Run On Courage--Who Saved Whom? - by Marty Bowman

re: Run On Courage--Who Saved Whom? - by Marty Bowman

Imakechaps@yahoo.com — Tue, 14 Oct 2008 22:06:03 GMT

Vicki, of course you may use Rock's story in Canada. He would be proud to know he was helping other horses. I would love to write a book, I have tons of stories about him. Maybe someday. Please feel free to use this. Bloodhorse can tell you how to contact me if you need to. Marty

re: Run On Courage--Who Saved Whom? - by Marty Bowman

Vicki Pappas — Sat, 11 Oct 2008 12:32:21 GMT

This was a truly moving story. I am part of a registered charity, LongRun Thoroughbred Retirement Society, which operates out of Woodbine in Toronto and I am hoping to get permission to reproduce this story in our upcoming newsletter. We have great luck in placing the big, sound, nice horses but few people have a big enough heart to take a horse with problems, and there are so many out there deserving of good homes.

"Rock" on, Marty.

re: Run On Courage--Who Saved Whom? - by Marty Bowman

Roz Cole — Tue, 07 Oct 2008 21:50:58 GMT

Beautiful,heartwarmig story!

re: Run On Courage--Who Saved Whom? - by Marty Bowman

Jennifer — Tue, 07 Oct 2008 13:39:53 GMT

I am so sorry for your loss, but what a beautiful story. Full of warmth and love. You were perfect for each other. Thank you for sharing your story with us.

re: Run On Courage--Who Saved Whom? - by Marty Bowman

Donna — Mon, 06 Oct 2008 23:03:44 GMT

What a wonderful story.... God bless the Marty Bowmans of this world.

re: Run On Courage--Who Saved Whom? - by Marty Bowman

Theresa - Phila — Sun, 05 Oct 2008 05:12:52 GMT

What a touching story! Kind of reminds me of Black Beauty. You both made each other happy!

re: Run On Courage--Who Saved Whom? - by Marty Bowman

Michelle — Sat, 04 Oct 2008 17:27:35 GMT

It was such a pleasure to read your story. We also have an OTTB that we love and cherish. It is amazing what they give us with just love and respect. I want to thank you so much for sharing your story.

re: Run On Courage--Who Saved Whom? - by Marty Bowman

LavasLegend — Sat, 04 Oct 2008 15:57:14 GMT

I think both you and Rock were equally lucky; he for having a truly in tune and caring friend who connected 100% with him, and you for being in the right place at the right time for him to enter your life. Those moments are like some type of divine intervention, and I think those of us who get them are always grateful.

RIP to your beloved Rock, and thank you for letting us love him too by sharing the story. I will give my ex-racer friend an extra carrot in Rock's memory. :)

re: Run On Courage--Who Saved Whom? - by Marty Bowman

Joanne S — Sat, 04 Oct 2008 11:02:45 GMT

God Bless you!! Rock was lucky to have you all those years.

re: Run On Courage--Who Saved Whom? - by Marty Bowman

Johnny — Sat, 04 Oct 2008 05:05:17 GMT

Thank you, Marty, for sharing "Rock" with us. I have felt for a very long time that if I could one day be in a position to have a horse like Rock, I'd be really happy.

Maybe someday I can have my own Rock (and a nice dog to). Then I'd be complete.

God bless you. :)

re: Run On Courage--Who Saved Whom? - by Marty Bowman

SusanR — Fri, 03 Oct 2008 22:56:04 GMT

Although it is sad to think of ROCK'S passing, what a wonderful story about his life and your adventures together. Lucky horse to have crossed path with you and lucky you to have found such a wonderful companion. I hope stories such as yours might inspire others to take on a retiree and provide a home for a horse such as Rock. He/she will return your kindness many, many times over. Marty, thank you for sharing your life with Rock, it is a celebration of what is good in the world. I am sure you will both meet again.

re: Run On Courage--Who Saved Whom? - by Marty Bowman

Corbensrideon — Fri, 03 Oct 2008 20:02:06 GMT

Its nice to see at least some people have values. You and your horse is what it all about.

re: Run On Courage--Who Saved Whom? - by Marty Bowman

TerriV — Fri, 03 Oct 2008 17:24:32 GMT

Your touching story brought me to tears also. The true gift that these remarkable creatures give is not their athletic ability, it is their great and loving hearts. Only those of us who have experienced this gift truly understand. I cradled Blazin Morn's head in my lap as the Vet eased her pain forever - telling her she was a blessing and a gift that touched all who knew her. I believe she understood.

re: Run On Courage--Who Saved Whom? - by Marty Bowman

Aunt Mary — Fri, 03 Oct 2008 15:38:26 GMT

Martha, Martha - I so loved your story about Rock! I'm blessed that I knew him too! I especially loved the phone calls! Only you could do it!! Love you!

re: Run On Courage--Who Saved Whom? - by Marty Bowman

s lee — Fri, 03 Oct 2008 15:12:12 GMT

As the saying goes "ain't love grand?"

Thanks for sharing your wonderful love story with us. I wish there was a way to get the media to spread THIS story as widely as they spread the tragic ones.

Just one thing about an earlier post - I don't know the trainers or the horse or the owners in this story, but having a horse break a sesamoid doesn't necessarily mean they were overworked or abused. It can happen to the best of horses in the best of care in the worst fraction of a second.

Again, Marty, on behalf of all the horses who may now get a second chance, and on behalf of all the owners who might find love again, thanks!

re: Run On Courage--Who Saved Whom? - by Marty Bowman

Bellwether — Fri, 03 Oct 2008 04:44:21 GMT

never thought TRUE LOVE didn't live forever...Long Live LOVE!!!

re: Run On Courage--Who Saved Whom? - by Marty Bowman

hrsahlc — Fri, 03 Oct 2008 01:26:09 GMT

great story...I have a now 31 yr old OTTB whom I have been planning to write a similar story about to note his passing...I didn't know him when he was a young race horse, but he has done so much for me and was one of the reasons I became so enamored with thoroughbred race horses. I dread his passing, everyday, and every time I see an older famous tb has died, I know one day I'll be without my boy.

re: Run On Courage--Who Saved Whom? - by Marty Bowman

thoroughbredluvr — Fri, 03 Oct 2008 00:35:29 GMT

What a great story! It's been about 2 years since I had to put down my best friend at 24 and I was crying throughout the entire story. Lacey left me with her beautiful daughter but I still miss her. During my teenage years she was my truest friend and always there for me. She was not the most friendly horse and honestly could be very bad tempered but when I rode and showed her she always gave me everything, her entire heart. Thank you for writing such a moving story and allowing me to remember my beautiful girl. God Bless.

re: Run On Courage—Who Saved Whom? - by Marty Bowman

Marty Bowman — Fri, 03 Oct 2008 00:13:31 GMT

Thanks to ALL who have commented on my Rock. He was truly "the air that I breathed" every day. I have thousands of memories of us and if he inspires a few people to take in ex-racehorses who have injuries, then his life's purpose will never end. I will see him again. Marty

re: Run On Courage—Who Saved Whom? - by Marty Bowman

PerfectHorse — Thu, 02 Oct 2008 23:27:51 GMT

You're an awesome person. I have three OTTBs of my own...two who have won so many ribbons and trophies and one who may or may not ever get to the show ring. I love them all. Two of them are 22 and one is 10. I wish I could slow the aging process and have them forever...

re: Run On Courage—Who Saved Whom? - by Marty Bowman

Peggy — Thu, 02 Oct 2008 21:32:51 GMT

What a wondeful story of "true love and trust". That is what horses give us and Rock was blessed to have you to return his love. Every horse deserves someone like you, it's too bad what some of them get.

re: Run On Courage—Who Saved Whom? - by Marty Bowman

Ricky and Andi — Thu, 02 Oct 2008 21:07:14 GMT

We also had the privilage of knowing Rock. We never saw a horse so well taken care of then rock, or any one of marty's. Both marty and rock are any inspiration to horsemanship and a common love for one another. Love ya marty..we all miss rock. ricky and andi

re: Run On Courage—Who Saved Whom? - by Marty Bowman

Amy A. — Thu, 02 Oct 2008 18:11:58 GMT

Thank you so much for sharing such a wonderful tribute to your very special friend "Rock". Hopefully, your experience will encourage others in our business to rescue these amazing animals who can bring so much pleasure to our lives when their careers are over.

re: Run On Courage—Who Saved Whom? - by Marty Bowman

Margaret — Thu, 02 Oct 2008 16:23:24 GMT

Marty is a beautiful person who loved a beautiful and spirited stallion. It would be nice if all people could take care of their racehorses and "do the right thing".

re: Run On Courage—Who Saved Whom? - by Marty Bowman

Margaret — Thu, 02 Oct 2008 16:22:49 GMT

Marty is a beautiful person who loved a beautiful and spirited stallion. It would be nice if all people could take care of their racehorses and "do the right thing".