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.