SEMINAR UPDATE
By Terry and Judy Hancock
Where do I start? Well... in late January, about a year after I read - for
the second time - THE BOOK, Backyard Race Horse, I called Janet (again). This
time, my purpose in calling was to schedule a date to attend a seminar. Little
did I know that my wife and I would be able to "get in" in two weeks.
We only live about 15 miles from Janet and the farm so... lucky us!
Judy and I arrived on a Friday night after feeding our own brood, and arranging
for someone to take care of them for the weekend. Janet first gave us a brief
tour. Then we were off to eat supper, along with her daughter, Victoria. During
the first few hours we were able to reach into each others souls, finding
out just how much in common we had in our love for horses and the exciting
rigors of racing. We shared our experiences, including our disapointments.
It didn't take long for Janet to explain for us to "KEEP OUR REGULAR
jobs!" She made it very clear that this was NOT a get-rich-quick scheme.
After she found out that between Judy and I we had over 40 years experience
with horses, she knew that we understood that perfectly. Ha!
Saturday morning, after spending the night in the guest room (the accommodations
were great!), we were up by 7:00 a.m. for coffee, breakfast and out to feed.
(Judy and I certainly felt like we were home). We first got to inspect a young
filly that Victoria had worked the day before and we got to touch, feel, and
see the filling that accompanied the stress from the work the day before.
Janet gave us many different lessons in tack, feeding, and training that have
been successful for her over the past several years. (She also told us about
things that DID NOT work for her too!)
Next, we were in for a real treat. We didnıt get the normal walk through the
famous orange grove that most attendees receive. We saddled up! The four of
us rode the orange grove! And what a treat that was. I rode the young 3 year
old gelding that had begun his training. It was exciting to say the least.
Yet I felt Janet forgot to give me a saddle. I was so used to riding a horse
with something between us... with a horn on it... and the next thing I know
Iım on a racehorse with a small strip of leather between the two of us that
Janet called an exercise saddle. According to Victoria, Joe had been lazy
the previous day, but to me he didn't seem to possess a lazy bone in his body.
He was a great ride. And the time we all spent in the grove was a real treat
for Judy and I. Well... except for the silly looking helmet that Janet made
me wear. I certainly hoped no one saw me. Just kidding. Judy has pounded into
my thick skull that it makes no sense NOT to wear a helmet. There just are
too many potential dangers when riding these powerful animals, and we all
want a second chance in case something goes wrong. No matter what, we should
all be sure that we PRACTICE SAFETY.
Saturday evening, we reviewed films, and seemed to talk non-stop for hours.
It was a full day of learning and getting more information than I thought
possible in one day. I now know that I should have spent more time taking
notes instead of asking so many questions! Yet there wasnıt a minute that
I would trade.
Sunday again started early, but the day was to be much different. Race Day!
First though, we had to check the young filly that had filling the day before.
She changed. Most of the filling was gone, compared to the day before. It
was just as though we were reading pages of THE BOOK. Red Filly, as Janet
calls her, was to race on Sunday. We had prepared on Saturday, and Sunday
we "loaded up" and it was off to the track. We arrived at Tampa
Bay Downs, and Judy and I got to see (for the first time) the infamous "Backside."
I somehow, expected there to be much hustle and bustle, but to my amazement,
everything there seemed to be calm. Except me. I was more worried about being
late for the race, than Janet! The tacking up, making sure we had everything
(even ear plugs for Red Filly), and I carried the "channel" for
the "tack up". I felt the excitement, even though this wasnıt MY
horse. I knew then, our day will come, and the excitement will be even more
than this.
This wasnıt to be Red Fillyıs day, though Judy and I felt as though we had
already won. After the race, we still had work to do on the backside. Walking
the shedrow, cooling down Red Filly, and then loading up and heading home.
Of course, we had to stop on the way back and get some Donuts! This seems
to be a Del Castillo thing! Ha! Back at the farm, we unloaded and reviewed
the day. It had been a full day again.
Judy and I said our good-byes and headed home. For those of you who have not
attended a seminar, you must be asking "Was it worth the price?"
Well, I would have to say, that I feel as though, I will recoup all of the
expense of the seminar well before I ever get a horse of my own on the track.
I hope that it wont be long before that happens, but when it does, I know
that I will have used a lot of the planning, training techniques, and information
that Janet shared with us. This will let me know that when my horse walks
out on the track, he/she will be fit and ready to endure the physical and
mental effort that he/she will have to put forth to compete. And I will have
NO DOUBT that when the race is over, my horse will come off the track, not
necessarily the winner, but will be fit, sound, and (once back at the farm
for a few days rest and relaxation in the pasture) ready for another try.
That is all I can ask, knowing that I will receive ALL of the talent that
the horse has to give.
Now, in mid February, I have been to the track a few times to help Janet in
working and racing. I have my owners license, and hopefully in another month,
will have my own trainers license! I have been studying for the test and (with
Janets help) intend to take the test in March. This is a life long dream of
mine and everyday it just gets better. Our work has just begun with four brood
mares, two yearling fillies, and four stud fees this year. We are looking
for many years of successful breeding, training, and racing. I know that Janet's
effort has been very helpful to us and it will provide us with a solid foundation
on which to build.
Much success to all of you as well as Janet and Victoria! Thanks again, for
everything. We intend on using our new level of knowledge to help us be successful
BYHR'ers and we will always do what is best for our horses.
Terry and Judy Hancock
T&J RANCH
Plant City, FL 813-754-0477
email: TJRANCH@AOL.COM
I'm sorry to say Terry and Judy just found out they're moving to Dallas Texas! I'll miss them but they'll be a great contact in Texas with a ranch near the new Racetrack! Janet