The Howie Chronicles

it's just a matter of degree. Horses are a risk, anybody can tell you that. You just have to decide what level of risk you are comfortable with. Some of us can tolerate much more than others. And that is very good for business. The Standardbred race horse business to be specific. In November of 2011, Hanover Shoe Farms sold a yearling colt for a record breaking $825,000 at the annual Harrisburg sale. Wow. Basically for the chance to win the Hambletonian. That's faith. That's dedication. That's seizing the moment. That's hope. That - is exactly what this breed needs. People who do it for the love of the sport...for all the right reasons. I was honored to work for Hanover during the sale and be able to show this spectacular horse. He was grand, in body and mind. I also loaded him on the trailer for John and Tom Cancellierre. These two brothers are just what racing needs, a breath of fresh air. I know they will enjoy their journey with this horse, wherever it leads. And I do sincerely hope to see them in the winners circle at the Hambo in 2013!

It was necessary, but it was gruesome. Howie had a sarcoid on his chest that had become ulcerated and infected and it needed to be removed. I confess, all these years and I had never had any experience with this. I think I had heard the word, sarcoid. But my experience with skin cancer is that it runs rampant in my family. Howie, you truly are family. So now as we inspect all of us every few months, I also have to keep an ever vigilant eye on Howie. Gee, that will be hard. He is eye candy after all. Fortunately, the incision did not tear apart, he is healing very well, we are back to riding, and things are moving forward - again. But last night, as I rode, he gave me 10 spectacular trot steps, and that was enough.... You really do have to relish the moments, they are precious.

I know, you look at Howie, see 16++ hands of very sport horse type, and don't think Morgan Horse. But au contraire. I finally came to this conclusion the other week and decided to test my theory, out came my little pelham bit. Amazing, what a lovely difference. He has always bent nicely from pressure at the poll, and a snaffle just wasn't getting the job done. I had to laugh when I put this pelham on, the shanks are barely 2 inches long, heck, it doesn't even come halfway down his mouth. But it works. I can keep a very light contact and he gets his security and I get my nice frame. I had gotten him two different Myler bits, but he didn't like those. Maybe it's the curb chain, I think it the light pressure he gets on his poll. Whatever the reason, I will just sit up and enjoy the ride.

It was overdue. Way overdue. Howie has struggled with a bad stifle all his life and it was time to find out just how bad it was. We tried chiro, we tried long, low and forward, we tried hills, we tried special shoeing, we tried all the usual therapies but it was still locking up. And Howie had finally had enough. He was starting to get grumpy, Howie? really? And he was starting to get resentful under saddle. I don't blame him, it hurt. So off we went to the big-time lameness vet to see just how bad things were. I wasn't sure if it was good or bad when he looked at me and said "He's really sound!" Jeez, a 2 1/2 hour trip and will it all be for naught? We couldn't make him catch, I wasn't surprised. So off we go to ultrasound. The joint is fine, the ligament is lax, as expected. The joint is fine, the joint is fine, the joint is fine, that was all I could hear. I was so worried that after all these years there would be major damage to the joint. I guess my being conservative and letting my horse slowing grow up worked in my (and his) favor. So an internal blister and back home with instructions to "go ride!, get back to work!" was the best possible news anyone could ask for. Howie is already back to his happy, willing self.

My dear friend, who is half my age, brought her horse to the barn this week so my shoer could trim him. I still remember a tiny little girl with a half bad pony but all the desire and determination were there. Oh how far she has come! I am so proud of her. It hasn't always, maybe never, been easy. But she has persevered and is reaping the benefits. Her current horse is lovely and will be a wonderful partner for her for many, many shows to come. It is hard to look at her and not see myself many years ago. I wish I could spare her some of the pain she will certainly suffer. But I know there will be many, many more hours and days of happiness, and pure joy awaiting her. I am passing the baton, I will be watching those victory passes!