Take a Deep Breath and Hug a Horse

re: Take a Deep Breath and Hug a Horse

jaj — Fri, 14 Nov 2008 12:57:51 GMT

Sadly, I am relieved I don't have a foal this year to try to sell in 2009.

re: Take a Deep Breath and Hug a Horse

Amanda C — Thu, 13 Nov 2008 19:26:30 GMT

This is so very true. We need to go back to what the entire purpose of horse racing is. "My horse, is faster than yours". Simple as that. We should be breeding to race, not breeding to breed, and relativly few of us should breed to sell. Only horses who are exemplery to improve the breed should be bred. Therefore we won't have a massive over stock of horses we don't need nor can afford. That way, the ones that are born, are born to homes taht will love, cherish and care for them, honor them and perserve them as athletes, and most of all, our friends. We ask these great animals to run their hearts out, never see a pasture in their racing life, obtain medical treatment they object to and sometimes don't need. Yet we seem to forget to say, Thank you. If only all of us would go out to our barn or pasture, or shedrow, with a bag of carrots and an open heart and mind, and tell these animals, thank you, for trying your best, and putting up with what we ask, then, only then will we be able to say that we really deserve to race horses. I am a full on racing fan, but we must not forget what carries us to the winners circle, its not our own feet.... :)

re: Take a Deep Breath and Hug a Horse

fanofallthree — Wed, 12 Nov 2008 13:37:42 GMT

The pendulum does swing. Any commodity market goes in cycles.

However, I wouldn't be the least bit disappointed to see the amount of breeding being done cut back to accommodate the market demand. I worry about what's to become of all these unwanted horses. I realize that money greases the wheel, but it should never be at the expense of a love for these horses.

re: Take a Deep Breath and Hug a Horse

Bellwether — Wed, 12 Nov 2008 05:44:23 GMT

THE BEST IS YET TO COME!!! go ahead & HUG one cause it feels sooo good...we love em more tomorrow than we do today!!! Long Live The King!!!

re: Take a Deep Breath and Hug a Horse

Sarah Reschly — Wed, 12 Nov 2008 04:11:09 GMT

... but as you hug your handsome racer, know that there are many awaiting him with open arms once his career is over. CANTER (www.canterusa.org) just opened a chapter at Mountaineer over the weekend, and now has volunteers nationwide to help you find new home for runners when the racing days come to an end. Retire them sound, so they can enjoy fruitful lives in the show ring our out on the trails.

I hugged my OTTB tonight!

Sarah R

re: Take a Deep Breath and Hug a Horse

Johnny — Wed, 12 Nov 2008 03:45:01 GMT

Thanks for this very sweet and encouraging blog. I don't own a horse, can't afford to buy or keep one, and am rarely even around them, but I know what it feels like when I get the rare chance to pat a beautiful equine face or feel a horse's mouth as he or she is slurping a peppermint from my open hand. If I could have more of this experience, even if it was just for five minutes a day, everything else would be OK; even when it isn't.

And for people struggling right now, I hope things get easier very soon. God bless.

re: Take a Deep Breath and Hug a Horse

needler in Virginia — Wed, 12 Nov 2008 03:27:03 GMT

Even when things get SO crappy you can't get out of bed in the morning, a horse makes the best listener there is! I can't even count the tears I've shed into my old Morgan's neck, or the times he's listened to me curse the skies. He always understands, and is there to remind me that his complicated life consists of carrots, a bit of grass and a good roll in a mud puddle now and then. He puts things into perspective like no other can....... and yup! LITERALLY hugging a horse is a good idea.

re: Take a Deep Breath and Hug a Horse

Amy — Wed, 12 Nov 2008 00:51:20 GMT

What you suggest, Dede, is always reviving - in a declining market, or when us thoroughbred lovers is feeling down for any other reason. But a really good thing happened today in our industry. The Jockey Club announded a foal registration checkoff program - a matching fund to go to Thoroughbred Charities and Thoroughbred Retirement - that's a giant step forward for our industry. There is always a silver lining to every cloud.

re: Take a Deep Breath and Hug a Horse

christy tate — Tue, 11 Nov 2008 23:49:40 GMT

at last! some positive thoughts about horses and horse racing. nice reminder to stop and smell the roses. thanks muchly

re: Take a Deep Breath and Hug a Horse

Richie — Tue, 11 Nov 2008 23:10:08 GMT

It is very depressing after all the money and hard work put into our two horses at the sale only to barely break even. After reading this I actually went out and gave a carrot to our old now retired mare that produced one of them and gave her a hug. It didn't help my wallet but did help my heart. Thanks.

re: Take a Deep Breath and Hug a Horse

da3hoss — Tue, 11 Nov 2008 23:04:45 GMT

I hug mine every day.;-)

re: Take a Deep Breath and Hug a Horse

aspradling — Tue, 11 Nov 2008 21:52:29 GMT

This is a great post, thanks Dede!

re: Take a Deep Breath and Hug a Horse

DONNA — Tue, 11 Nov 2008 20:39:50 GMT

Very good advice. Sometimes when things get tuff and not going well the best thing is to take a break from it for awhile.

I know it's hard to take a price or wage cut. I've been in the car parts business for over 30 years and am now making ten grand a year less than I was in 2002. The bottom seems to be falling out everywhere. Just be glad and thank God you are so fortunate to be in a business that you truely love. All we can do is hope things will get better eventually.