A Visit to Fair Hill

re: A Visit to Fair Hill

seanna — Tue, 22 Jul 2008 23:38:45 GMT

Thank you for a wonderful article and to all the posts about Nicanor. I am so happy to be in the company of those who loved Barbaro and I am excited that there are siblings of Barbaro that we can cheer for and love. My 8yr old daughter has also named every stuffed horse she owns Barbaro and when I had to call home from this years KY Derby to tell her the filly Eight Belles had died. Her response, "she is in heaven with Barbaro." I told her that although it was a terrible day for so many people that I bet there was one happy boy named Barbaro that got to met his perfect filly that day. She asked would they have babies? What was I to say but of course and she and I decide they would be called BarBelles. Feeling such great sorrow for these magnificant animals that have passed it is comforting to look to the future with these up and coming siblings Nicanor and Letenor.

re: A Visit to Fair Hill

MVH — Mon, 14 Jul 2008 16:57:57 GMT

Thanks again, Iain. Just wht I hoped to hear. Watched several smaller horse transp;orts on the highway last weekend and the one before and they did NOT look secure or safe or happy.

re: A Visit to Fair Hill

Iain Holmes — Mon, 14 Jul 2008 03:12:00 GMT

I would suggest you look at Brook Ledge's website - http://www.brookledge.com/

The horses are secured into stalls, that are wide enough to allow the horses to plant their feet and keep their balance (if they can't you find them on the ground when you arrive). Companies like Brook Ledge have CCTV so the driver can keep an eye to make sure the horses are OK.

The set up is quite fancy and a lot safer than what the majority of horses are transported on.

re: A Visit to Fair Hill

MVH — Fri, 11 Jul 2008 23:53:17 GMT

I have a question which for some reason is bugging me and it is this: when a racehorse travels, is he (or she) secured in the van in some fashion and if so how?

re: A Visit to Fair Hill

Deb G. — Thu, 10 Jul 2008 18:19:40 GMT

I would never be unhappy being labeled as a fan as I am a huge fan horseracing and racehorses, and don't like reading about any "lower level of accomplishment". I merely meant I am involved in the industry and take part owning racehorses via partnerships, thus, more than just a fan. I am also well aware of what a "work" means and was relaying the comparison between Barbaro and Nicanor as others had asked. If I wanted to know what a work was, I would have asked, however, thank you for the response.

re: A Visit to Fair Hill

Iain Holmes — Tue, 08 Jul 2008 22:16:43 GMT

Deb-G, I am sorry if you were unhappy being labled a fan. I never saw it as a fan being a lower level of accomplishment - I saw it more as an auxiliary.

When I stopped by Three Chimneys this past Spring to see Smarty Jones - I did so for no other reason than I am a fan.

re: A Visit to Fair Hill

MVH — Tue, 08 Jul 2008 19:23:34 GMT

The general impression I am getting right now is that Nicanor is developing rapidly. Am I incorrect in this impression? What does Peter have to say? Is he still Nic's rider?

re: A Visit to Fair Hill

Deb G. — Tue, 08 Jul 2008 15:52:56 GMT

Iain,

I am very well aware of "works", and they do not "run as fast as they can". Grew up with horses and have 3 racehorses in partnership. Several people from various sites have asked about Barbaro's first time, thus, I relayed it, and found it interesting the closeness. It is normal for people to comapare right now. Although unfair to EXPECT the same history from Nicanor as Barbaro, still interesting to watch his progress and compare to Barbaro. FYI - I am more than just a "fan", but thank you for responding.

re: A Visit to Fair Hill

Iain Holmes — Tue, 08 Jul 2008 04:16:55 GMT

Deb G - thanks for chiming in. I think you highlighted the experience from a fan very nicely. I do want to mention that I would not compare the Nicanor's and Barbaro's work too closely - works are not horses running as fast as they can, but more a controlled sprint, with the rider aiming for specific times.

re: A Visit to Fair Hill

Deb G. — Tue, 08 Jul 2008 03:24:45 GMT

You are welcome for the post in regards to Nicanor. I have been holding back on relaying my visit details, however, I understand that others would very much like to hear and learn about him, I thought I would share. If you would like to see some pictures of him from that day, you can go to myspace, click on Find People, click in "by Display Name" and type in "Debrarose". My space will come up I believe the first one, a 99 year old female from North Carolina. I am not 99 :-) This is a private area, however, if you try to "Add me as a friend", you can see the page and there is an entire slide show of the FOB visit at Delaware Park from last year for the Barbaro celebration. I only have maybe one or two pics of Nicanor on there right now from the May visit, but when I have time, I will upload several pics taken from that day. I guess it is about time I share....Enjoy....

re: A Visit to Fair Hill

MVH — Mon, 07 Jul 2008 23:45:18 GMT

Amanda,

Thank you for your promptness and your responsiveness. Do you have any informaton about the Jackson's and Michael Matz's feelings about Nicanor's progress? We haven't heard from Peter Brette lately either. Is he still Nicanor's rider?

re: A Visit to Fair Hill

aduckworth — Mon, 07 Jul 2008 19:05:12 GMT

Marigold - Iain's part II should be up by Wednesday.

re: A Visit to Fair Hill

Marigold — Mon, 07 Jul 2008 18:49:49 GMT

With every new revelation about Nicanor, I fall more and more in love. He IS magnificent in every way possible. He is gorgeous but his playfu personality reveals his great intelligence and I can hardly wait for the next bit of information.. Anyone else paid a visit to Nic?When will we gat Iain's Part II?

re: A Visit to Fair Hill

MVH — Mon, 07 Jul 2008 18:36:42 GMT

DebG'

That was a WONDERFUL post!! Love that horse and love hearing about how playful and SMART he is. He will be loved for his personality alone, the beauty and talent are bonuses, and he has loads of both -- it is becoming more and more apparent. Can't get enough information about Nicanor!

Thank you...

re: A Visit to Fair Hill

Sandra — Mon, 07 Jul 2008 17:23:20 GMT

Very, very good article. You narrowed in on what is really important. I too love horse!!!

My 4 year old granddaughter still names every horse she has "Barbaro."