(Photo of Delta Storm, 2009 Breeders Cup Sprint, by John Chun)
This morning while assisting the groom in loading Delta Storm into a small two horse trailer, it occurred to me how trusting these athletes are. They are certainly used to trailering from one racetrack to another, and you hope that they will load easily. Of course, most times they are in large vans with several other horses, not a small trailer that must look oddly like a starting gate space.
This was the third horse in as many days that we have loaded onto a small trailer for their new adventure in life. And it got me to thinking how incredibly trusting race horses are. They go from person to person, not a question as to what will happen next, just assuming someone will take care of them at 4 a.m. or 4 p.m.. I felt wistful and a bit melancholy about the horses that load up not really knowing where they are going to next, but assuming at the end of the ride, someone is there to care for them. It's really all they know.
And I thought too of the tremendous responsibility The Second Race and hundreds of other groups and individuals place upon themselves to protect the horses after their racing days are over. To be sure its a daunting task day in and day out, but as I pinched Delta Storm's leg so he would bend it and I could place it on the step up trailer and help him steady himself as he walked on the trailer, it all seemed worth the trust his heart was putting in me at that moment.
I hope he and the others this week will be happy in their new lives.
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Very well said, Sharla...Have a great weekend!
ReplyDeleteWhat a wonderful sweet soul he is. He didn't want to get out of the trailer....think he wanted to come home with me.....lol. Maybe someday when I have green pastures he can come live out his life playing in them. I will go back and do some massages with him, help him get out of race track mode.....call me when you will be there and I will join you. Hugs to you lady....you work miracles and I am so happy to be a part of them.
ReplyDeleteLove and Hugs, Kendra
It's always so nice to be able to see them retired and enjoying the best of what life has to offer. :)
ReplyDeleteLike my guy here
Last night Kalookan Commando (which would be the fourth horse of the week), calmly loaded right up into the trailer for his new home. I was told he walked in like he knew exactly where he was going, and happy to go.
ReplyDeleteThe family that adopted him is so excited, they brought their children and there was a feel of celebration all around!
Wish they all could have such a send off.
Thanks to you Sharla, your support team, and your careful protocols, these trusting hearts ARE loading up to a good future, and it is so good to know that. Rock on...! Kitty
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