Belmont Contest Picks Are In!

re: Belmont Contest Picks Are In!

LDP — Thu, 11 Jun 2009 03:02:57 GMT

Horswld,

Thanks for asking. Tray's doing good, no twist or anything, thank god. I'm still worried because i have no idea what caused the colic. The barn owner thinks clover because it's abundance so early in the year, but tray's had clover before, and i mean he's had a lot of it, and never coliced. I'm just worried that it could happen again since we don't know what was the cause. I guess i'll just have to keep an eye out. Overall he was good, he was playful and hungry when i went to see him. He didn't want to stand for his grooming so i just sat in the corner while he figeted and played. He tried to take my phone out of my pocket several times. When he relized he couldn't have it he grabbed my boot laces and pulled my foot up and held it in the air. So far it's safe to say he's doing better, i'm hoping it keeps that way. Thanks for asking.

re: Belmont Contest Picks Are In!

Horswld — Wed, 10 Jun 2009 22:35:02 GMT

LDP,

How is your horse doing? Hope everything is going well with him.

re: Belmont Contest Picks Are In!

ColetteMarie — Wed, 10 Jun 2009 06:00:19 GMT

Mine That Bird Connection,

Thank you for your post on the blog. I read it earlier today, but we lost our electricity before I had a chance to email you. It stormed most of the day, with heavy rains & lightening. So, we were without electric most of the day. I did just sent off an email to you tonight. Thanks so much!!

ColetteMarie

re: Belmont Contest Picks Are In!

LDP — Tue, 09 Jun 2009 21:32:15 GMT

Needler,

Why would i laugh, i used to own a morgan. Pixie was her name though it should've been queen pixie, because that's how she felt about herself. She was such a plotting little nerd. You would think she was a push button pony, but if you dared take your leg off her before a jump no matter how close you were to it, she's ditch and run out, and normally leave you in the dirt. She was beautiful, and thats not bias, it's a fact. She knew when it was time for a show and would just turn it on. She loved to race, and was the fastest in our barn actually. I know because i challenged others quite freaquetly when they chanllenge me. She never let me down. She love to run, just run. When we galloped it was an feeling that is indescribable. No horse will ever come close to what she was to me. I now own a thoroughbred, Tray, and my sister has one too, Majec, who is a horse that is a brainiac but uses his brains to outsmart his rider, or find their weakness. Mine is my shoulder, which he will constantly yank, that's why it never gets better because i don't know when to get off. My next are Arabs. The farm i work on used to be strictly arabs, now they run thoroughbreds too. One of there stallions Patriot Missle, has to be one of the most beautiful horses i've ever seen. He was their version of HOTY when he raced. He's now 17, and acts like a 4 yr old. He knows he's good and it radiates. He has that look that great horses are said to have, and it's easy to notice. So you don't have to worry about me laughing at you because i agree, as long as you dont say palimino QH's, lol.

re: Belmont Contest Picks Are In!

LDP — Tue, 09 Jun 2009 21:18:59 GMT

Katsan,

Thanks to you as well. Tray, my horse looks good now, and i hope it stays that way, cause when i got there last night, he didn't look good, real scared and frantic. This was the first time he's ever done this and not even the vet could say what caused it, which worries me because i'm that means he could easily colic again. As i said he looked good this afternoon, so we'll just have to keep an eye on him. For your second post thank you. I don't try to be agressive and i'm sorry at first impression i come across that way, because i'm not. Out in the real world, i shut my mouth unless someone really ticks me off, and by that i'm mean they need to push for a few months before i get mad. Normally i keep my mouth shut, though when the topic is something i feel strongly about i know i can come across stronger than i wish too. I've said before i'm not good at putting my thoughts into words and it comes out sounding way wrong. My sister is my translater normally, sometimes i even confuse her. With the life stuff, i've had plenty bad ones, which have made me harder and angrier than i wish. I love the horse industry, but i've seen the ppl in it that are in it for themselves and have been hurt by ppl like that too many times to trust many others. You don't have to obey what i say when i say this, you can deliver your opinion however you wish, but harsh deliveries will always provoke me into fighting back no matter what the intent. As i said, i'm still working on my deliveries, so i can't promise to always deliver nicely, but i will try. Truce?

re: Belmont Contest Picks Are In!

LDP — Tue, 09 Jun 2009 21:01:21 GMT

Hrswrld,

Thank you. He seemed fine last night after we tubed him, and the tranq wore off, just tired and a bit agitated. I visited him around noon today and he looks good. He's hungry though, kept trying to eat my cell phone, boots or geans. He was playful too, and didn't look the least bit in pain. I'm relieved, because i've seen three horses colic, and all three were put down, so i was scared to death last night. All looks ok today, i'm praying it stays that way. Thank you.

re: Belmont Contest Picks Are In!

Katsan — Tue, 09 Jun 2009 20:28:25 GMT

That's fair enough.

I really do think you should consider that people may not be attempting to engage YOU specifically when they make their comments and don't appreciate you taking them to task in the manner you do.

Like it or not, age is a deciding factor in what people will allow you to do or how much responsibility they'll give you. It's just the way of the world and for most, a fact that NO young person, no matter how intelligent can compensate for sheer life experience gained by older people particularly when it's their lifes work. Just not going to happen no matter how unfair it seems.

You speak of life experience? Dear, I'm afraid life has a way of handing you many more of those as you age. Some things beyond your wildest imagination or comprehension of how it makes you feel and react.

The other thing? At the race track there's a lot of favor exchanging. A lot of getting along with people to get things done. Whether that's getting the farrier to your barn before others, the vet, getting the clocker to get you lined out. Whether it's working with the racing secretary or entry office there's just a lot of stuff that requires kind of, not kissing up but being accomodating and easy to get along with. It really helps when you need a day or two with the feed store man or the tack man too. You best believe that even the best of them, unless they're independently wealthy, sometimes need to schmooze their way around a temporary shortfall.

My comment being vindictive? No it was just an observation based on the way you were coming off to a lot of people on here. As many pointed out to you, it's not necessary to be so agressive in your comments. Telling someone to 'shut their mouth'? That might be acceptable in school, but my guess is it'll get you beat up there and in the real world it'll get you fired, shot or taken down several notches. Not something that is advisable to say and far worse than me saying you wouldn't last in the racing business but failing to add 'if you keep up that attitude you were displaying'.

Like Atthebarn said, we could just ignore you, tell you off or call you names, but actually are trying to help you realize your dream. Even if it might seem harsh in the delivery.

I'm glad you're confident, that's important, but so is humility.

You want to be an owner and a trainer? That's great.

Most of us do that but you usually have to have some outside source of income to keep going so outside owners are best to help you achieve your personal goals. At least what we have found.

re: Belmont Contest Picks Are In!

LDP — Tue, 09 Jun 2009 18:18:23 GMT

Katsan,

That comment was not meant as an insult, it was meant to say that not everyone agrees with you, everyone has different opinions. NK was a comparison, seeing as how those over there don't have opinions. Sorry if you took it as an insult. Telling you to shut your mouth was in response to you tell me that comment, which sounded in my mind very vindictive. I say what i say about age, becaucse some ppl IMO just don't ever get it. They may act like they do, but they are talking up a bunch of BS. How do i know this, life experiences, i've run into those types before, and they are agrivating. I know when to keep my mouth shut also, i do it most of the time regaurding my job. I got it last summer, and because i keep my mouth shut i'm still there. Honestly when it comes to a job in this industry, i probably won't want a trainer, i'd want to be both owner and trainer, mainly because i feel more comfortable when i know whats going on firsthand and not through another person. Do i want a big opperation no, but i will have one. That is not me being arrogent, thats my drive. I'm willing to stop attacking if you will, though i can't promise it for all time, i can promise to keep my temper in check as much as i can.

re: Belmont Contest Picks Are In!

Katsan — Tue, 09 Jun 2009 17:42:51 GMT

p.s. Nap time.

My hubby who is up at 3:30 a.m. hits a wall about now as well.

re: Belmont Contest Picks Are In!

Katsan — Tue, 09 Jun 2009 17:41:41 GMT

LDP, we may disagree about the human end of it but I'm sure glad your horse is better, colic sucks (pardon my language)

can remember back to one mare that we had, spent many nights sleeping in the truck by the stalls after the vet said she wouldn't last till morning from renal colic and enough medication that rendered her unconcious. Several thousand dollars and many sleepless nights later she was fine until she passed away peacefully at the ripe old age of 32, never did breed her due to that colic issue, but she was a wonderful foster mama to every foal on the farm. Thought every single one belonged to her and if any of the others were mean to the babies, they went running to her. Guess she was the grandma all kids run to.

Hmmm just a thought, Dunkirk 'tied up' after the Belmont, wonder if it was somehting more????

re: Belmont Contest Picks Are In!

Horswld — Tue, 09 Jun 2009 17:10:25 GMT

MZ,

My regrets for you and Bepi. And yes, we do have our memories. I hate to say it but one of my favorite memories of Jada is when me and my ex would argue, he would get very loud and Jada would get in between us and back him into a corner or another room.lol She was very kind and laid back but I guess a 160 lb Rot can get pretty intimidating when someone's messing with her person.

LDP,

I truly pray that your horse makes a full recovery. I know all too well the effects of colic on a horse. Be sure and lets us know how everything turns out. God Bless!

re: Belmont Contest Picks Are In!

needler in Virginia — Tue, 09 Jun 2009 16:04:01 GMT

LDP and actually, EVERYONE ELSE, I was kidding, and thought we could move on to a less confrontational conversation. As soon as I wrote that, I knew I was, once again, quite wrong; besides the BH website NOT being a place for these kind of silly arguments (best BREED?? C'mon!), this isn't even the right blog for that!

Now way back a couple of days ago, I lied when I said to LDP that I was done. She apologized, and I had a major brain f**t in my "best breed" comment.... I really was trying to lighten things up a bit! So rather than kick start yet another yelling contest, I withdraw my suggestion and really will be done with this post. However, I DO know the best breed and won't brook any arguments over it, so don't yell, cajole, wheedle, beg, offer bribes, don't threaten or terrorize, and don't you dare laugh, either! Morgans are right at the top of the list, followed very closely by Thoroughbreds....... obviously for different reasons. Therefore, I'm running from this argument right now; you'd never change my mind, anyway. So put THAT in your pipes and smoke it!!

This has been sort of fun, but I really am out of here this time. Thanks to all.

Cheers, and safe trips.

re: Belmont Contest Picks Are In!

LDP — Tue, 09 Jun 2009 03:51:52 GMT

Needler,

Depends on which breeds, do you mean thoroughbred vs QH or arab? Though it may have to wait till tomorrow afternoon. I just got back from my horse. He looks a lot better, but i got up at five and haven't stoped moving until half an hour ago, so i've hit the wall, or so to speak, lol.

re: Belmont Contest Picks Are In!

mz — Tue, 09 Jun 2009 01:37:25 GMT

WAAAAAY back, I think I started the cat vs. dog thing on THIS blog (continued to comment on something Jason said on another one.)

The ensuing comments were hysterical.

Can we get back to funny? And stop with the high school (for me, nuns and uniforms with kilts fergawdssakes) / age (my RAM is rapidly being used up and that's the reason for everything I say that's dumb...I don't remember that I said it before - anyways, that's my excuse and I'm sticking with it) / experience (can I try to pretend I didn't pick Chocolate Candy as one of my first three?) arguments and angst?

Thank you.

p.s. to Horswld: it's coming up on one year since we had to put Bepi the Cat to sleep. I still can see him lying down on the front lawn across the street, watching HIS neighbourhood go by the night before we had to take him to the vet. At least we (and, it seems, a lot of people on this blog) are lucky enough to remember great companions.

re: Belmont Contest Picks Are In!

MineThatBird Connection — Tue, 09 Jun 2009 01:03:14 GMT

ColetteMarie, Please contact me regarding your sons visit to Belmont this weekend. I can help!!!

kimcarr1970@gmail.com

re: Belmont Contest Picks Are In!

BIGHORSEFAN — Mon, 08 Jun 2009 23:39:26 GMT

LDP, you sound too young (sorry) to have so many issues without much support.

Make friends on here. Trust me if you don't lose your temper and insult people, they're very friendly. Not sure if you know the old saying 'honey draws more flies than vinegar'?

Well we're sort of the flies here.

If you find someone you want to talk to, maybe Jason will ask them if he can give their email address to you. Not that he's here to make social connections but some people just need a friendly 'voice'.

Know our friend has had that asked of him and another friend on here now communicates with her on a regular basis and we ALL try to show her our support and love after her tragic loss, HI WANDA.

We've met a few of the people on here at the various tracks and we all communicate with each other. Even some of those you've battled with and you know what? They are the nicest people you'd ever talk to or meet. We also show one of those you were so disresptful to, saying to shut her mouth, as much support as we can as she too has had a really tragic past 6 months, HI KATSAN!

It's much more fun to discuss things, make friends and enjoy this stuff than it is to try and battle people and call them out, tell them to shut up or sound so bitter. Even arguments and calling people out once in a while can be stimulating, just not ALL THE TIME.

Like Tim G said, this isn't your school and we aren't some of blue meanies who are treating you dirty.

Don't go looking for trouble where it doesn't exist, if you're as ornery or adventurous as we all were when we were young it'll find you.

To me, the person one IS, is always much better than the person

someone tries to pretend to be. One just doesn't get it right unless they're a great actor. Real reality is better than any reality show or affected persona on a blog board.

re: Belmont Contest Picks Are In!

Katsan — Mon, 08 Jun 2009 23:03:20 GMT

I will try to respond to this again because I think this comment is extremely disrespectful and I should be allowed to respond.

"Katsan,

You best off shut your mouth on commenting i would not last a day in an idustry i love, and have so much a passion for. This is a warning, not a lecture, and for your last comment to me this is being nice, please do not throw around insults. I may be pushy but show me one place where i insulted you straight out.

LDP 08 Jun 2009 6:41 AM"

I tried to respond to you on this, don't recall what I said exactly but I feel that I deserve a chance to respond to you.

You did insult me. First by telling me that I should go to North Korea when I suggested you are a little overzealous in telling people what you think and how they should think. Secondly with this comment telling me to shut my mouth and thirdly with your disrespect to several in the industry and on this blog who are part of a fraternity and are my colleagues.

You say age shouldn't mean people know more? Well pure logic tells you that someone older has been through far more life experiences and someone who is older and has been in the racing industry for 50 years of their life? They might just know a wee bit more than you do.

Not even taking your age into account, just the pure sense of having seen about everything there is to see in racing, up close and personal as they say.

My comment? I just meant that trainers are respectful and they expect that respect returned in kind. The reason I say you wouldn't last a day? Is IF you don't change this beligerent attitude it'll be very hard to get a trainer to keep you on as an employee, we don't like discord in the barn it keeps animals and people alike stirred up.

Or when and if you get to be a trainer you'll have a tough time keeping clients or staff. These people talk about those who think they are never wrong and won't listen to other opinions, it'll label you as difficult and make your career a miserable one.

It may be justified, or it may not. But it certainly isn't adult behavior.

If you ARE interested in pursuing a career in racing or any facet of the horse industry, knowing how to deal with your clients is one of the most important things you can know.

There are times when you will have to bite your tongue, not because an owner wants you to do something illegal or unethical, but because a lot of them are high powered business owners and expect things to be done the way THEY want them done, whether it's right or wrong.

Then, you have the vibe that your animals pick up from you when you're always angry and let everyone know it. Yes we do get angry at staff and clients, but you can't display it because not only does it get you fired as a trainer, have staff turnover but it affects the horses.

There may come a day in your career when you can pick and choose your owners, but that is few and far between for the average trainer. Not the norm for most of us. We are lucky, we have folks who have been with us for years and are good people who love their horses. Some aren't so lucky, but it's their livlihood and as long as it's not illegal or unethical or inhumane, sometimes you will have to just suck it up and keep your mouth shut.

That is what I meant and if I had been meanspirited I would have just ignored you and figured you're all talk and not interested in being a part of the industry at all. Instead I took you seriously and tried to talk to you like you mean what you say about being involved.

Finally, may I suggest that you NEVER tell a 60 year old person to shut their mouth? I don't care how old you are, it's pure disrespect and certainly unwarranted.

re: Belmont Contest Picks Are In!

Lady Ruffian — Mon, 08 Jun 2009 22:59:29 GMT

Wow. First off congrats to Summer Bird for a great run, Dunkirk for proving that paying $3.7 mil for him wasn't a bad investment and for MTB running his heart out again. The only horse in the three TC races to show up every time. Good for him, I'm looking forward to seeing him race later in the year. I do think he could have beaten Dunkirk but Calvin moved too early.

re: Belmont Contest Picks Are In!

needler in Virginia — Mon, 08 Jun 2009 22:26:19 GMT

Apology accepted, LDP; no problem.

NOW how does everyone feel about arguing about which breed is the best? THAT ought to make for light and logical conversation. NAH, don't want to go there!!!

Cheers, and safe trips.

re: Belmont Contest Picks Are In!

Horswld — Mon, 08 Jun 2009 22:23:41 GMT

barb,

Your right these people here have been kind. God bless them all. I hope for nothing but the best for you and you cat. One of my cats Clyde (12yrs old) passed from cancer about a month ago. Of course I was more prepared for him but it doesn't mean it hurts any less. Jada on the other hand was killed right in front of me when a drunk driver ran his truck off the road and into the ditch where she was sniffing out a rabbit. It broke her back but she was still alive and trying get up and walk but she had no use of her back legs. Of course the vet was called and it took awhile for him to get here because I live on a farm way outside of town. I let her drink water from my hands till he got here. When he saw her, the look in his eyes told me everything. After he went over her I already knew what had to happen so I held her and told her what a good girl she was and that I loved her then I let her go on to sleep. That's what happened.

I'm sorry to everyone who reads this. I just had to get it out and explain what happened. I didn't mean to hurt anyone with this but I think it has helped me to share this. Once again thank you to everyone. And when the time comes, yes, I will adopt.

And thank you Jason for putting this on your blog for me. The people here are truly special.

Lets all get back to the ponies!

re: Belmont Contest Picks Are In!

LDP — Mon, 08 Jun 2009 22:20:00 GMT

Barb,

With my family we only get worse as we grow older, or it seems to be that way. I do often times have trouble keeping my temper in check, even when i try to make sure i don't get angry. I say things i don't mean a lot, and regret it when i do, because i don't mean to say them. Tim is right, i'm angry at a lot of other ppl, plus the fact that i am younger and still get injury after injury after injury. It gets on my nerves that i am young and i have all these probelems i'm told i'm not supposed to get until i'm in my late thirties. I don't mean to contridict myself, i try to follow my own advice, and i'm sorry that i can't.

Tim,

My reference to school was not meant to be an insult, just sayint that because of it, i have learned to take the heat. I admit maybe i'm used to taking it to much, because if i read even one thing that could possibly taken as an insult i fly off the handle. I try to have fun on the blogs, and mostly i do. I'm sorry if i come off arrogant, because if you knew me, i'm not in the least arrogant, and as i said am very quiet and reserve. For the most part i do watch and listen, and i like to learn as many methods as possible. One thing that you can tell about me on here is that i'm hot tempered, and i'm not sure if you can tell this, but i'm not real trusting, or friendly. I've been let down by to many people to even begin to let others in to close. Basicly if i'm comparing with myself to a horse, i'm the horse who has been sent too many bad homes, and just doesn't trust anyone because all i've know for quite a while is all the bad the world can present. I remember the good times i used to have, but it's been so long time, since i've had any good consitantly. The bad so far outnumbers the good by a lot. I'm sorry i come across so bitter. I have to go now and deal with another experience, bad of course, my horse is colicing. Great.

re: Belmont Contest Picks Are In!

LDP — Mon, 08 Jun 2009 21:57:38 GMT

Tim G,

Thanks for the advice. I'm sorry i either didn't see the post you are refering to about you stating you being a doctor, sometimes, especially late at night, or late for me at least, i tend to skim, and respond to what catches my eye. On your treatment sujestions i do stretch every day. It helps the bursitis, but not my back. The cyropractor says he thought it was a muscle swelling then pinching that nerve but we've never had it checked. It feels like the muscle on the left side of my back, does what i call spazing, where it will tense up real hard and suddenly like i got stung or stuck by something, and stay like that for a few seconds then release. It also has a consistant ache, which when lifting turns into a consitant throb, along with the spazing. In addition to the bursitis in my shoulder i pulled my thoratic muscle and was out of work for ten weeks because of it. Also when i say riding, for now, i mean the speed, the power, and exileration of being on a race horse. I used to gallop my morgan all the time and not even jumping compared to when we were running. It was like, i don't know, we blended, that i knew what she thought and she did the same for me. No horse will ever compare to her. Sorry, i didn't mean to get off topic. I do appriciate the advice and again thank you.

re: Belmont Contest Picks Are In!

LDP — Mon, 08 Jun 2009 21:44:49 GMT

Needler,

I was not reffering to you when talking about the age references, but other on hear do act like because they are older they know more, which seriously ticks me off. That is one of the worst ways to talk to me, because then i think you are being condecending. You talk to me like i'm a normall person and i will try to treat you the same. I know i can get rude, and when i relize it for the most part i think i show remorse. If i disagree i won't. I'm not going to name names on the age references, but you are not one of them, and i'm sorry i came across to you like that, because you have been more than kind and patient in your posts.

re: Belmont Contest Picks Are In!

Greg J. — Mon, 08 Jun 2009 20:27:10 GMT

TimG. & Needler,

Well Stated and thoughtfully written, Good Advice, Hope a certain somebody heeds your advice...

re: Belmont Contest Picks Are In!

needler in Virginia — Mon, 08 Jun 2009 19:57:37 GMT

BARB......One could NEVER forget Big Cy, but I think our idiotic argument has been focussed on the two Big Reds that we just concentrate on them!! Besides we have a grand time dissing the other's horse and saying the ever-popular "YES, but.............."

LDP, one more thing and I'm done. I didn't once say I was superior, nor did I EVER say you were inferior. Age has nothing to do with anything, really. And I would NEVER assume ""superiority" because I happen to be older than dirt! There are some amazingly smart folks in each age group, just as there are amazingly thick folks in all groups, as well. Mostly, I was just asking why you're so angry? And if your anger is derived from replies to your posts, maybe a step back and an apology here or there MIGHT be in order. I just had to apologize my a** off on another blog when I went off for no good reason. On reflection, I was wrong and said so. Trust me on this one, LDP, and I'm NOT referencing age, everyone makes mistakes.....the adults apologize, the children don't. Intensity, determination, intelligence, strength, and good sense are welcome attributes for anyone; you obviously have strength and determination, and (I would guess) a lot of intelligence, too. It's the good sense you may have to work on a bit. Pissing off everyone on these blogs is not the best way to be welcomed back to the next one. Give it a shot, LDP; if a bit of moderation doesn't work, then consider me wrong and ignore me.

A rethink might be in order, too, since you either misquoted me or read more into my previous post than I actually said.

Cheers and safe trips to all.