginia's comment. Buster is actually by Mister Baileys, not Street Cry (though Street Cry is definitely a nice option for breeders).

Thanks for the wonderful compliments!

re: New Blog: Behind-the-Scenes Experiences and Happy Endings

Michael — Mon, 08 Feb 2010 03:38:07 GMT

I'm a regular at Arlington Park, and I've seen Buster Bailey man times during his career. He's a lovely horse, who always gave his all and I am so happy he's been retired and in such good company.

All the people connections that did the right thing is very positive and uplifting. Esther, terrific story keep up the wonderful work and keep these stories coming. Thank you!

re: New Blog: Behind-the-Scenes Experiences and Happy Endings

CJ — Mon, 08 Feb 2010 01:19:19 GMT

He's so beautiful! I hope we can get updates when he starts his re-training!

re: New Blog: Behind-the-Scenes Experiences and Happy Endings

andrea in united kingdom — Sun, 07 Feb 2010 21:28:03 GMT

Such a fantastic and uplifting story. Made me smile:} Good luck to buster wherever his future lies!

re: New Blog: Behind-the-Scenes Experiences and Happy Endings

TerriV — Sun, 07 Feb 2010 20:40:48 GMT

What a wonderful story! Just what I love to hear, the good stories, and there are so many of them. Most horse people do love the horses above all else. Buster is lovely and makes me wish I could have him for my own. Blessings on all the good guys involved with Buster.

re: New Blog: Behind-the-Scenes Experiences and Happy Endings

Taylor — Sun, 07 Feb 2010 19:58:56 GMT

Well done all! Keep writing - I'll keep reading! Best good luck wishes!

re: New Blog: Behind-the-Scenes Experiences and Happy Endings

BELLWETHER — Sun, 07 Feb 2010 09:39:00 GMT

TOO COOL...HORSES LIKE BUSTER ARE WHAT "THE GAME" IS ALL ABOUT...PLEASE NOE JUMP N...HIS LEGS HAVE DONE ENOUGH...LONG LIVE THE KING BABY!!!...

re: New Blog: Behind-the-Scenes Experiences and Happy Endings

needler in Virginia — Sun, 07 Feb 2010 03:35:04 GMT

Buster's very existence seems to hang on the talent of his trainers AND (I'd bet) a lot from his breeding. He is a gorgeous moving son of Street Cry........ now, with THAT pedigree and THAT racing history, don't you think Street Cry presents as a GREAT option for breeders? Wouldn't everyone be happier with better breeding practices and better trainers? Never mind that this story came out FAR better than anyone could have ever expected. Buster is a walking advertisement for doing it right!

Well done to everyone: to Jen Roytz, the trainers, as well as Sallee and the vet and the perfectly marvelous people at Three Chimneys. Buster ran his eyeballs out for years and came up a winner .... FINALLY!

Cheers and safe trips to all.

re: New Blog: Behind-the-Scenes Experiences and Happy Endings

Ida Lee — Sun, 07 Feb 2010 00:32:31 GMT

Beautiful story about a beautiful horse. I look forward to your future stories. Makes me wish I had a forever home to offer this lovely creature.

re: New Blog: Behind-the-Scenes Experiences and Happy Endings

Diane Roytz — Sat, 06 Feb 2010 19:58:37 GMT

What a nice treat for me to read such a nice story about my daughter!!! Plus, Buster takes a GREAT picture. I'm so proud of both of them:)

re: New Blog: Behind-the-Scenes Experiences and Happy Endings

el beleco — Sat, 06 Feb 2010 03:15:52 GMT

I agree with all the comments about this preatty horse,he is a good boy and i hope he finds a good home.

re: New Blog: Behind-the-Scenes Experiences and Happy Endings

Pamela Gaska — Fri, 05 Feb 2010 18:49:43 GMT

Great blog Esther! Really nice. Looks like you've been busy!!!

re: New Blog: Behind-the-Scenes Experiences and Happy Endings

carol — Fri, 05 Feb 2010 12:58:15 GMT

With so much bad news everyday....finally a 'feel good story'.

re: New Blog: Behind-the-Scenes Experiences and Happy Endings

Lauren — Fri, 05 Feb 2010 00:40:02 GMT

I found a link to this blog in the Blood Horse Daily News. This article was wonderful and I look forward to reading many more! Thank you!

re: New Blog: Behind-the-Scenes Experiences and Happy Endings

Grand Prix Show Jumper — Thu, 04 Feb 2010 22:14:33 GMT

This is a great story but I do want to mention that horses can be racing as older horses without necessarily needing to be 'rescued' from it.

I know a trainer whom I met because I tried to buy a horse of his when the horse was six, thinking maybe he was winding down his racing career. The horse was still racing last year at 9 and I tried again to see if he wanted to sell him when he came to town (he still doesn't). Then I got to meet the horse and the trainer and spend some time with them. This horse will probably race as a ten year old and will race as long as HE wants. (He does get rest every year, however). He's a super classy, happy horse with cold, tight legs. His people really care about him and want to have him in the barn even after he's done racing. He might be a pony horse, he might just be a riding horse, but he's in great hands.

Hope that type of story is inspiring to some people interested in a blog like this. Some horses get lucky.

re: New Blog: Behind-the-Scenes Experiences and Happy Endings

txhorsefan — Thu, 04 Feb 2010 22:10:17 GMT

Thank you, Esther, for a great new blog to enjoy. Buster is indeed a very fortunate horse and I thank you for bringing his story to us, complete with his gorgeous pictures. The parties involved in his retirement are fantastic examples of all the good things we love about racing. Thank you!

re: New Blog: Behind-the-Scenes Experiences and Happy Endings

Shelby's Best Pal — Thu, 04 Feb 2010 21:00:51 GMT

Thanks for this great story. Looking forward to more.

re: New Blog: Behind-the-Scenes Experiences and Happy Endings

marktoothaker — Thu, 04 Feb 2010 19:06:15 GMT

We need a lot more stories like this one in our business. Well done, look forward to the next one.

re: New Blog: Behind-the-Scenes Experiences and Happy Endings

Jess — Thu, 04 Feb 2010 18:13:03 GMT

Its a good story with a happy ending. He's very attractive. Looks like he'd make a good jumper.

re: New Blog: Behind-the-Scenes Experiences and Happy Endings

Jumpnrope — Thu, 04 Feb 2010 18:07:13 GMT

I just happened to see this blog and started reading. I will be a regular visitor. Thanks.

re: New Blog: Behind-the-Scenes Experiences and Happy Endings

RB — Thu, 04 Feb 2010 17:53:56 GMT

Wow, what a great name for a blog! :-)