The 2 onlookers have a look of disgust at seeing Clinton expecting praise for her presence there. The woman with the red hat behind her looks amused that Clinton would expect praise in that kind of get up and that rat's mess of a hair do.
Posted on 05/03/2008 4:21:34 PM PDT by SE Mom
I do not think there will be much difficulty. People don’t realize that the stewards have access to a variety of video cameras we TV watchers don’t.
People who think there could be some gain to be had from breaking a horse down after a race is over have been reading too many Dick Francis novels.
That is why I had to looked up info on the horse anatomy forelegs etc., before I posted here, as after I read some of these posts I could have sounded just like them. I had questions as well. But some never read all the posts, and should have definitely yours.
Emotion takes over reason. Ignorance breeds rumor.
I never really thought about:
"An interesting aspect of front limb construction in the horse is that the front legs are not connected to the rest of the skeleton. If one were so inclined, one could amputate the entire front leg—from scapula (shoulder blade) on down—without the scalpel ever touching bone. Instead of bone and joints, the horse’s front legs are connected to its body by a network of muscles, ligaments, and tendons."
Thanks for being "our expert" on this subject. Gives me a leg up (no pun intended) when discussion does arise with a friend, also an expert.
FReepers like you are much valued members on FR.
At this time, however, emotion may often dictate and reason just jumps out the window.
These owners, their families, trainers and staff love their horses. One owner had 60-foot Aqua-Tred submerged treadmills with water jets that forced heated water to massage muscles for race horse rehabilitation, as an example. Horse barns are nicer than most "human barns" ;).
Horses have been known to break their legs just running in their own pastures or on the range. The speed of a horse running on the free range is something to behold. I am sure you have seen this in documentaries, etc. The pain of a broken leg can instantly become unbearable.
Comments can be often made not in the interest of fairness or education but soley because the commentor feels superior as being THE "caring human", be damned the true stewards of horse health and safety which comes from direct responsible ownership and years of experience. Owners are, for the most part, caring human beings as well.
Just my Opinion as well.
No animal or human enjoys suffering. Horses aren’t sentient beings, so I can’t speculate on whether they would prefer to live a life unable to run or euthanasia. The physiology of horses makes life extremely difficult after broken bones in the legs. Barbaro had the best medical care money could buy and didn’t make it. He at least had a good leg to stand on. This is akin to asking whether a lifelong competitor would prefer to spend his days unable to do anything he enjoys rather than being euthanized. I can’t answer that question but I am certain you will find responses from both ends of the spectrum.
Again, with regards to horse racing, I can assure you the horses want very much to run. They don’t “have” to run; a horse that doesn’t run well or doesn’t want to run (rare as they are) won’t be made a racer. Horses often can’t wait to run, whether at the track or simply out on the pasture. You’re acting as if these animals don’t want to be doing what they’re doing and I know that isn’t the case. If the most advanced and intelligent beings on the planet willingly choose to compete in dangerous events, it is not at all a stretch to think animals built for running would choose to run.
The 2 onlookers have a look of disgust at seeing Clinton expecting praise for her presence there. The woman with the red hat behind her looks amused that Clinton would expect praise in that kind of get up and that rat's mess of a hair do.
Only at the Kentucky Derby are such overbites so commonly accepted.
We'll have to agree to disagree on this one, FRiend.
This isn't new to me. I have never liked horse racing (or racing any animal, for that matter) because I have never felt the animals have the choice not to race. I didn't just adopt this opinion yesterday. Thanks for the info, though.
Wow, that’s really a telling article and condemnation of Eight Belle’s owner. May he rot in hell.
You have never been to Kentucky and watched as those beautiful horses race each other across the fields. Week old foals run rings around the mares. Spend a spring in Kentucky and you will change your mind.
I’ve always thought that a REAL horse race should involve ONLY the horses. A track with corridors so they can’t cross in front of each other, straight run, fire a gun and open the gates to let them run. Fastest horse wins. No jockey, no maneuvering, just horses running.
I don’t want to know what goes on behind the scenes either, I like dogs waaay too much to hear about Greyhound racing.
Thanks, for Your opinion.
Perhaps,regarding the study of the anatomy of a horse's leg. "Instead of bone and joints, the horse’s front legs are connected to its body by a network of muscles, ligaments, and tendons."
Champions are not bred for soundness, only for speed," says my chosen expert on FR, ottbmare (see #78 for one ). See the FReeper's posts throughout.
http://www.thehorse.com/ViewArticle.aspx?ID=7317#anatomy and informational report overall.
However, Eight Belles was considered "A horse with proper conformation" (Kentucky thoroughbred racing columnist Paul Moran, April 30, 2008, even stated as such #29) is at much less risk for unsoundness when competing in arduous competition. Good conformation will help ensure long-term soundness. "Poor conformation" is a warning sign that something might go awry." Truly the horse is "one of Nature’s masterpieces. When something goes awry, however, the effect can be akin to an explosion in a closed room."
Sad day for all horse lovers, whether you enjoy racing or not.
I don’t at all object to Chelsea’s attire—I think it’s quite attractive and modest, and much better suited to the Derby than some of the low-cut outfits you see there sometimes. However, I absolutely agree with you that she is behaving like a complete fool. Celebrating herself and accepting attention at a time of tragedy shows that she was totally insensitive to the seriousness of the incident. Repellent young woman. And to think I used to like her. Huh.
I consider it a great compliment when people tell me that I’m being the voice of reason. That’s my hope every time I post. Don’t always succeed, but I’m hoping. Thank you.
My problem is starting 2 year olds when their joints are not tight enough for pressure racing and then the Derby at the beginning of the third year. It just seems too early.
I know there have been only a few breakdowns, but the potential is considerable.I had one filly I wouldn;t start until four.
My TB racing experience is limited - breeding and racing some cheap claimers back in the eighties, but I do love the horse with a passion.
(Quote)It's to the point where I can not watch the races anymore....I wait until the replays when I know what has happened.
They are breeding the horses too "light boned" now. That, plus they are racing them at such a young age. I don't even start riding until they are 2.5 - 3 years of age. They are racing these youngsters and SO many break down. It is so sad.
The industry has got to change. They have got to take the animal's age, conformation, etc. into consideration. Another incredible filly was lost....it put a damper on all the excitement of another Triple Crown hopeful. And Big Brown is an incredible horse.....to come from gate 20 to win by such a margin...incredible.
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