This Horse Was in Good Hands; Farrier to Be Remembered at Virginia Farm Where Secretariat Was Foaled

re: This Horse Was in Good Hands; Farrier to Be Remembered at Virginia Farm Where Secretariat Was Foaled

Tchulamiss — Mon, 23 Mar 2009 22:20:32 GMT

In 1979 I had the pleasure of working with Dr.Olive K. Britt at Rockets Mill Farm (Owner: Ed Stevens). At the time little did I give it much thought as to her famous status (I was only 19). A few years later I would think back and get lost in thoughts of working with her and all the things I wished I had asked but did not. To this day I no longer take people or things for granted. Sadly, I have never come across someone so famous again. Well not someone as close as close can get to a champion like Secretariat. My 5 minutes of fame so to speak came and went without a thought. But the memories will last a life time. Best to all involved in this project. And thanks for taking me back to a time that if I could do it all over again I would as a lot more questions.

re: This Horse Was in Good Hands; Farrier to Be Remembered at Virginia Farm Where Secretariat Was Foaled

oldgraymare — Sat, 21 Mar 2009 00:04:08 GMT

It is wonderful to see 'The Old Dominion' step up and save a place of such historic value.

Too much of the state's heritage has been sold to the real estate 'Killers'

re: This Horse Was in Good Hands; Farrier to Be Remembered at Virginia Farm Where Secretariat Was Foaled

Jennifer Elliott — Fri, 20 Mar 2009 18:33:15 GMT

I had the pleasure of working with Mr. Watson or Eddie as he would remind me every time that he would come into the barn to work. Letting me know that he wasn't to old to be called by his first name. He was a great man and learned a lot from him while I worked at Old Keswick Stables. It hard to think that we have lost one of the greatest men in the equine business. It is great to see that Eddie is being remembered in this way. He will be greatly missed by all that knew him and worked with him.

re: This Horse Was in Good Hands; Farrier to Be Remembered at Virginia Farm Where Secretariat Was Foaled

Keith - TripleDeadHeat — Fri, 20 Mar 2009 18:17:52 GMT

A lovely story and what a great photo...

Horse racing is full of these heart-warming stories and I think the rest of the world needs to hear them.

Great job.

re: This Horse Was in Good Hands; Farrier to Be Remembered at Virginia Farm Where Secretariat Was Foaled

Vickie — Wed, 18 Mar 2009 19:39:25 GMT

I was fifteen when Big Red set the racing world on its ear and charged into the hearts of a nation. I still get "misty" when I think about him. I am so glad that the Meadows will be preserved--and that the foaling barn where Big Red was foaled to be preserved is great! I was at Oaklawn Park on 14 March for the Rebel Stakes---in the eighth race, a grandson--Wonderjet--of Secretariat's ran. Of course I placed a bet on him--but just to see one of his line--I got misty. Best Wishes for great success!

re: This Horse Was in Good Hands; Farrier to Be Remembered at Virginia Farm Where Secretariat Was Foaled

Laura — Mon, 16 Mar 2009 23:13:34 GMT

It is wonderful that the birthplace of Secretariat is going to be preserved!

re: This Horse Was in Good Hands; Farrier to Be Remembered at Virginia Farm Where Secretariat Was Foaled

For Big Red — Mon, 16 Mar 2009 23:01:11 GMT

TO SUE MULLINS: I wish SFVA all the best in its endeavors. Even though I've never lived in Virginia, as a long-time racing fan, I thank you very much for what you're doing. I'll do everything I can here in the Los Angeles area to spread the word.

re: This Horse Was in Good Hands; Farrier to Be Remembered at Virginia Farm Where Secretariat Was Foaled

Sue Mullins — Mon, 16 Mar 2009 14:42:45 GMT

As a staff member at SFVA (State Fair of Virginia) which is creating the The Meadow Event Park at Meadow property, these are exciting times for us and especially Virginia's horse industry and enthusiasts. The equine complex which comprises a significant portion of the grounds will include a competition complex, a Museum of the Virginia Horse and eventually a steeplechase course. Historic barns are being preserved and restored, including Secretariat's foaling shed. Indeed, the new vet/farrier facility will be a wonderful tribute to Dr. Britt and Mr. Watson and everything they represented. It is a great thing that the property will continue to have an equine focus. Referencing Sheila's remarks we want to remind folks that SFVA is a private not-for-profit 501(c)(3) organization and not a state entity. Education plays a major role in SFVA's mission so preserving and honoring the story of Secretariat as well as that of icons of the horse world like Olive Britt and Eddie Watson couldn't be more appropriate. At the same time, as a not-for-profit, we need and request the support of this project by individuals, organizations and corporate entities to enable SFVA to support and preserve this legacy as well as to provide opportunities for Virginia horsemen, especially the young people who will be the future.

re: This Horse Was in Good Hands; Farrier to Be Remembered at Virginia Farm Where Secretariat Was Foaled

sheila — Sun, 15 Mar 2009 05:41:19 GMT

It is wonderful that the state is going to keep Meadow Stud from disappearing like so many name farms have. And it is great that the farriers, who are the ones that have so much to do concerning our friends' soundness, are being honoured. Having a stint as a farrier's assistant, I just don't think they get enough credit!

re: This Horse Was in Good Hands; Farrier to Be Remembered at Virginia Farm Where Secretariat Was Foaled

TerriV — Fri, 13 Mar 2009 23:28:50 GMT

Secretariat will live forever in the hearts of those of us who love him. God bless all those who helped him become the greatest racehorse ever, those who loved and cared for him everyday.

re: This Horse Was in Good Hands; Farrier to Be Remembered at Virginia Farm Where Secretariat Was Foaled

For Big Red — Fri, 13 Mar 2009 19:01:48 GMT

What a heartwarming story. Thank you for sharing it with us. I couldn't be happier with the news that what is left of The Meadow is being saved and used for such worthwhile purposes. Virginia's rich history and legacy is only enhanced by preserving its historically significant landmarks for future generations to enjoy.

Although equine rather than human, Secretariat is, after all, one of Virginia's most celebrated sons.