He's growing into such a beautiful boy.

Can't wait for his next race and news on the litte one.

~Nicole, 14

Thanks Amanda! He is starting to look more like a racehorse, looking more focused each time we see him. Hopefully I'll be able to see him race at Keeneland! Go Nic!

Good Morning Nick!!! I see your such a laid back fellow. I just hope the first win is coming soon. I still think you make like the turf better. Hopefully they will try you there.

Nicky is so handsome.  What a gorgeous boy just like his brothers.  Can't wait for his next race.  All the best Nicky and stay safe. Happy Easter to all his connections.

What a pleasant surprise, especially on Easter Sunday, to find the fun pictures of our favorite fella, Nicanor.  

Is that a yawning Nicanor in the third pic?  He always gets a smile from this one, whatever he does. LOL

Thanks to Yetta Feltner for the Easter treats.  Happy Easter to all.

Nicanor is just gorgeous!  And you can tell he has a kind and seemingly charming personality. I hope, even moreso because of his sweetness, that he digs in and finds the desire to enjoy winning and passing his race-mate!

Thank you for the pictures again, and for the commentary.  

It is just so nice to hear backstory about Nicanor, the new foal (where is more info on him -- regardless of admonitions or reassurances, we are a bit concerned because we care . . .)and all of his connections.

Good Passover and Happy Easter to all of you and your families, human and animal !

love this horse . needs to get out of the gate faster. always 1/2 step late

Nice photos! Nice Easter surprise for my family, too. Thanks so much,Yetta Feltner. Everyone contributing to this blog in some way-from writers,photograpghers, editors, etc. to the wonderful folks who leave comments-have a wonderful Easter and a great weekend!  

Aaaaaahhhhh Amanda. How beautiful.  What IZ he looking at in the last two pictures?

Regarding your article.  It is common sense even if you have a license to go to a back side, you still don't just walk into a barn without permission.  The right thing to do is see someone that is part of the barn and ask "is it OK if I come in and see your horses"?  That is what I always do.  Public or private, doesn't matter, it is just the right thing to do.  :-)

Great to see a time of 48.4, especially since you were only breezing.

Love the photos of Nicanor...always do. Nicanor may turn out to be the most photographed horse ever.

I look to the future and see you, Nicanor doing bigger and better things. Keep up the great work Michael and Peter.

Again, thanks for the news! Bloodhorse is wonderful for providing these blogs!

Pictures are truly great again.  Was hoping there was a possibility of seeing Nicky on one of the undercards at the Preakness but if he waits to race at Churchill I don't know if he would be ready to race again during Preakness.  Can just keep my fingers crossed or will have to go to Fair Hills to get a good look at our boy when he comes home.

Still looks very skinny, needs to pack on some weight.This Jenny Craig look is not good.

Better than Easter candy! He's turning into such a pretty boy, I can't wait for the his next race! He's maturing so nicely, I think he's going to improve more and more as he ages.

Lovely pictures! I wish i lived in America, esp. in Kentucky because Keeneland has an open backstrretch and its near the Kentucky Horse Park. Sounds cool. Nicanor looks lovely,very handsome.

Happy Easter to everyone who celebrates this holiday. As we've discussed on this blog, the chances the same sire and dam will produce multiple stakes winners from every mating are slim. Not impossible, but very slim. So what happens to the siblings of famous horses who have no racing talent of their own?

Although an honest answer must acknowledge the fact that the life story of far too many horses does not have a happy ending, here's one heartwarming story you might enjoy. Straight Flush, a half-brother to Secretariat, nearly died at a horse slaughterer. Born in 1975, he was sired by champion Riva Ridge out of Somethingroyal, dam of Secretarait. Flush -- or "Daddy" as he was called around the barn -- was rescued from a feedlot for $200 by racing writer Stephanie Diaz. He then went on to live to the ripe old age of 32 before passing away peacefully in his sleep on 9/8/07. You can read his story at www.secretariat.com/brother.html

The key to that happy ending is that someone when out of her way to rescue "Daddy." Individuals can make a difference. So, whatever the future holds for Barbaro's siblings, you can use your love for them in constructive ways to help make the future brighter for all horses by supporting the work many are doing to improve this sport and industry.

Easter symbolizes renewal. In that spirit, please take a few moments to visit Scot Gillies' "The Five-Cross Files" blog (cs.bloodhorse.com/.../can-thoroughbred-horse-racing-solve-its-problems-in-time-to-survive.aspx) and contribute your opinions regarding his question, "Can Horse Racing Solve Its Problems In Time to Survive?" Whether or not you're new to racing -- whether or not you have long knowledge of the sport, or none -- your input is more valuable than you may ever know.

Also, if you have the means to do so, please consider supporting any or all of the following leading equine health and research organizations:

The Grayson-Jockey Club Research Foundation (www.grayson-jockeyclub.org), one of the oldest equine research organizations and a leader in funding research to cure laminitis.

The New Bolton Center at the University of Pennsylvania (www.vet.upenn.edu/.../Default.aspx), one of the two leading veterinary research and medical centers in the nation. Many of you probably are familiar with New Bolton due to their heroic efforts to save Barbaro, but New Bolton opened in 1954 and has a long history of doing tremendous work in the field of large animal veterinary medicine and education.

The Center for Equine Health, University of California at Davis (www.vetmed.ucdavis.edu/.../default.cfm) is to the West Coast what New Bolton is to the East. The UC Davis center currently funds research by over 70 equine specialists in 20 disciplines, including orthopedics, surgery, reproduction, neonatology, sports medicine, and genetics.

Last, but by no means least, there are horse rescue groups in many states. Please consider supporting one near you.

thanks for the nice pics. agree with what you said about uninvited guests. guess some people have to be reminded to use their manners.

Ahhhhhhh only would The Phantom say something negative about Nicanor on Easter.  Love you Nicanor.  You are just right in weight.  Getting better looking by the day. Love You.  

Oh, " The Phantom " I need Jenny Craig, Nicky does not.. Pictures certainly are deceiving are they not. Its nice to see you back and your input is welcome.  

Nicanor never ceases to suprise me with his ever growing sweet beauty.

Thank you Amanda for posting these beautiful pictures and thank you Yetta Feltner for your great professional pictures..by the way, I love your name.....  

There have been a few comments on Nicanor's weight.  Yes, he is a little light and has been for awhile.  I'm not sure it is a bad thing--I don't like seeing young horses carrying a lot of excess weight--it just adds more wear and tear to their joints.  Nicanor has a bloom about him in the pictures--he looks great.

Weight is not something the trainer has total control over--you can lead a horse to the feed tub, but you can't make them eat.  Stress is the main reason horses drop weight in training.  Some horses cope better with the stresses of life on the racetrack than others.  My own 3-year old stretches out for a good nap every afternoon after his lunch (which he NEVER turns down).  Not all horses take as good care of themselves as my horse does.  A trainer can only do so much.

Amanda

Is Nicky's groom the same as Barbaro's?  Looks like it. Love that pic in the barn.  :-)  he looks sooooooooooo cool and happy.  Happy horses are happy because they have happy people around them.  ;-)

Thanks for the info and pics this Easter Day. News of Nicanot always gives me something to smile about. He is just as cute as can be.

FOR BIG RED, thanks for the article on Straight Flush, hard to believe a brother to Secretariat would have been sent to a slaughterhouse. Fortuneately he found a good home to live out the rest of his days.

JAJ  Why is it that everything you say makes sense LOL!  :-)

I see a young, working horse, not an underweight horse.  You don't see ribs, not that that is always the best indicator, nor do you see bone at the point of the hip.  This horse is not underweight, he is fit.

Perhaps those used to fat beef cattle, where marbling (fat) in the beef is something to be attained (although not good for you) think Nicanor is thin.

As JAJ said and I've said before, you DON'T want a young horse, racing or not, to carry extra weight.  I can't think of one vet who won't warn you if a horse is getting too fat.  Overweight can lead to all sorts of problems, including laminitis.  

viewmorepics.myspace.com/index.cfm

Here are some pictures from Nic's work that I took on Saturday. I appreciate it if you share them with everyone.

Perhaps The Phantom's remark about Nicanor's weight just shows that he doesn't know very much about horses in general, much less race horses. So true that young horses should not be packing excess weight on their young legs and joints!!! Personally, I think Nicanor is spectacular looking!

HorseFirst

I know all about that.  I had an attorney get on some people about over feeding their horses for that very reason.  It probably saved the lives of about 15 horses.  I couldn't believe how fat the horses were.  I was really mad and took action and went after them.  I think that they are better now.  These were some really fat horses.  They were on no diet, nothing.  It was horrbile.  Horses sometimes need us to speak up for them.  

I would love to see him run on synthetic track at Kneeland as I think he would do well there.  However, I will be at Churchill Downs opening weekend for Barbaro's statue unveiling so that would be great also.

Amanda, that is great that you got to meet Nicanor!

How nice to know that Nicky is still a big baby for attention :)

Re Nicanor's weight:  Please see Alex Brown Racing's

"Nic works again" threads for photos that show how much he has muscled up and how very fit he is.  Photographer reports that he is not thin, just very fit.  Julien Leparoux was his workout rider yesterday.  He might be his next jockey.

Thank you for these wonderful pics on Easter.  God Bless you all this Easter!

Here is the link to those photos  and commentary about Nicanor's weight vs. fitness.

forums.delphiforums.com/.../messages

so happy nicanor is doing great loved that story about secretariats brother stragiht flush we must all remember not all throughbreds end up in good places hopefully one day they will but it must always be kept in the public eye the fate some of the throughbreds   thankfully Nicanor has wonderful owners and will always be cared for  thanks to the Jacksons for taking such good care of their horses.  Darlene.

The Phantom:

Get off the 'Jenny Craig' comments; this horse is fit and trim--NOT skinny!  Go take a look at the horses seized in NY this week; they are skinny.  Who are you anyway-the authority on what a young, growing TB should look like?  

Love it! Happy Holiday to one and all, which ever day you  celebrateone.

Thank you so much for the great new photos and for the information that Nicanor already has another work under his belt.  He's learning to be a race horse and it's so exciting that we are able to follow his journey through the courtesy of Bloodhorse providing this blog, as well as the kindness of his connections.  Thank you all!  

Also, thanks For Big Red for telling us the story of Flush!  It's wonderful that he was rescued to have a good life and you are doing well to remind us yet again that talent is not always equal among siblings.  We all want Nicanor to have success in his own right, in his own way, in his own time, but we just have such high hopes - we're optimists!

Amanda, thank you for the update and pictures. I see a muscled up young horse and everyone knows muscle burns fat.  Nicanor, you look great and very handsome. I see Nicanor, in the last 2 pictures, was posing in hopes it captured his good side, as if he has one!

The Phantom, not sure where you're getting the idea that Nicanor is skinny.  Maybe you are used to looking at rodeo horses who aren't bred to be as lean as a thoroughbred, but Nicanor is not underweight, nor is he "too skinny".  He's filing out, but he looks great!  Quit making comments that are deragatory and quite untrue.

Nicanor you are such a handsome horse and you win for most personality!Love you and thanks brightening our world!

Let's all work to end horse slaughter now and forever!

Let's start by figuring out why France and other countries eat horsemeat?   No, it shouldn't be fed to dogs either or zoo animals.

Let's end horse slaughter by exposing companies and individuals who take part in those companies and their decisions to kill horses---let them eat cake!

For Big Red, I read about Straight Flush a couple of years ago.  Thank you for reminding of what he went through.  

On another note, Freisan Fire will win the Kentucky Derby; beautiful pedigree.

I hope they decide to race at Churchill so i can see him!

I agree. I don't see a skinny horse either. I had a Thoroughbred and even though he's older and a jumper, I know he was tricky with his weight. He'd always get "skinny" later in the winter and into mid-spring. It usually coincided with his turnout schedule and how much I was working with him. You can see the muscle on him, and his coat has a healthy shine to it. If Nicanor really was underweight and wasn't being fed properly, he wouldn't look that good. He's looking like a Thoroughbred that still has some growing and maturing to do. Maybe he's hitting another growing spurt?

FOR BIG RED, thanks for info on Straight Flush, I remember him being rescued, then lost track of time and was just wondering if the dear guy was still around...i am happy he passed peacefully, unlike his famous brother.

What a wonderful site this is!! I am a lifelong horse lover and my heart still aches when I think of Barbaro; more so as Derby Day approaches. To be on this site is healing in a way. Thanks so much to all who work on it and contribute. I love the pics of Nicanor. What a handsome boy he is!! I look forward to learning more about the sport of horse racing and to seeing and hearing more about the bothers three!! Thanks again.

The Irish Nicanor is running today at Fairyhouse. Everytime I hear the people on the TV say Nicanor I get confused because I keep thinking of Barbaro's brother.

FYI,  

   Julien Leparoux was riding Nicanor during his work out!!!!, Who is  Julien Leparoux, You ask ?, He is only the leading Jockey currently at Keeneland, with a winning percentage of 33 percent ! He has won 15/46 races, been on the board 28/46(Guess who is second?,(Kent Desormeaux, Who has been on the horse that beat Nicanor the last two times!!!)...Does this mean that  Julien Leparoux will be on Nicanor his next race ?, I will bet everything I own that he will be, He seemed VERY comfortable on Nicanor and vice versa, lol. I will also say he will race at Keeneland the last weekend of the meet, The only options if this is true, are either, Race 1, "The Scat Daddy" on Saturday 4/18/9(This Saturday coming up!), 9 Furlongs, MSW....OR.....Race 1, "The Highcleere" on Sunday 4/19/9(This Sunday coming up!), 9 Furlongs, MSW.....

If I am wrong, then it would probably be at Churchill Downs since Keeneland's current meet ends on the 24th of April, and none of the races next week suit Nicanor(In my opinion)...I would prefer Saturday's race with Julien Leparoux on board Nicanor(Where Nicanor will hopefully break his Maiden!)

For Big Red, Spot on with your Comments!

For JAJ, also, spot on about Nicanor's weight...

Amanda, Once again, Thanks for everything you do on this Site, It truely is refreshing and uplifting to get these updates and pictures...Kudus to you...

Nicanor has several people who take care of him.  Eduardo who was with Barbaro is also a familiar face with Nicanor.  The young man walking him is Miguel.  

As usual, Nicanor looks stunning - the Kid can't take a bad picture. I don't think he looks thin - he looks like a young, still growing racehorse should look. If it turns out that he is not meant to race, this is one horse whose future I'm not worried about. I'm sure the Jacksons will see to his happy future. Also please pray for another of my sweet boys, Old Fashioned. I was so upset this weekend when I learned he had a non-displaced fracture on his knee. I don't think we'll be seeing him race again just like I don't think we'll see The Pamplemouse race again. It's so upsetting to me that I won't be seeing them again. But I do hope they'll heal and be happy. And then there's General Quarters - what a great story!!!! He's now my favorite for the Derby! If he wins, it will go a long way towards easing the horror of last year's Derby. Of course, if we have a filly in this year (Rachel Alexandra for instance) and she wins, it would be the most memorial Derby of them all for me.

Curlin Bandwagoneer,

   THANK YOU for the Great Pictures of Nicanor once again!!!, I saw them on ABR and was going to ask you if I could post them, So thank you for beating me to the punch, lol...

Amanda,

      I was wondering, What are the odds of you doing an interview with Mr. Matz, and posting it here?, I know Bloodhorse did a live Blog with Larry Jones and it was very informative and interesting...I am quite sure EVERYONE here, Young and experienced, would love the insight to this, First, On a  Great Human Being, Second, On being a Great Trainer, was wondering if that is in the realm of possibilities???

For those that don't understand the Jenny Craig comments:  Jenny Craig, the diet guru, has a current top Derby prospect in a horse named, funnily enough, Chocolate Candy.  She bred Chocolate Candy and raced his sire Candy Ride.  

Lastly,

      I know this is off subject, but in the Arkansas Derby, It looked like "Ziegfeld" was pulled up in the top of the stretch, Any word on if he was injured?, Thanks...

Mary,

    I Agree 100 percent, "Friesan Fire" is my favorite for the Kentucky Derby since day one, I know seven weeks off before the derby is tough(Hasn't been done in over fifty years!), But I trust Larry Jones and He will get the Happy Ending that he deserves....

My quick thought on Horse Slaughter in this Country:

   Does the United States really want to be a country that sends horses to slaughter, here or abroad?

    Throughout history, horses have paid an excruciating price as we built our civilizations on their backs, forced them into our bloody wars and bestowed on them the agonizing fate of being the predominant mode of transportation.

    Humanity owes the horse, and a 21st-century horse-loving nation ought to ensure a life, and death, of dignity for these animals.

Curlin, nice pictures!  He's got that tongue sticking out in a lot of them again.  I've coached many a sport and its seems many of our best human athletes have their tongue sticking out as they drive the basket or hit a ball.  Thanks for sharing Nic's pictures.  Thanks also for the photos provided by Yetta.  He looks like he's settling in quite nicely at Keeneland.  Kinda wish I was back in Ohio where I could slip down and see him.

What a Handsome guy our Nicanor is becoming!

Oh, I hope he races in the undercard of Oaks or Derby day.

I would love to see him break his Maiden, and I am attending both those days.  Crossing my fingers!

Greg J.  

Hahahahahahahah how funny.  I like your post about the jockey and Nicky Nocks!  :-)

Greg J., was that really Julien Leparoux on Nicanor during the workout? Jockey Julien Leparoux on Einstein won the Grade I, $1,000,000 Santa Anita Handicap horse race Saturday, March 7, 2009 at Santa Anita in Arcadia, Calif.

Amanda:

I don't know if I can mention this or not as Big Red gave us the site for Straight Flush but I have just finished read Second Chance Horses that I purchased from exclusivelyequine.com.

What a fabulous read, FOB and this blog should really read it plus proceeds go to organizations for finding homes for them. The insight into thoroghbreds is invaluable to say the least.  There I have said my piece, whether it hits our blog or not.

Thanks

Rambo,

     That isn't Julien Leparoux in the picture above, but if you click on "Curlin Bandwagoneer's" link to her pictures, That is him riding Nicanor! The more I think about it, This Saturday will be three weeks to the day since Nicanor's last race, The same time period between his last two races,

So, I am Sticking to my Prediction...

Amanda, Any response to my thought of an interview with M.Matz?

JAJ: as usual you know the real story.....thanks

Curlin Bandwagoneer, thanks for the pictures!

I would love to know what kind of bit Matz is using on Nicanor.  Looks like a regular, medium thick-to-thick snaffle.  About as mild as they come.  But, because you can't see the middle of the mouthpiece, bit could be a Franch link or Dr. Bristol.  Anyone know?

In other disciplines, a horse hanging his tongue out of his mouth is docked points for non-acceptance of the bit and therefore, would not indicate a relaxed horse.  However, Nicanor doesn't seem to mind having it out there.

JAJ, do you know if a horse that's had his tongue tied like that and still lolls it out of his mouth, is tough to retrain if they go on to another career?

He sure is Beautiful, can't wait to see him race again!

Horsefirst,

Remember, when a tongue is tied, it is pulled pretty much as far forward out of his mouth as possible.  Then a tongue tie that won't slip is tied around it tight.  Finally, the tongue is anchored with a knot under his chin.

His tongue is kept tied forward, so it often does hang out.  It is a temporary problem that is resolved as soon as you stop tying the tongue.

Again, the purpose of the tongue tie is to keep the tongue forward and away from the throat.  The idea is to reduce/eliminate any obstructions to the airways.  It is thought that reducing obstruction in the upper respiratory tract will reduce the stresses on the lungs which reduces the incidence of bleeding.

Greg J.

I agree with you 100% on the horse slaughter.  It is absurd and should and will be outlawed by Congress.  Horses were not put here to eat and that is that!  They were put here to be horses and to do exactly what Greg said they were here to do.  Save our horses.  

yeah i would like to see nicanor run at chrurch hill the weekend of the derby but i honestly think after reading this articul he is better suited fo the keenland track it is really to bad he didnt have a better start to his career if he would have lost his first race we would be talking about something special i just hope they put the right jockey the next time out and use the same jockey they used the past 2 perveous starts chemistry is everything in horse racing

Ruffian

Thanks for the groom answer.  :)

Is the tongue tied only for workouts?  How does the horse feel about it?  Stupid questions, I know, but I've never heard of a tongue tie before.

In India, cattle are considered sacred and "not to eat." But here in the U.S., we eat them. We don't eat dog in the U.S., but in Vietnam and China and Korea, eating sweet, brown-eyed little puppies is not uncommon. In Japan and other countries, horses are indeed "to eat," even though horse meat isn't usual fare here in the U.S. God gave man dominion over beast and a factor of that dominion is eating them. Tell me - would you rather see a horse humanely slaughtered, or starved to death and/or abused? In a perfect world, neither would happen, but the fact is that not all horses end up on a happy little farm with happy little sheep and goats and doggies and kitties for company, and happy loving people to take care of them. By taking away the facilities where they can be slaughtered in a humane manner, you have doomed thousands of horses to a fate worse than death.

Janet,

The tongue is tied for breezes and for racing.  I doubt anyone ties a tongue to just gallop.  If I'm not mistaken, they rarely tie a tongue in Europe.

The horses don't seem to mind a tongue tie.  I've never seen one put on a horse for the first time, but I am sure it is something they are trained/conditioned to accept.

It is really funny to see them put on a tongue tie.  Someone grabs the horse's tongue and pulls it as far forward out of their mouth as they can.  The horse is just standing there with his head lowered letting them do it.  It is not something the horse seems to find objectionable.

Meat Eater, what a can of worms you just opened!

Man Eater what kind of person are you to think horse slaughter is humane????

You know, Ragsy, I'm going to bite.

I was having lunch with a middle-aged Danish friend of mine.  She had  show ponies as a child and racehorses as an adult.  She's won the Danish Derby more than once.

We were talking about racehorses, and I mentioned there was no slaughter in the US.  She was shocked--she asked what do you do with a horse that needs to be put down?  To her, horse slaughter was a perfectly acceptable way to put down a horse.

When she sent any horses to slaughter, she made an appointment for them.  A groom traveled with the horse in a private van just as if it were off to a race or a show.  The groom held the horse during the procedure.

Now, in the great scheme of things, that's not a bad way to kill a horse.  A dead bolt to the head is instant.  I've heard too many horror stories of horses injuring handlers or breaking legs and jaws as they drop from an injection.

The horse is used.  A cow is saved.

Not a popular point of view, but there you have it.

Meat Eater, all I can say is prepare yourself for the onslaught.  

JAJ, why do they rarely tie a tongue in Europe?

Nothing like a scrumptious tender horse steak from a diseased 30 year horse. mmm mmm mmm.

Mary,

I'm not 100% sure they don't use a tongue tie in Europe.  If they don't, I don't know whey not other than the use of one is "believed" to make the flow of air into the lungs easier.  I don't know if that has been proven by testing.

JAJ,

   Niave question for you,

What Stops the horse from biting his tonque off or just biting it?, Probably a dumb question.....

Thanks...

JAJ, I cannot respond honestly to your written endorcement of racehorse slaughter, because BloodHorse would not post it if I did.  Furthermore, I was not the least bit surprised by your opinion.  You know what's funny, instead of fighting with people like The Phantom, who is just having a little fun with them at their own expense, the regulars on this Barbaro Brothers blog should be in YOUR face, but they are too ignorant and naive to realize it.  You spew out the company line, nothing more than the horserace industry propaganda.  You respresent what's wrong with racing, and what needs to be changed for racings very survival.

You're a real horse lover, aren't you JAJ?

Greg J,

They often do bite their tongues--sometimes you will see a red froth around their mouths.  It is not a big deal.

If you look at horses' teeth, you see they have something like 12 front incisors--6 top and bottom.  Then there is a big space--maybe six or eight inches--between the incisors and the molars.  Male horses have canine teeth just behind the incisors.  The bit sits in the space where there are no teeth.

Most horses run with their mouths closed, so the tongue really can't fall out the front.  The only place left for it to go is out the side where there are no teeth.

I know, more than you wanted to know!

JAJ: been outside working:

Horse Slaughter is totally unacceptable as a method to end a horses life, not only is it cruel but brutal it is completely inhumane.....  You are a knowledgable person so I would guess that you have seen the video's of what goes on in slaughter plants both in the U.S. and Mexico.  

That Danish woman you dined with could,should or whatever needs to look at other things in place for horses 1st: Adoption, 2nd humane euthanasia  those 2 things are the only humane things to do for horses....if their are no longer wanted or to end their lives.

I feel sorry for your horses.....

helsbelles,

I knew I would upset people by my comments.  I really am sorry for that.  This isn't the forum for debating slaughter, but let me throw some thoughts out.

Personally, I have really mixed feelings about the slaughter issue, but I can assure you, no horse I own will ever be sent to slaughter.  Ever.

Yes, I very much love my horses.  My trainer understands that the horse comes first in all our decisions.

That said, we have a real problem with a surplus of unwanted horses in the US.  There just aren't enough homes for the horses that are produced.

What do you do with the excess horses?  Even euthanasia by a vet has a disposal problem--a horse isn't like a 20 pound dog you can just bury in your back yard.

I also believe that a cow has as much value as a horse.  It seems wrong to waste a perfectly good food animal such as a horse (and horses have been food animals for humans since the beginning of time) while at the same time slaughter a cow.  Why is it okay to slaughter a cow but not a horse?

That said, it ain't happening to any of my horses!  Ever!

It really isn't an easy answer.  Personally, I would like to see all animals destined for slaughter to have the kind of death that my friend's horses had--whether they are cows, chickens or sheep.  As an animal lover, I can't differentiate between the lives of cows, chickens or horses.  I really can't.  They all have value.

With the economy in tatters, there is a real shortage of good homes for horses, and not just the unwanted horses.  People are having to give up their horses that they love and have had for years because they've lost their jobs and can't afford to feed them.  It is a massive problem right now.  Just what do you do with these horses that no one can afford to feed?

I would like to see things put in place to at least make sure our racehorses retire as sound as possible so that they can more easily find a home.  I would like to see very aggressive vet inspections of horses at the track--not just on the morning of race day, but also in the morning during training.  I would like to see trainers who train unsound and sore horses stopped.  If it was impossible to train sore horses, those horses wouldn't be racing and wouldn't be breaking down--and would have a better chance to have a useful life after racing.

Some of you will want to put an end to racing so that there will be less unwanted horses, but it isn't just Thoroughbreds and Standarbreds--Arabians and Quarter horses have a big unwanted horse problem too.

Racing is a big industry putting bread and butter on a lot of tables throughout the nation.  The industry employs people in the backstretch, on the farms and in countless other businesses that supply and support the racing industry--from vets, tack shops and feed stores to the vendor selling you a hot dog at the track.  It is a big industry that brings in a lot of money into the US from over seas.

We, as a nation, are now completely disconnected from the farm where in the past we would have raised and slaughtered our own animals that had names and were pets to our children.

It is a complicated subject.

He is such a big boy! He is coming along so well, I think Barbaro would be proud :) I can't wait to hear news on the little one. I think both of these horses might have the chance  of triple crown winner.

Nicanor, May god keep you safe!

helsbelles,

A couple of other comments I wanted to make.

First of all, an opposing position to yours on the issue of slaughter does not warrant your wrath.  There are quite a few true horse lovers, such as the association of equine vets who have come down in support of slaughter.

Secondly, I am an animal lover first and foremost.  If slaughter is good enough for a cow, pig or chicken, why not a horse?  Don't give me that horses-are-pets line because those little 4-H kids give a lot of love and attention to their charges that they send off to slaughter.  If you use the pet/companion argument, then you should have no problem with rounding up mustangs and burros since they are not and have never been someone's companion.

Maybe all slaughter should be outlawed.  Or maybe slaughter should be more humane for all animals.  There is nothing horrible about a dead bolt to the head--it is what happens leading up to slaughtering that is so horrible.  Maybe we, as a society, should focus our attention on the inhumane slaughtering of all animals--the ones we eat day in and day out.

Wow helsbelles, that's a little harsh, don't you think? I think JAJ is definitely a horse lover. Wouldn't it be great if all retired racehorses could just hang out back at the barn, bragging about their exploits to other retired racehorses, yukking it up and having a grand old time? Or frolicking happily around the pasture like Smarty Jones or Secretariat in the videos? It looks GREAT to be a racing retiree - too bad that is hardly ever the case, eh? Slaughter is harsh, but consider the alternatives - maybe you'd like to send your horses to Ernie Paragallo's farm. Starving to death in a paddock is not how I'd want to spend my retirement.

Slaughter happens, whether it is here or elsewhere. If it has to happen (and good luck getting the legislation passed to stop shipping over the borders, it's been repeatedly defeated since at least 2005)), it should happen in this country, where it can be legislated, monitored, and controlled, rather than in some barbaric slaughterhouse in Mexico.

Kathy, if they only slaughtered diseased 30 year old horses, I'm sure there would be no controversy. I'm not sure why there is controversy at all - it's okay to slaughter cattle because they're not as pretty? You and helsbelles are all stoked up on righteous indignation, but I bet you enjoy a good New York Strip once in a while.

JAJ, if you represent ALL that's wrong with the horseracing industry, then the industry is not in that bad of shape! :)

Never did say I wasn't a meat eater, meat eater!!

I do have a problem with horse owners that can't find alternate solutions to thinning their herd.

And even if you only put the occasional 30 year old into the horse kettle, you are still raising the odds of health problems down the road for humans.

And because I had the opportunity of smelling horse meat cooking on the stove due to a prescription by a vet many years ago for an ailing family dog, I'd sooner starve than touch the stuff. If you want to eat the stuff Meat Eater, you are welcome to it. And no; garlic, salt and pepper won't help.

JAJ

I used to have respect for you but now it has stopped.  This draws the line.  Sorry but I am just not into horse slaughter and anyone that is, I want nothing to do with them.  

JAJ its good that you love your horses and would not slaughter, perhaps I judged you wrong... love and caring of animals should be done by all folks that have horses dogs cats etc..overbreeding in quarter horses and others seems like they are bred for slaughter.  

what is the future of horse racing??

Ragsy,

As I said, I'm on the fence on this slaughter issue.  I really am.

There are a lot of horses like Paragallo's in people's back yards and fields.  Not just former racehorses, but just ordinary horses.

Just what do you do with these horses when people can't afford to take care of them?

Euthanasia is really quite expensive.  Not only is there the cost of the procedure but there is also the costs of disposal of the body.  If you can't afford to feed your horses, how will you come up with hundreds of dollars to euthanize them?

And, let's not kid ourselves--if it is okay to euthanize probably millions of dogs and cats in our humane societies, why is it not okay to destroy horses that cost many, many times more to care for?

My own personal feelings are that a horse has no more "value" than a cow or a pig.  If slaughter is good enough for a cow, it should be good enough for a horse.  Maybe if horses were sent to slaughter, then things could be made humane for the thousands and thousands of other animals who are sent to slaughter.  Maybe, if we truly love ALL animals, we should embrace (horse) slaughter so that ALL animals are slaughtered and handled before slaughter in a way that is kind.  I know, no one on this blog is going to agree with that point (and I'm not sure I do, myself), but it is another point of view.

It is just not a black and white issue.

Just a response to "meateater":  if you bet that I enjoy a NY strip steak once in a while, then you lost your bet.  I choose not to eat red meat anymore, just poultry and fish.  But even if I did, what does that have to do with slaughtering horses????  Americans, with all the information available to them now, are not going to stand for racing making it's money off these horses and then at the end of their career sending them out the backdoor to be slaughtered.  It's incomprehensible and unthinkable.  Racing is losing prestige in a downward spiral.  Now we learn that ESPN will not televise the Kentucky Derby draw.  This industry better clean up it's act if it wants to survive.  That's the last I'm going to respond to you or the other person.

Helsbelles,

I respect you for your position of not eating read meat, but why is it okay to eat poultry?

Have you seen the way they slaughter poultry?

Did you know that up until this year your could spend thousands of dollars to go to a chicken training camp?  That's right, some of the foremost animal trainers and researchers in the science of animal behavior held a training camp where you learned to train chickens.

It isn't a black and white issue.

By the way, just because I present a view you don't agree with, I don't appreciate being referred to as "the other person."

JAJ, it is immoral to inhumanely slaughter any animal. It is a simple truth; deep down we all know this. I do understand your point of view.

Helsbelles, please don't refer to anyone on this board as "the other person".  It is a bit condescending and creates bad feelings. We are all here to learn.    

Mary,

That is so true!  It is immoral to inhumanely slaughter any animal, whether it is a chicken or a horse.

Right now, we have a terrible situation where there are too many horses and not enough homes--read money--for them.  It is a real problem.

For many years in my early 20s I was a vegetarian because I felt it was morally wrong to kill any animal for food.  I still probably feel that way, but it just isn't "convenient" for me to live like that.

It isn't "convenient" for society to question how animals are housed, raised and slaughtered.  If we as a society are going to raise animals for food, maybe we should be questioning it--and not just for horses, but for all animals.

Good points all, JAJ. I can certainly understand your waffling on this matter. I think we have done the equine world a disservice by eliminating the ability to monitor, regulate, and inspect the slaughterhouses in which they will eventually end up.

I don't own horses, but I love them, and if I owned any, I personally would not send my horses to slaughter. I also personally would not eat horse meat - but I would not condemn those who do. I don't eat dog or cat either, but there are cultures that do, and I don't condemn them, either. IN MY OPINION - *IF* it came down to a choice of euthanization or HUMANE slaughter, the animal is going to end up dead either way, so why allow it to go to waste? That is like hunting deer for sport, and not using the carcass.

Helsbelles, I know you will not respond to me (or the "other person," hi, JAJ), but as she asked - why is it okay for you to enjoy a chicken breast but not a horse steak? Because the chicken was bred for meat? It still winds up dead. And what is humane about fish slaughter? I am dismayed and disgusted at your reckless disregard for animal life.

You're a real animal lover, aren't ya, helsbelles?

JAJ:  I dont agree with euthanasia for dogs and cats, I work to adopt ones I find on the highway a home  and it may take months.  Its better than them dying or being killed on the road. That is my no pay sparetime job, teaching them manners so they can go to someone that will love and care for them...

God will bless you, Ragsy.

JAJ: That is my meaning, overbreeding in the animal world, whether its dogs,cats or horses it is still the same.  Control that aspect and the world has not as many problem other than finding animals.

Colorado imports dogs,cats from Oklahoma shelters  because of their spay and neuter programs.  Its tough laws but it works. Oklahoma will adopt Colorado laws starting in Nov.

My friend has Quarter Horses, she and her husband breed, the female horse has Big Red pedigree, occasonally they sell one for trail riding.  They are buying more land to put even more of their bred horses on. I asked the friend, what will you do with the horses, if something happens to your husband and her reply was sell them. ( We all know what that means today these horses will go to auction and wind up in the slaughter house.) Which my friend states, will never happen. It is so sad to see a life ended in such a horrific way, a domesticated animal should never be slaughtered.

That is my thoughts be it good, bad or whatever!!!

MeatEater: Thank you, we all need kind words now and then.

My quick thought on Horse Slaughter in this Country:

  Does the United States really want to be a country that sends horses to slaughter, here or abroad?

   Throughout history, horses have paid an excruciating price as we built our civilizations on their backs, forced them into our bloody wars and bestowed on them the agonizing fate of being the predominant mode of transportation.

   Humanity owes the horse, and a 21st-century horse-loving nation ought to ensure a life, and death, of dignity for these animals.

No horse is safe from slaughter. Children's ponies, show horses, family horses, retired show horses, or horses from families who just can't afford them any longer are all at risk of being slaughtered for human consumption. Stolen horses also often end up at slaughter houses. Slaughter is an easy way for a horse thief to make a quick $300-700 on a stolen horse and the evidence is destroyed. 90% of horses slaughtered for human cosumption are young, healthy, sound horses who deserve a better life.

Both the transport of horses to slaughter and the slaughter itself is inhumane. Equipment used in the transport of horses to slaughter is designed for cows. Horses often end up trampled and injured, even dead, while being transported 24 hours or more with no food, water, or rest. The equipment used to stun the horse before being slaughtered is also made for cows. Horses are often slaughtered while still consciously alive (2,500 or more horses met their fate this way last year alone).

Contact your members of Congress and ask them to support The American Horse Slaughter Prevention Act. This bill will stop horse slaughter for human consumption in the USA as well as the transport and sale of horses across our borders for the purpose of slaughter for human consumption. Ask your Representative to become an original co-sponsor of this bill and help end the suffering of American horses to feed wealthy Europeans and Japanese. The 109th congressional session is over. HR 503, the 2005-2006 bill, did not pass. It will be reintroduced in the 110th Congressional Session! HR 503 passed the House by a very good majority, but was held up by Senator Conrad Burns in the Senate. It was not allowed to come before the Senate for a vote. Please contact your Senators and House Representatives NOW and ask them to support the American Horse Slaughter Prevention Act! It will ammend the Horse Protection Act to protect horses from horse slaughter for human consumption, including the sale and transportation of horses for the purpose of slaughter for human consumption.

There are currently three bills in Congress about Horse Slaughter. Click on the bill numbers to be connected to the actual bill.

To amend the Horse Protection Act to prohibit the shipping, transporting, moving, delivering, receiving, possessing, purchasing, selling, or donation of horses and other equines to... (Introduced in Senate) [S.311.IS]

To amend the Horse Protection Act to prohibit the shipping, transporting, moving, delivering, receiving, possessing, purchasing, selling, or donation of horses and other equines to... (Introduced in House) [H.R.503.IH]

To restore the prohibition on the commercial sale and slaughter of wild free-roaming horses and burros. (Introduced in House) [H.R.249.IH]

My Two Cents......

Read some more:

www.horsetalk.co.nz/.../horseslaughter-152.shtml

Before anyone jumps on it, I confess I posted as Meat Eater on the subject of horse slaughter. The reason is that this topic got beat to death on another post to the point that Amanda had to post a "cease and desist" order, and I wanted to express my opinion on this topic without starting a p*ssing match based on my name alone.

I am a Meat Eater. I stand by my opinions. I don't favor horse slaughter, but I see its purpose, and I see that if it is done humanely and is monitored, regulated, and controlled, it is a better fate for some of these horses (of all types, racing, riding, etc.) than starving to death in someone's paddock because they can't or won't take care of them.

We have an equine overpopulation problem and it is tragic. I don't see how ceasing ALL horse slaughter in the U.S. is going to make that any better, and it could make it much, much worse for the horses that people don't want or can't take care of. Steps need to be taken to curtail overbreeding, which will help in the future, but don't do any good for the horses that are already here.

Greg, you made some good points about the condition of slaughterhouses. That is why I say "monitored, regulated, and controlled." May I add, updated. What closing down slaughterhouses has done is made travel conditions worse for the horses that will be slaughtered anyway, SOMEWHERE, whether it is in Colorado or in Mexico. If they are taken to Mexico or Canada, we here in this country have no control over the conditions of the slaughterhouses. Then add thousands MORE miles for the horses, who are going to be slaughtered either way, to have to travel in the back of a truck that was meant for cattle, if they even make it alive. So we have effectively taken something that is considered cruel and made it even MORE cruel.

The legislation Greg refers to does not have much of a chance of passing the Senate. I think one of the major problems with it is - what do you do with the seized horses? The bill, as written, requires the JUSTICE DEPARTMENT to deal with the seized horses, and I think that the logistics of it are unfathomable. There aren't enough people to take the horses in trouble now; who is going to take the horses seized by the government? It just isn't realistic.

Greg J.

AMEN!  Anyone that thinks along those lines in my opinion is in-humane.  Not a feeling in the world.  Horses are very special animals and they did provide and do provide so much happieness.  

The problem is the greedy people that want to keep breeding to make that once in a lifetime horse.  That has got to stop.  I know that some of the members of Congress are working on the breeding aspects.  HR503 will pass and then we need to FOCUS on the breeding.  We as a people need to be smart.  We need not to be greedy. We need to get it right.  All of the owners.  Not just a few of them.  

I have noticed that in the gambling arena, there are some really mean people.  I hate that.  Why can't people just be happy that they have the air in their lungs and a day to live.  Make EACH DAY COUNT! :-)

HR503 will most surly pass.  

There are human beings in Congress.  Humans that are not only going to stop horse slaughter but also get on the racing industry with other issues.  They will make the final call.  :-)

Some people care about horses and not just whether or not they can go around a track faster than another one.