PETA seriously needs to find something more productive to do than bother Eight Belles’ poor owners and trainer. I came across this today on the PETA site:
“Eight Belles’ trainer, Larry Jones, has admitted injecting the horse with Phenylbutazone–a powerful anti-inflammatory drug–just 27 hours before the Kentucky Derby, but no investigation has been undertaken to determine [...]

Posted in Horse Care, Horse News, Horse Racing, Jackie's Thoughts 8 Comments »

I know I’ll be holding my breath come 6:25 pm this Saturday, as will millions of people across the country, and probably the world. In just three days, will I see Big Brown race to the finish to become the first Triple Crown winner in my lifetime, more specifically in the last 30 years?
His chances [...]

Posted in Horse Events, Horse News, Horse Racing 1 Comment »

Triple Crown hopeful Big Brown experienced a supposedly minor setback this weekend when he developed a slight quarter crack on the inside of his front left foot. It has since been treated, and his farrier and trainer are confident that he will be in shape to run in the upcoming Belmont Stakes.
And he might even [...]

Posted in Horse Care, Horse News, Horse Racing, Jackie's Thoughts 13 Comments »

There’s a reason that it has been 30 long years since a horse has won the Triple Crown of thoroughbred racing: it’s nearly impossible.
In the 130 plus years that the Kentucky Derby, Preakness Stakes, and Belmont Stakes have been run, only 11 horses have managed to capture all three. Secretariat may be the most remembered [...]

Posted in Horse News, Horse Racing, Jackie's Thoughts 7 Comments »

Recently I’ve seen conversations cropping up more and more often about the benefits of barefoot trimming versus traditional shoeing. The natural hoof movement seems to be gaining ground slowly and surely, advocating the shock absorption and other benefits of an unshod hoof. Many horses with severe hoof issues have recovered and are now completely sound [...]

Posted in Horse Care, Horse News, Horse Racing 3 Comments »

The death of Kentucky Derby runner-up Eight Belles is just the highest-profile accident in a rash of incidents all across the equestrian industry bringing the safety of horses (and riders) to the forefront. I’ve talked a lot recently about the dangers of eventing. That’s been big news between Darren Chiacchia’s accident and several equine deaths [...]

Posted in Horse Care, Horse Racing 9 Comments »

At 6:04 pm this Saturday, 21 of the top 3-year-old Thoroughbreds will step into the gate at Churchill Downs for the running of the 2008 Kentucky Derby. People in big, wild hats will watch from the sidelines and infield clutching their betting tickets and cheering on their favorites. Millions around the world will tune in [...]

Posted in Horse Racing, Recommendations 3 Comments »