Two for the Show - by Lenny Shulman

re: Two for the Show - by Lenny Shulman

Susan from VA — Mon, 11 Jun 2012 21:01:32 GMT

Actually, smarie, I don't think you know much about nature. Horses in the wild often foal at age two and then foal essentially every year thereafter (as long as they are with a fertile stallion). I'm not advocating breeding babies - that is what nature does, though. Ever see a mare in season? It frequently appears that getting a mare in foal is more humane than leaving her in raging heat every 3 weeks during "breeding season." As long as the mare keeps condition while nursing her foal, there is no reason to not breed (as long as she is producing good offspring for which there is a market - no need to overpopulate with unwanted horses). Give a mare a year off now and then and you frequently have trouble getting her in foal the next time you decide to breed. Please don't anthropomorphise equine breeding.

re: Two for the Show - by Lenny Shulman

itisasitis — Thu, 07 Jun 2012 00:42:06 GMT

Please know more about Doc Howard before you make negative comments like you have.

I have known JD since 1954, as we are school classmates and have been lifelong friends.

Dr. Howard is the most devoted and conscientious equine veterinarian I have ever seen. His life is full of accomplishments and amazing success stories because of his lifelong love for horses and his extreme level of dedication to the health of these magnificent animals.

Personally I am VERY pleased to see the Doc received a small about of recognition for his hard work, excessively long work hours and top tier level of professionalism.

Few people understand what this means to make their working profession their life. Even fewer could ever devote themselves to such a high level of dedication and responsibility year in and year out during the term of his/her career.

re: Two for the Show - by Lenny Shulman

Dawn in MN — Wed, 06 Jun 2012 09:45:25 GMT

Veterinarians are able to access technology that gives them great power to improve the lives of their patients. Their profession is one of the most academically competitive vocations of all. I have heard that it is more difficult to get into veterinary colleges, than medical school. Don't let Howard's aw shucks humility fool you, he's no slouch.

re: Two for the Show - by Lenny Shulman

Paula Higgins — Wed, 06 Jun 2012 00:23:45 GMT

A really interesting piece Lenny. I have wondered what their practice was like and now I know they function like a medical resident/ M.D. who has to work unGODLY hours and treat everything. They earn their money that's for sure. Good job with Nureyev.

re: Two for the Show - by Lenny Shulman

smarie — Tue, 05 Jun 2012 18:47:09 GMT

Dr. Howard obviously is wonderful in treating and helping horses. I can't say I agree with his work with Better Than Honour though. TB mares are bred to death. Foal after foal and never a rest for the mare's body. Nature doesn't always allow for a mare to conceive and carry to full term every year, but human science has changed that. Far too many wonderful mares have died giving birth or from birthing complications. Perhaps, when a mare is having difficulty conceiving or carrying a foal, she is trying to tell people something and she should be left to heal naturally or be retired from being a broodmare. Of course, money always enters the picture. Too many owners think of foals as a possible cash bonanza and keep on breeding and breeding their mares. Looking at statistics tells us that of all the TB foals born each and every year, only a small percentage make successful racehorses. What happens to the others? Do the breeders even know what happens to the foals they breed? Broodmares are not machines. It is time we gave them the consideration and time off they deserve. We all need time off.

re: Two for the Show - by Lenny Shulman

an ole railbird — Tue, 05 Jun 2012 16:18:38 GMT

more veiws from behind the scenes like this 1 ,is what is needed to enlighten the general public. i salute you sir & all those like you. sa-lute!!