READERS FORUM - PART TWO

Dear BYRH

I have always believed in the methods that you go by. This is the most enjoyable and nicely illustrated book I have ever had the pleasure to read. You should be very proud to have had the knowledge, experience, and ability to write and illustrate so plain a book. I am a strong believer in the Nearco, Nasrullah, and Bold Ruler line. I like other great lines too. I like a horse that has a wide jaw (at least four fingers) and has room for a good throat and a large heart. We want good conformation-we'd like a filly bred for speed but also stamina. We'd like the bottom to fall into Hyperian-Princequillo-Ribot- Graustark-Round Table lines. WE have been very fortunate to have had the wisdom and foresight to have bred excellent stock. -with speed, stamina, endurance, and conformation. I have enjoyed engaging in this conversation with you! I wish you and your family the best of Luck!

Sincerely Jim L. Bacus
Flint, Michigan

You have apparently been in the business a long time...we'd all like to hear how you have done! How about more info? Thank you for you comments.-editor

Dear BYRH,

What a wonderful, informational, and enjoyable book to read. As a newcomer to the racing game- this previous year -my brother and I purchased a horse. If I knew then what I know now, she (4 year old filly with heart) would still be healthy and running again this year at the Fingerlakes meet in New York. Instead she is retired to her trainers farm with a tear in her knee joint. Too bad because she had heart and talent. But reading your book gave me a new insight about the industry and about how it works. I will continue reading more because some day I want to go from a partial owner to a trainer myself. It is something I always wanted to do. Do you think the industry is too tough? I would like any advice you have for someone like me who does want to become a trainer. My brother and I will try again this year to become successful owners. Because of your book, I did not get discouraged. Please send me your newsletter quickly.

John N.
Rochester, NY

John, if you do your homework and apprentice with a solid horse trainer, you will be ready to take on the industry. Continue reading about every aspect of the horse (Equus Magazine is an excellent source for solid horse information) and it would be good for you to attend the Horse symposiums, clinics etc. that are offered in your area (usually through the extension service connected with the University). Any kind of "horse management" courses will enhance your basic knowledge and enable you to be more informed when you go into the Racing Industry...Generally, if something is not good for a horse, it's not good for a race horse! Keep me informed of your progress!.editor

Dear BYRH,

As always I enjoyed the Fall/Winter issue of Backyard Race Horse. So sorry to hear about First Prediction. My heart goes out to you. We started our first horse as "the trainer" and had a great time. The horse was slow...he ran fourth in one out in four starts but you could see that racing wasn't the career for him. The nice thing was that he was a peach to do business with and a great one to start with. He is now living with a friend in Colorado where he might do three day eventing...but nothing too serious...basically he likes being a slob. We got another colt going...a three year old but basically didn't get him started before the meet shut down....just the usual delays...hot shins, snotty nose, bruised foot, etc.

Hopefully he will be over the beginners' setbacks when we start back on him in the spring. He shows some potential if being a tough ass____ accounts for anything! Keep up the good work...your ideas are great!

Leslie Hubble
Stroud Oklahoma

It was nice to hear from Leslie. She had come to a seminar previously and the best thing about her letter is that when she gave her race horse every opportunity to race and he didn't show natural talent, she didn't run him to the ground. There is a tendency to try "stuff" like medications or over training to somehow get more out of the horse. We must remember that only the exceptional horses can race time and again and give their all to win. If the desire is not there, it is hard to trick the horse into being competitive and with no talent you're really wasting your time. I'm glad the horse was able to have another life and was not broken down in the process of race training. That happens all too often. I expect to hear good things from Leslie and her husband Tom! editor

Dear BYRH,

Hi, got the pack of newsletters and will distribute them around here. After taking our colt out for his first speed work, he just had his first out at LA Downs with a trainer. Broke well, bobbed when clods hit him in the face, then went waaay wide in the turn. Learned allot, looks good. We have Stroll at the training track now, prepping her ourselves, and having a great time! This is the filly that jerk (female) but still a jerk, almost killed. Turned her in almost 22 degrees, then fractured pastern in only start. NO MORE!! WE CAN DO THIS!!! A Doctor and a Dancer can train this filly! Actually, our exercise rider is saving our butts! We told him up front with Compy, that we needed help, and Walter has been a jockey for thirty five years. His wife, a patient of mine, has her trainers license, and took a bad spill a few months ago. Just coming back. Anyway, we're working a deal when the track opens in a week. Stroll will move to the track and we'll do what we're doing now with her. Gallop during week, come back into double stall and turnout paddock and then back.

When speed work, will come home for two to three days and then back. This is a happy horse with this schedule. Today when I opened the trailer from the track, she leaped out about twenty feet and buried her head in the grass.

Janet, I'm involved with a group called horsefaces that hauls rescued horses to their new homes. Sort of a patchwork quilt of whoever can haul a horse a few miles or put up a horse over night- maybe with hauler-whatever. If you or anyone you know is interested, can sure use help. Please contact Horsemil@aol.com re:horsefrien Thanks for the new book-we're learning every day!

Sandy Montgomery and Joee Schapiro
Cypress Texas

I always love hearing from these two. What a combination! A Dancer and a Chiropractic Physician! Their combined knowledge of training and treating the body helps them in their common sense approach of the horse training. No one said it was easy but by observing and listening to their horses they are evolving a program that works for them. I love that they are hauling in for works but taking horse home between works. That way he gets the race track experience and routine but is allowed to frolic in between times. Stick to your guns, girls, and you'll develop a sound, healthy horse who can run for years if he has the speed to justify a racing career! editor.

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