Zenyatta

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Zenyatta News

Announcing The 2012 Breeders’ Cup Zenyatta Celebration

Second annual Zenyatta Celebration to welcome fans at the 2012 Breeders’ Cup World Championships.

Special Zenyatta seating section also available during Championships

Tickets on sale at Zenyatta Shop

ARCADIA, Calif. (Aug. 1, 2012) – Breeders’ Cup Ltd., along with Zenyatta owners Jerry and Ann Moss, announced today plans for the second annual Breeders’ Cup Zenyatta After-Party Celebration, to be held Championship Friday, Nov. 2, at Santa Anita Park’s Frontrunner restaurant. This year’s official event will be an exclusive evening full of Zenyatta fun following Friday’s race card and will benefit several equine and racing-related charities, including the Permanently Disabled Jockeys Fund and The Communication Alliance to Network Thoroughbred Ex-Racehorses (CANTER).

The Zenyatta After-Party Celebration will be from 5:30 to 10:30 p.m., providing racegoers a relaxing environment to toast the day’s winners, celebrate the past and present of the Breeders’ Cup World Championships, while enjoying a twilight, panoramic view of the historic racecourse from Frontrunner. Amenities include a California buffet and cash bar featuring cocktails, race replays from Friday’s Breeders’ Cup program, entertainment, and a chance to meet Zenyatta’s connections and other racing celebrities.

Scheduled appearance and autograph signing at the event will be with trainer John Shirreffs, Dottie Shirreffs, racing manager for the Moss Racing Stable and the voice of the Zenyatta Diary, and jockey Mike Smith. Smith will bring along some of his fellow jockeys and other racing celebrities to mingle with partygoers. The After-Party Celebration will also feature the auction of Zenyatta memorabilia, artwork and an all-expense-paid trip to see Zenyatta and her growing colt at Lane’s End Farm in Versailles, Ky.

After-Party Celebration tickets are $50 for admission only, or $95 for admission combined with the buffet. Tickets are available for sale today on a first-come basis at the Zenyatta Shop.

As an added benefit for “The Queen’s” most loyal fans, Premier Grandstand seating in the designated Zenyatta Section during the Breeders’ Cup World Championships is now available online at http://www.breederscup.com/tickets/grandstand-reserved or by calling 877-TIX4CUP (877-849-4287). Tickets are $150 for Friday and $200 for Saturday. Included with the special section tickets is a complimentary Autumn season Clubhouse pass to Santa Anita Park, as well as a unique Zenyatta souvenir.

“We are thrilled that the Zenyatta Celebration will once again be a highlight at the Breeders’ Cup World Championships,” said Jerry and Ann Moss. “Santa Anita Park holds many special memories for us as the site of some of Zenyatta’s finest racing accomplishments.”

“Santa Anita Park has rolled out the red carpet for international race-goers and especially Zenyatta fans as they prepare for another Breeders’ Cup World Championship,” said Robert Elliston, Breeders’ Cup Chief Operating Officer. “The Zenyatta After-Party Celebration will be a fabulous way to honor one of Breeders’ Cup’s most popular stars and also raise funds for industry-related causes.”

Throughout her extraordinary racing career, Zenyatta thrilled racing fans with jaw-dropping victories and heart-pounding finishes. However, it was her memorable Breeders’ Cup performances, including her victories in the 2008 Ladies’ Classic, the 2009 Classic and her incredible finish at Churchill Downs in the 2010 Classic, that sealed her stardom and ignited a fan frenzy that has transcended the sport and endeared this stunning mare to millions.

About Breeders’ Cup
The Breeders’ Cup administers the Breeders’ Cup World Championships, Thoroughbred racing’s year-end Championships.  The Breeders’ Cup also administers the Breeders’ Cup Challenge qualifying series, which provides automatic starting positions into the Championships races. The 2012 Breeders’ Cup World Championships, consisting of 15 races and purses totaling more than $25 million will be held Nov. 2-3 at Santa Anita Park in Arcadia, Calif., and will be televised live by the NBC Sports Network. Breeders’ Cup press releases appear on the Breeders’ Cup Web site, www.breederscup.com. You can also follow the Breeders’ Cup on social media platforms, Facebook, Twitter and YouTube.

Reader Interactions

985 Comments

  1. / Reply

    Good morning, all– Remember a day or so that someone posted the story of Molly? Well, today’s Horse and Man blog has another story similar. It is about Star, who was terribly abused and now has a future. You can see her at http://www.horseandman.com. The early pictures are disturbing but get better as you scroll down. Even loose change if gathered from many people adds up quickly. Star would say “Thank you!”.

    • / Reply

      Barbara:

      OMG! Viewed your link after going out for breakfast…….BIG MISTAKE! That poor girl, thank god for the help she is now getting, The pic’s are still in my head, I pray she gets the same chance Molly got.

      GirlSaratoga

      • / Reply

        Same here. I love Horse and Man–get it in my e-mail every day. Their bucket funds are always worthy, and I feel my small amounts do help. I’m sorry the pics bothered you. They did me too, and that’s why I put the warning. I absolutely can’t watch videos of horse (or any animal) abuse.

        • I love Horse and Man too, Barbara. The pictures were disturbing, but at least they did get better. It’s such a worthy cause. It just makes you feel good to think that you’ve helped some innocent animal.

        • Dear Barb W.:

          You know me. Once I’m warned about disturbing photos or videos, I skip them and scroll down to the end of the link. That’s what I did in this case. Thanks for the warning. Glad this beautiful sweetie Star now has a chance at a happy life. Hugs, JB

    • / Reply

      Shiek Mohammed bought this Street Cry colt/ AP Indy.

      He keeps buying up the stock of his stallions, I guess to race them ???

      He is gorgeous. Love the comment:

      “A few hips later”

  3. / Reply

    Hi All,
    Wonderful stories about Molly and Star, some person’s trash is anther person’s treasure!

    Checked out the FT sales list, there’s about 5 or 6 I want, ha, ha. Wonder if Bob Baffert has someone scouting for Mike Phelps. He tweeted Bob that he wants to make another Secretariat! Wow! Well, when he puts his mind to something he’s usually successful, I’ll be sure to keep him on the radar.

    MSNBC Sports network, on Direct Tv thats 603 for me, is going to have the Dressage Finals on today. OMG, it is something to see, this is where Totolis would be entered if he was participating…….wonderful to watch!

    So glad GS is staying around and now Pres of NY Redneck chapter. It’s getting to be a crazier bunch every day.

    • / Reply

      Sue-GS notified me that she is not from New York, but Connecticut. She is the president and, so far, only member of that chapter. Kudos to Judy Berube for giving up part of her territory.

      • / Reply

        Terry:

        Thanks for the warning about duct tape! I know the song you are talking about, but I don’t think I could sing it to save my life! I will check out the video on you tube to make sure I’m ready to go when called upon!

        GirlSaratoga

      • / Reply

        Terry and GS,
        Sorry I don’t know where I got that idea, maybe from the moniker, ha, okay welcome to the new Pres of Connecticut chapter, glad your hanging around.

        • Sue-I had the same impression when I invited GS to join the club. She is the one who corrected me.

  4. / Reply

    Oh Judy that’s the one I wanted! Shucks, a Street Cry cold out of a A P Indy mare……can’t get much better than that!!!!!

    • / Reply

      Oh my,

      you are right. Maybe it will be a claimer and one of us can purchase the colt
      for a few thousand !!!!! Dream on ????

    • / Reply

      Dear Sue, Sign and Z Fans:

      Will keep dreaming. As Diana would say, “where’s that winning lottery ticket”. Hugs, JB

  6. / Reply

    Fellow Z Peeps!

    Got bit today on on back shoulder blade by my “bad boy” ex-race horse! He is so spoiled! He got mad at me when I turned my back after putting him in the paddock to speak to my fellow co-workers! He is an “attention whore” especially when it comes to me. You can’t not do anything with him or for him without giving him treats (peppermints are his favorite) I of course have indulged him in the worst way! My buddy was a throw away, he didn’t perform the way his owner’s wanted him to so they got ride of him, I did not hit him as I was encouraged to do, just not my style, plus this is not the first time “my friend” has done this to me, so my thought was I should know better! (DON’T TURN YOUR BACK ON HIM) The bite doesn’t hurt, it smarted a little at the time, but it was not done to hurt me, but to get my attention, he is not mean or hurtful, but just spoiled in part mostly by me! Well……needless to say it got my attention! I can truthfully say he does not act like this with others, just me, but then again no one wants to handle him either! I am sure I have created a “monster”

    I was bitten a year ago by a really mean pony, he tore up my right hand and fingers pretty bad, that was done intentionally, he went out of his way to bite me and bite me hard! So I think I am a pretty good judge of character by now, but I know my LOVE for these gorgeous animals tends to cloud my judgement!

    GirlSaratoga bruised!

    • / Reply

      GS,

      I got bit on the shoulder really hard by a horse when I walked by his stall and no one told me he was a bitter. Did not break the skin, but was very bruised and painful.

      As all horse lover’s say “One man’s trash is another man’s treasure”.

      There is a dressage rider who purchased an 8 year old named Kingston, he was still at the breeders at 8, which says a lot. He had some neurotic tendencies, but when she
      got on him he was “such a wonderful being with a wonderful soul”. She bought him and he is a grand prix dressage winner for her.

  7. / Reply

    TC – GPB – I am officially entering the joke below for consideration of the Golden Outhouse Award. Here goes:

    A redneck went to the appliance store and found a bargain. “I would like to buy this TV,” he told the salesman. “Sorry, we don’t sell to rednecks” he replied. The redneck hurried home and took a bath and changed clothes , went back to the store and again told the salesman, “I would like to buy this TV.” “Sorry, we don’t sell to rednecks,” he replied. “Darn, he recognized me, he thought. He went home for a complete disguise this time, haircut, new clothes, big sunglasses, then waited a few days before again approaching the salesman. “I would like to buy this TV.” Sorry, we don’t sell to rednecks,” he replied. Frustrated, he exclaimed, “How do you know I’m a redneck?” “Because that’s a microwave,” he replied.

  8. / Reply

    @Ann-I left a comment for you on the previous page dealing with your experience when a former jockey recognized your name. Here are today’s redneck jokes. You might be a redneck if the photo on your driver’s license includes your dog. You might be a redneck if you think the play “The King and I” is about Elvis. You might be a redneck if, after your sister has a baby, you can’t figure out whether you’re an aunt or an uncle. You might be a redneck if, after you swim in the ocean, you leave a ring. You might be a redneck if you believe that if it can’t be fried in bacon grease, it isn’t worth eating. You might be in a redneck hospital if you go in for routine surgery and come out with a tail.

    • / Reply

      Thanks TC,got it.

      I really like the dog in the photo and the Elvis joke. heck, I like em all!
      Made wilted lettuce last night w/ a tad of the bacon grease, yes I am a RN!

      • / Reply

        Your redneck qualifications are beyond reproach. I would like to say at this time that I am glad you are a member of the club. Your posts are priceless.

        • Thanks TC. Your posts ALWAYS put a smile on my face.
          As to my qualifications….they come honestly!
          Mom would have preferred more Chanel #5 for me,thanks to Dad I got Eau de Barn!

    • / Reply

      TC, GP

      These are great jokes, Love the Elvis one and of course having surgery and coming out with a tail is right up my alley too.

      Are your teeth still a swiveling ?????

  9. / Reply

    Lane’s End Farm post on Facebook on My Miss Aurelia
    Smart Strike’s champion filly My Miss Aurelia is scheduled to make her 3yo debut tomorrow at Saratoga in the Mandy’s Gold S. This undefeated gal has been out with a shin injury.
    Good Luck Aurelia!

  10. / Reply

    Going home to New York, my hometown! Visiting my grandma, and then to NC.

    Can’t wait to get to riding again!

    • / Reply

      Pati
      There’s no place like home. There’s no place like home!
      Especially if there is horseback riding waiting
      Safe trip back
      Sounds like you’ve had some fun adventures.
      Hugs, Keta

    • / Reply

      The Guses and Bub will be very happy.
      Enjoy your visit w/ your grandma. I bet you make her very proud!
      Our tin roofs are singing ( rain ) in NC, but cooler!
      Safe trip home!

      • / Reply

        Oh, so there was rain? That’s a relief! I was told by the woman looking over our house that even my cacti were dying from the lack of moisture!

        I have lots of good memories and pictures to share.

        SHERR got a new horse named Bing. He is an retired old gelding. QH is our best guess right now. He hasn’t been washed or even touched with a brush in so long, I was told volunteers were pulling out clumps of hair three inches long! So he stood out in 103 degree heat plus 3000 humidity in an outdoor coat. The owner decided over his vacation that he couldn’t afford him anymore. Selfish people…. Sickening.

        Though Bing has found a friend in Rescue Gus. Bing will wait for Gus to finish eating outside Gus’s stall and then they’ll go cause mischief together. Or give the cow grief. That seems to be a popular past-time for everyone lately. Poor Zoe!

        • Glad that Bing has a friend. I think that if I had a horse like Bing I would give up something I enjoyed doing before I would let him deteriorate in such a manner. But, everyone has to answer to his or hers own conscience.

        • I bet Bing is feeling like a million buck since SHERR has worked their magic!
          Bless them.
          Bada BING!!!

          Too cute about Bing and Gus. Great minds think alike!

  11. / Reply

    Equestrian Group Clears Way For Cloned Horses To Compete In The Olympics

    Will the London 2012 Games be remembered as the last Olympics of the pre-clone era? The answer is maybe — because the group that oversees equestrian events has given its OK to allowing cloned horses to compete in the Summer Olympics.
    As National Geographic reports, the Fédération Equestre Internationale once banned cloned horses from participating in the Olympics. But the group based in Lausanne, Switzerland, changed its stance this summer.
    If you’re thinking, “They don’t clone really horses, do they?” — brace yourself, because the first successful horse cloning took place in 2003. And in 2006, NPR reported on a cloned horse in Texas. The FEI estimates that more than 110 horses were cloned in 2010.
    And if that makes you think: “So why change now?” — consider that the minimum age for a horse to compete in Olympic equestrian events is 9 (2003 + 9 = 2012).
    The option of cloning horses is particularly attractive to breeder and trainers, who sometimes castrate their animals to make them more trainable. But castration also takes away their long-term value as contributors to the gene pool — and keeps breeders from capitalizing on their winnings.
    http://www.npr.org/blogs/thetorch/2012/08/07/158373631/equestrian-group-clears-way-for-cloned-horses-to-compete-in-the-olympics

    • / Reply

      This is such a very interesting concept. Too bad TB have to live breed.

  12. / Reply

    The Texas Draft Horse and Mule (yes, mule, very RN) Association is
    auctioning off this lovely Belgian Drafthorse Weanling Colt — Angus

    Yes, he does have a name because he is not a race horse he is a driving horse.

    I have purchased 6 tickets and maybe will win this lovely colt, he is very well bred.

    Anyone interested in participating in the auction, I’ll post their web site.

    Enjoy he is a real cutie !!!

    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S8rguSuPgLU

      • / Reply

        That would be fun Rosemary !!!!

        Every RN should have a driving horse ????

        He lives at Sugar Ridge Belgians a breeding farm in Eunice,
        Texas.

        • This RN wishes she had a driving horse. You better stock up on feed, he’s going to be a big boy.

        • You are not kidding. I bet he eats more than Zenny did in training !!!!

          Are they about 1500 to 1800 lbs???

          My friend was telling me hers are only 17.3 hand thought they would
          be closer to 18 hands.

          Rosemary,
          You could come for a visit and a drive sometime !!!

        • Wouldn’t that be fun to go on a RN drive with Angus! I know they are very big and if one steps on your foot, you get a nosebleed (Ha Ha) but probably not far from the truth.

      • / Reply

        WOW, That must really be rewarding Barbara.

        Very different from TB. They are “cold blooded” horses, cool calm and collected.
        I rode a percheron/TB cross, he was sooooo wide, my legs barely fit around him.
        He was a fox hunter.

        He was really fun, but very big !!!

        • It was really different riding in the field and jumping jumps on terrain.
          I remember I went over one and down a gully. Very weird feeling.

          It was kind of nerve racking, but he was so big it was like riding a
          couch with lots of padding and there was so much horse (large size) not speed like the jockeys say)
          and he was so very competent at his work, he did not make mistakes
          so not too afraid of falling off.

          Have fun with your Draft guys/gals !!

        • Sign,
          Riding a couch!! LOL!!!
          My daughter rides a draft/quarter and she says the same thing…riding a couch. You two would have so many tales to tell! Oh and the girth,can we say,oopps, the saddle is never right!!!

          Good luck on the little,big guy. He is so beautiful and that little tail,what a hoot! Angus,great name for him!

          Our State Fair would always have a showing of THE Percherons,loved seeing them and talking to them. I am hoping to see those Bud horses soon again! POWER!

        • I don’t know why, but this thread got me to thinking of an old civil war joke that happens to be true. The union side had a general by the name of John Pope who commanded at Second Manassas. When he sent dispatches, he always signed them with the comment of “headquarters in the saddle.” Robert E. Lee and James Longstreet then said “That’s his problem. His headquarters are where his hindquarters should be.”

        • Oh yes,

          Angus has the cutest little weanling tail.

          The mares have their tails docked so they don’t get caught up in their
          driving equipment. For a minute I though they just had “crummy tails”.

          Warmbloods actually have the best and most thick and beautiful tails.

    • / Reply

      I’ll do my winning ticket dance for you when my stomach calms down enough for me to get out of the bathroom for longer than ten minute intervals. I promise.

    • / Reply

      Very funny and informative exchange. A story was on our local news last night about a guy in Oklahoma who was driving a covered wagon pulled by mules and ran into a police car. He was obviously past the moon but couldn’t be arrested because there is apparently no law against driving a covered wagon pulled by animals while inebriated.

  14. / Reply

    Well, it looks like I have caught a bug. I have spent the majority of the past three hours in and out of rest area bathrooms. :-( I can’t even eat anything. :-(

  15. / Reply

    GS,

    Just read your comment about lip chains. So very true, some horses just do not like them and will not put up with them anymore, because they know their racing days are
    over and they don’t have to.

    You really demonstrate/discuss what I was talking about. Each horse is an individual with his/her own issues that should always be worked with. Some horses don’t mind the whip, some would preferred to be threatened with it (shook within their eye sight, only) and they respond, others detest it. The same goes for the lip chain.

    Jethro would not allow being struck by the whip, but he was very very very lazy until you put crop in hand and let him see it. That was all that needed to be done and
    he was a good boy. Another more advanced rider, rode him on big jumps with a crop as well, just so he knew it was there and that meant serious business and work for him. That behavior was from his racing days. I noticed that the jockey often show the horses the whip when they are coming down the stretch, which tells them to keep on going.

    It is all about individuality, sensetivity and appropriate training techniques for each horse.

    Thanks for sharing your experiences, really enjoyed them.

    • / Reply

      Sign:

      The horses that don’t like the lip/nose chain are mostly “show horse”. I can understand my ex=race horses not liking it but these show horses just are very unhappy and tend to misbehave! I have a very odd question for your greatness….. I know about lunge whips, I use them, but I really don’t like it! (what a surprise!) And I know about riding crops, and I know jockey’s use whips, are they crops? Are they like shorter lunge whips? Or is it like a crop with like a little whip on the end? You are the expert so please help clarify?

      Thanks for your kind words
      GirlSaratoga

      • / Reply

        GS
        Him!!! Very interesting about show horses we did not use
        Lip chains on any in our barn and am not sure it is common
        Here, but maybe in your part of the country.

        Longe whip is used in place of your leg when
        Longing. It is pointed at the horse to move hind
        End. The only time I would crack it E’s when he was
        Being pokey or I wanted to get “the freshness” out
        Before I got on. It is not used to hit the horse. It can
        Be used to touch the rear end or shoulder.

        Jockey’s whip is different structurally and made of different
        Material than English riding crop and I think a different
        Length. English riding crop is a standard length and used
        To hit the shoulder to urge forward. Dressage whips are
        Long and thin and extend down pass the shoulder and
        Are used to straighten the front or hind end by touching
        Or gently tapping it in place. Because horses have four
        Legs it is hard to get their whole body to move together.
        So the dressage whip corrects the horse position when
        Doing the moves so hind end and front end work together.

        Have you seen any of Clinton Anderson’s training tapes
        Or show on HRTV. He has some great training techniques.
        I am definately not a trainer but like to watch him just to get
        Ideas. The 12 week series he did on training an off the track
        TB is on now and is really good. The horses name is Tricky
        And he gets sold to a girl in KY to train as an eventer. Clinton
        Now has a ranch and training facility in Texas and does a lot
        Of clinics. May try and go some time. Hope this info is helpful.

        Those OTT TB can come with a lot is issues. Life on the
        Track is a very tough life for a horse.

  16. / Reply

    Dear TC and Ann,

    I think you two should write a book about all of your exeriences a children, teens and young adults with your families and all your TB experiences and contact.

    So wonderful to hear the sharing and I am sure sooo much more.

    Great comments Vicki B, one of our great CALI leaders.

    • / Reply

      We need some more relatives of rednecks jokes from Vicki. When I think of things that apply in the case of a certain post, I will respond. Otherwise, it will be as I remember stuff and that is getting less and less reliable.

    • / Reply

      Yes, Ms. Vicki ,bring on some jokes.
      I would first, have to look up the Statute of Limitations, to continue w/ some of my stories.

    • / Reply

      Laura J:

      Wow! The prices incredible! I hope these horses don’t disappoint their owner’s and trainer’s after paying those prices! Because then they become a liability and tend to be throw aways! And then where do they go? I pray they are all champions!

      Fingers and toes crossed for these beginners!
      GirlSaratoga

  21. / Reply

    @Pati…Samantha Nicole will be in the November Keeneland sale…doubled checked…also in that sale will be Lotta Rhythm…half sis to RA and SN’s mom

    • / Reply

      Dear Sign:

      Thanks for this link. The beautiful smiles on the faces of the riders and the horses looking so free and happy made me smile. Hugs, JB

    • / Reply

      Thank you for that link, I wasn’t able to get any video’s earlier, it said I needed to download silver fox, but now I can see all the video’s. THANKS !

    • / Reply

      Sign,
      Thank you so much for posting this.
      DVR’d the rides this AM but haven’t had time to watch them
      Good ride-except for hoof in water.
      Learning curve between new horse & rider shows.
      Hugs,
      Keta

      • / Reply

        Definately Keta.

        Was going to post Marge Engles second place on
        Indigo. It was a great ride by her. Falling and injuries
        Are a part of riding. If I had money for all the times
        I fell or was thrown off I’d be rich.

        Love Antares, think Mc Lain misses Saphire to have
        Such a quiet confident mare and a more high strung
        Guy is very different. Have to hold them back enough
        So they don’t get strong on back side and did not
        Work. You are right new partnership will get better.

        Derly and Eric look really good together. Saw some
        Of their videos prior to Olympics.

        Have you seen Mc Lain in person. He has been winning
        Grand Prix since his teens.

        • Sign,
          Yes, I have seen McClain ride. Actually first saw hime as a teen.
          My daughter rides, shows, & trains. Here is her profile

          Laura is a Nationally recognized rider and trainer. Laura’s unique talent reaches from teaching beginner riders all the way to training advanced riders through to National Finals.

          Her students compete in the “AAA” Shows and have qualified and ribboned in the Zone II Finals in such divisions as Marshall and Sterling Hunter and Jumper Finals, USEF Pony Finals, USEF Junior Hunter Finals, The Medal, Maclay, USET, and PHA Finals. These students have also gone on to Harrisburg and Washington under Laura’s tutelage. Proving her success, in the last 8 years Laura has been the Zone II Trainer of the Year three times!

          In 2005, Laura began expanding her business into importing and selling quality sport horses. Her horses have been hugely successful on the show circuits around the United States.

          Keta note: Throughout the years, she has been taught by some of the best.
          One was the “galloping grandfather” Harry deLeyer. He is known for the great rescue jumper known as Snowman. Many have referenced the book written about him.
          She has taken classes from George Morris & other greats.
          Always want to improve & learn.
          So, as a Mom, I have spent many hours ringside watching & listening.

          I rode when I was younger. Had a nasty accident in Chicago.
          Broke a couple of vertebrae in my back & in my neck.-very close to paralysis.
          Spent a year recovering in a brace & several years of rehab.
          This was in my early 30’s & I was a Mom with 3 children.
          My doctor (who was Arthur Godfrey’s orthopedic doctor) and more important , my husband asked me not to ride again.
          I listened & agreed. Never rode again.
          So, that’s the story!
          Keta

        • And a marvelous one Keta! (story,that is)
          My daughter will have to meet yours some day, I hope!
          I live vicariously thru my daughter and her stories keep me on top of the world.

          Thanks for sharing your story and daughter w/ us!

        • Here is the latest on Margie’s injuries July 6, 2012
          Show jumper Margie Engle is expected to be released from the hospital today following surgery on her right leg.
          Engle broke her ankle and the fibula on June 28 when she fell off on course in a 1.30m WPTZ News Channel 5 class at the Lake Placid Horse Show in Lake Placid, NY. “He misjudged a vertical and went through it,” Engle said after the incident, noting the mount was a catch ride, not one of her grand prix horses.
          Engle and Indigo were named ninth on the ranked list for the U.S. show jumping team for the 2012 Olympics.
          She underwent surgery July 5 at the Adirondack Medical Center in Saranac Lake, NY, and is expected to be out of the saddle for 14 weeks.

    • / Reply

      Sign, Thank you for posting this. Just beautiful! I have a question – do they have dressage “freestyle” in the olympics or do they just perform certain movements that they all have to do? Is freestyle in dressage something just for fun? Just trying to learn a little more. Thanks for all your posts!

      • / Reply

        Louise:

        I know this question was for Sign but they do have freestyle dressage, because I heard that will be on T.V. Thursday AM. They said the riders get to pick their own music, which sounds like fun! It will be a beautiful competition! Those horses and riders amaze me! I was watching their hand and leg movements today!

        Sorry to bust in on your question to Sign
        GirlSaratoga

        • Oh yes,
          Louise and GS,
          The freestyle dressage is really fun, they pick
          Great music even some rock music.

          Will look for some links for you. Some of the dressage
          Horses really move to the beat it is very fun.

        • The Freestyle dressage is Thursday. It isn’t part of the team competition, which was decided yesterday. The top 18 scores from the Grand Prix Special advance to compete in freestyle, with the Individual medalists to be determined.

          Something that makes me happy–Charlotte Dujardin, the top-scoring rider on the GB team, competes wearing a helmet.

          The individual jumping medals are being determined today.

        • GS, Sign, and Laura, Thank you all for the answers! GS, of course you didn’t “bust in”, I appreciate everyone’s knowledge! GS, I hope you found my message to you earlier, I forgot which page, but welcome back. Sign, I knew I could count on you! I’ll look forward to any freestyle links! Thank you Laura, hope I can see some of it! Thanks guys!

    • / Reply

      Dear Keta and Z Fans:

      Love the post on your daughter, Laura. Quite an accomplished horsewoman. Sorry for your serious injuries that led to not riding anymore, but so glad you recovered as well as you did.

      Sister of friend of mine in upstate N. Y. is now recovering from two surgeries due to her horse flipping and landing with her partly under him. Something scared him and he reared up. Many broken bones. Will be a long recovery process. She could really use our prayers.Hugs, JB

      • / Reply

        Judy,
        So sorry to hear this. She’ll have a long recovery.
        Will keep her in my prayers.
        There is so much to love about horses & riding–the spills are the down side.
        Never lost my love–hunters, jumpers, dressage, and, of course, racing.
        Bob & I spent a lot of time driving to lessons & to shows.
        Loved it all-even getting up at 4 am to go to a show.
        Just have feet on the ground now-more or less.
        Hugs,
        Keta

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    Keta:

    I think your right about being a “bit territorial”, some how I think he knows my love for race horses and that he was no longer wanted and to save him our barn took him in but probably really didn’t need or want him! And of coarse his feisty attitude didn’t help either, but I saw something in his eyes he wants to be good and valuable and appreciated, he has come a long way. I think people think they have to be tough on him because of his past, but he is no longer a race horse, so he needs and deserves a fresh start, leave the baggage at the door or should I say stall! He has a warm spot in my heart, and will continue to work with him so is loved by all!

    Be squeeze to you!
    GirlSaratoga

    • / Reply

      My daughter has poured her blood,sweat and tears into an OTTB this year. It has been quite a year, very emotional watching this transformation.
      This guy was mean,nasty and a biter. He now lays his head down, into my daughter for the love.He has become putty in her hands.
      Talk about a meeting of the minds and butting heads,wow.It was meant to be,thank you God!
      He is now a beautiful jumper and still has that race horse swagger when finishing his work.The tail swishing and head gestures say…I am the man,he is so proud.
      Many bumps,bruises,blisters,helments,wears and tears went into this horse.
      My daughter is leaving for college and I remind her…you can do anything now,after that challenge! Everything else will be peanuts,ha!

      Your LOVE alone will bring this guy around! Good luck w/ him GS. Your love for him will be rewarded.

      • / Reply

        Ann-Your daughter is very lucky to have you as a mother. Young people need encouragement rather than criticism.

        • TC,
          Thanks to all of you fine folks here, I believe I will make it thru the next couple of weeks. I can still see her,three years old,riding a pony and now,get ready world,ha! Fly away baby bird!
          TC, it really is an incredible thing,watching how a person can get into the mind of a horse.
          My wish for her…have a successful life, w/ that talent!
          Thank you TC. I was lucky to be blessed w/ her.

      • / Reply

        Dear Ann:

        Really enjoyed your post about your daughter and her OTTB. Thanks for sharing. Hugs, JB

    • / Reply

      Dear GirlSaratoga:

      God Bless you for all the love and kindness you have shown this wonderful horse. He’s bonded with you for sure. Hugs, JB

  27. / Reply

    GS,

    Really enjoying your posts, you have a lot of great knowledge to share with us about
    the horses that you work with. Thanks so much for sharing.

  28. / Reply

    GS and Z fans,
    Here is a really good article written by DVM/PhD on Whip use in TB racing.
    Lots and Lots of information, research and what is going on around the world
    and how certain tracks are structureing the kind used and why they are use.

    Hope you enjoy it !!!

    http://veterinarynews.dvm360.com/dvm/Veterinary+Equine/Whip-use-in-Thoroughbred-racing-Is-it-necessary/ArticleStandard/Article/detail/754721?contextCategoryId=47080

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    An alert for sales junkies: The Keeneland September catalog is now available on line. Life Is Sweet’s colt by Smart Strike is being offered. I wonder how much room I have on my VISA card…

    • / Reply

      Dear Laura J.:

      Thanks for this news. Have to check him out. Wish we have the resources to start our own partnership. Hugs, JB

  30. / Reply

    This has nothing to do with horses, but I just became aware of this. As a lot of you know, the NFL exhibition season is about to begin. The NFL is apparently locked in some kind of a labor dispute with the refs. Therefore, replacement refs will be working the exhibition games, excuse me pre-season games, which will include some female refs for the first time. Don’t know what kind of prior experience these refs have had, but the NFL typically hires college officials for this. I don’t know what to make of this, but the referee (the rest are called officials) had better be on his toes to intervene if things get rough. I remember that when a female umpire was being considered for major league baseball she was ridiculed for being incompetent. To me, an official or an umpire is just that. Females have the right to be considered for these jobs but I don’t know how this is going to work out.

    • / Reply

      Time will tell w/ this one, I spose TC.
      They had a female ref for the Olympic Boxing. Yes, I did watch, my son made me do it!
      She seemed to have it all under control.

      Personally, I was on campus the other day and the football team came walking by. Sweetness and I picked our jaws up,off of the sidewalk and were in awe.
      I asked her,do you need an umbrella for the rainy days,walking to class? Reply…no Mom,I’ll call one of those guys to carry me to class ,so my feet will not get wet.

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