Wintersteen Arabians Web Log (Blog)

Wintersteen Arabians Blog

The following is Jeff Wintersteen's blog of informal thoughts, journal entries, ideas on Polish breeding and daily life on a small family run Arabian farm in Colorado. Your comments are welcome: comments.

May 4, 2008

The tragedy that befell Eight Belles left me despondent and sleepless last night. Other than my family, there is nothing I love more than our horses. I also have a dark secret, I love horse racing. I love the simple elegance of an exercise saddle, a cool morning at the track hearing the muted sound of galloping horses on soft earth. I love the power of a horse under me, bowing the neck into the bridle, begging to go faster. I love the look of a fit horse, dapples lying on thin skin over the defined muscles. My horses love it too, and please don't try convincing me otherwise until you see our Emaranta prance back to the barn with her tail over her back after running a personal best third, or our colt Pejczyk that carried on for a month after his win. My *Pepton daughter lived her racing career for running as fast as she could, every stride she could despite our efforts to persuade her otherwise at times.

How then do you morally reconcile this tragedy that transpired to the beautifully fast gray filly? It was a question that kept turning over in my mind last night. Fortunately, I realized, the Polish masters have already provided direction.

The modern Thoroughbred is descendent from three Arabian sires. It was the Arabian frame coupled with the powerful engine of the English domestic horse that produced a lighter and faster horse. Over the centuries, breeders have endeavored to produce horses that can win races, and little other goal. Today, it is more complex with some breeders breeding for racing and others for a commercial market at auction where early speed and fashionable pedigree is paramount to bring high prices. The common denominator remains speed, however, for proof just leaf through the latest issue of the Bloodhorse. "Soundness" and "stamina" are words that rarely find their way into an ad for the leading sires. Also, the industry standard of "under tack" two year old sales means the prospect has little hope of bringing top dollar if it can't demonstrate an eighth of a mile in 10 seconds and change – this in the spring of their two year old year.

The modern Polish Arabian also owes its most important qualities to racing, the decades testing on the track of Lvov then Warsaw. It simply would not be the horse it is today without these rigors. By contrast, however, the race track was never a means to the end. The key words used by the Polish Directors are "stamina", "courage" and "soundness", with no emphasis on speed. The philosophy is outlined in the words of Zenon Lipowicz in his article Arabian Horse Racing in Poland and of how Poland reacted when confronted with a differing philosophy:

It was decided that the Arabian races in Poland would not have maximum speed as the chief goal, but would serve to systematically condition the horses, as well as to select for soundness, courage and stamina. Premises adopted for racing Arabians in Poland were: (1) Arabian horses would race relatively long distances; (2) they would race while carrying heavier weights; (3) they would begin racing as three-year-olds; and (4) the classic races such as the Derby and Oaks would be organized for four-year-olds. Bogdan Zientarski, stud manager for Prince Sanguszko, developed an elaborate system of organizing races, so successful that the number of race days, races, participating horses, and purses increased year after year. Travelling in France in 1929, Zientarski discovered not only a 40-year history of racing, but racehorses far superior to the Polish Arabians. He imported a number of French horses, including an excellent colt, Nedjari 1926 (Nibeh DB x Nedjarine). When the imported French Arabians began winning on the Polish tracks, Zientarski eliminated the mares tracing to the old Sanguszko family lines from the breeding program. However, the Ministry of Agriculture and private breeders favored the original Polish type, highly prized for its great beauty and refinement, which was lost when the Polish Arabian was crossed with the French horse. Therefore, the T.H.K.A. ruled that the French Arabians and their progeny could not participate in classic races.

One could argue effectively that the ruling to deny French Arabians saved the Polish Arabian from morphing into something other than the horses we know today. As Eight Belles reminds us so brutally, we face the same danger today, however, by allowing to Arabian racing follow the path of the French and Thoroughbreds. To breed entirely for speed, ignoring soundness and other worthy attributes of the Arabian, is to put the animals we cherish so much at risk. Regardless of the money or laurels afforded the winners, it is morally repugnant to do so.

April 27, 2008

I love Derby week -- the works, the speculation, even more enhanced with some phenomenal websites like www.kentuckyderby.com. A few days ago, Nick Zito worked Cool Coal Man in company with Coal Man's designated rider, Julien Leparoux, on the opposing mount. Zito said he wanted Julien, "to be able to see his horse rather than be on top of him." This logic had me scratching my head till we repeated our previous workout at Soaring Eagle from 12 days ago, with Kara and I also switching mounts. As we let the girls extend the last quarter I had a growing appreciation of Katie and of Zito's reasoning.

Training race horses, or any type of horse for that matter, is learning how to "listen" to what your horse is telling you. Katie has, for the last couple weeks, been trying to tell me something I haven't been able to hear. She has been a bit agitated in her gallops, throwing her head and finding reasons to spook. From checking teeth, changing up the warm up to try and help relax her in the gallops -- we are ticking the boxes to find some solutions. Katie was perfect today and told me, I am starting to hear what she has been saying.

As any breeder knows, most horses need to go down the drive way at some point, never to return. This is not always an easy task, and finding the "perfect home" can be even more challenging in the current market of decreased demand. Count Enchantor as one of the lucky ones, the tall 2 year old *Ecaho colt finds a new home we couldn't be happier with. May all our foals be so blessed.

April 15, 2008

The fragility of life became brutally apparent yesterday when my cell rings 500 miles away from home. It was one of our clients who just arrived at the farm to find Pejczyk hobbling along in the north pasture. He had torn a huge chunk of his right front foot and hoof completely away. With nobody home, she wanted to know what she should do. I heard myself rattle off in a mechanical voice immediate instructions to help stabilize the situation, and then listed off the vets to call in order of importance -- their numbers written on the whiteboard by the tack room. As I hung up to let her attend to my directions, a feeling of complete helplessness washed over me because of my geography, and quite frankly feeling utterly afraid of what this might mean. A horse's foot is, quite literally, his life. Derby winner Barbaro taught us all that without four sound limbs, survival is simply not a reasonable possibility for our equine counterparts. I can't help but think of Pejczyk's impact on our farm and lives, as he is unequivocally the foundation on which everything has been built. Beyond Pejczyk's obvious phenotype and genotype, he also has the "uncommon generosity" which goes to our deep emotional attachment to this animal. The last 24 hours have been a roller coaster of emotions till this morning when Dr. Gaughan, equine surgeon at Littleton Large Animal Clinic, pronounced, "he probably dodged a bullet" and has a good prognosis for full recovery. Certainly this does not mean Pejczyk is out of the woods, nor does not mean that there will not be significant challenges over the next nine months that will take to recover, but we happily accept this opposed to the unimaginable darker alternative.

April 6, 2008

Early morning as I roll down I-25 under an azure blue sky just south of Castle Rock. This is one of my favorite areas of this state -- the table top buttes, rocky outcroppings, expanses of rolling grassland dispersed by forests of ancient ponderosas. All of this in the shadow of Pikes Peak looming in the distance, still covered in winter snow. Zebulan Pike "discovered" the mountain in 1806, though the indigenous Kiowa, Arapahoe and Cheyenne would probably dispute that claim. The mountain inspired Katherine Bates' America the Beautiful "... above the fruited plain..." line -- certainly an important piece of Americana. My destination is the Soaring Eagle Ranch a few miles to the east, an expansive 225 acre farm owned by Jane and Ray Teusch, fixtures of Arabian racing in Colorado. The Teusch's have also been generous with the use of their facility, even to those who are essentially their competitors. They know a rising tide lifts all boats large and small.

The plan is to gallop the girls -- Katie and Emaranta -- 2 miles letting them stretch out the last quarter. This will serve two purposes 1) getting some speed into them and 2) letting Kara who will have the mount on Emaranta get the feel of opening her up. Emaranta defies an appropriately eloquent description as she is trotting out in the warm up with her neck bowed in the bridle, and pushing off her rear end in a beautifully dappled gray coat. Kara sitting her perfectly completes the picture.   When we get to the final turn of the final mile, Katie and I have a two length advantage but it disappears in two ground inhaling strides when Kara clucks to Emaranta. With Katie's lack of foundation and a 30 pound disadvantage, the two explode by us and are gone. I have to yell up the track to have Kara ease her, Emaranta's legs always in the back of my mind. When Katie and I finally catch up, Kara can't hide her grin - no doubt my niece will soon be a better rider than I ever will.

Maks also goes for a mile jog/ gallop just as easy as you please. He is a little studdy, and unsure of unfamiliar surroundings, but exemplary other than that. Certainly forgivable, first time ever ridden off the farm. He continues to do nothing wrong, legs still stone cold in the morning, so we will continue to go forward.

Last bit of news for the week is the birth of Pejczyk's first half Arabian foal, out of a Quarter Horse mare. The palomino colt has been dubbed "Peyd N Gold", can't argue it isn't fitting. The breeder is ecstatic, must say to me the color was a little shocking, however, the trademark poll and tight ears say it is a Pejczyk. The Poles have bred Anglo-Arabians for centuries and still do, also use their Arabian sires to improve the local horse population. Stands to reason a Polish sire in the western US would cover a Quarter Horse - the cowboy in my father is tickled to no end.

March 22, 2008

An unseasonable early chill in the air as I stood this morning under a cloudless sky in the north pasture, knit cap pulled down low and the collar of my jacket turned up. I could hear Katie's hooves striking the soft earth and the rhythmic snorting of her breathing drifting through the quiet. Kara was galloping her on the uphill section of our "track" for the third time, past my vantage point and under my scrutiny. My 15 year old niece has been given the okay from her parents to being an exercise rider at the track, today was her first go at taking one of the race string out for their morning gallop. Katie was a animated, wanting to open up a little more than Kara was letting her. Kara did a great job keeping her under wraps. For her second mount, I gave the okay to stretch Emaranta out a little more the last lap. Emaranta was bending into the bridle and kicking up dirt as she dug up the hill. When the duo trotted back I could see the hint of a smile underneath Kara's helmet, proof enough of the enjoyment for both.

Last weekend we took Pj and Emfatyk down to the Horse Expo to sell breedings to the former, just plain sell the latter. A decent amount of traffic and certainly some interest, but still two in the trailer home. Pj certainly relishes this role and was on his absolute best behavior. Stood like a 25 year old gelding for pets, carrots, and endless questions from the youngsters. He also waited patiently our turn to present for the Breed Parade, but as soon as they announced his name, tail went up and he snorted in -- an 11 year old warrior that knows the score and willing to do his part.

Maks is doing even better in the long lines, and already been ridden around the track by himself. Can't believe how attached I have become to this colt and how much I see his father *Ganges in him. Has that "show me once then I got it" attitude, he is on the sale list, but secretly hoping the others go first.

February 22, 2008

Just returned to home after a 5 week trip that ended in Japan.   Great country with friendly people but made me acutely aware I am a western American in my soul. After a week of close quarters in that island nation, I finally felt I could breath again in the wide open spaces of the Colorado plains. Beautiful day with temps in the high 50's and the front range blanketed in white from one of the best winters for snow in a decade.

Chores for today are the getting the farm's racing string out for some jogging - called "legging up" in race track vernacular, getting the joints, tendons and soft cartilage ready for the upcoming gallops. Emaranta seems unsure about getting back to work after a winter break but Katie now seems to understand her role and is into the bit, straining to go. She seems more mature and developed as a four year old, and I have no doubt I will have a my hands full with her gallops.

I also climb aboard our three year old *Ganges colt Maksimum for the first time. The round pen is still full of snow so made due in the arena with mom holding him on the lead. Already he is doing great bitted in side reins and he never moved a muscle as I mounted as lightly as I could muster. Maks is also filling out and I am quietly optimistic about his chances for success.

Decided a week home with the family before my next trip was better than rushing down to Scottsdale, doesn't mean we aren't in touch with the news though. Baske Afire sells to Strawberry Banks farm for 2.8 million, we couldn't be happier with the buyer -- great stallion and great farm. A couple nationals back I was there with Flynn who was only a few months old at the time. As my parents were talking with Brian Murch, Barbara couldn't resist slipping over to talk kids rather than horses. I told her tongue in cheek that I just bought Flynn a t-shirt that said "Egyptians Make Me Cry!" She brightened and asked where, then laughed when she realized I was only kidding. Strawberry Banks has their priorities right: family, honesty and the welfare of the Arabian horse first and foremost... if they can make a sale that would be great too. They deserve all the success they can handle.

November 27, 2007

It was a beautiful day in Colorado for Thanksgiving. A dusting of snow and temps in the mid 30's, but in the still dry air, the sunshine makes it feel warmer. The big activity of the day besides eating, of course, was a trail ride with 14 friends and family on 12 of the farm's horses. The idea originated with mom, Kara and Tisa and they did a bulk of the organizing. No small task when one considers matching horse, rider, saddle and tack. They labored a few hours making lists and putting together bridles.

Not all of the riders were experienced, nor were all the horses for that matter. The riders ranged from 4 to mid 70's, the horses from 3 to 22. What made me even prouder were three of the horses had spent their summer on the track, a testament to the soundness of mind and disposition of a well trained race horse.

My son insisted on riding our 7 year old mare Brilliance who has raced his entire four year old life. He has only known going to the track for her important morning works, cheering her in "our colors" Saturday afternoons in Colorado, or via simulcast during her two autumn campaigns in Texas. As an esteemed member of the family, she certainly occupies that same place in his heart that an older sibling who was the varsity quarterback would. No surprise when he has his choice of mounts, it is always Brilliance.

November 19, 2007

Any equine evaluation, with the exception of a work at the track, is done purely from a subjective point of view. When you say, "that horse is well coupled, or great length of leg", it is not because of some objective measurement. Our 2 year old *Ganges colt Maksimum is just beginning some initial ground work for starting under saddle. We have always considered him to the be the longest necked individual the farm has ever produced. Today I add objective proof to that subjective assessment. Our side reins which have been used on every other horse on this farm are too short for this stretchy guy. I need to swing by the feed store for some bungee and scissor clips, that along with some electricians tape and we are good to go.

There is no doubt that Maks loves to run, a fact he demonstrates daily after he is turned out. The other colts and gelding soon tire of his game of "follow me" and turn bystanders. Doesn't matter, Maks still churns out the laps around 30 acres. I hope he makes the connection to this love of gallops when he steps on the track for the first time this spring.

The *Ecaho colt is also coming three but acts more like an 18 year old gelding that has seen it all. My niece has started him under saddle. When dad explained to our reining trainer what this 15 year old was doing, he said, "don't take that horse to a trainer, they will just ruin him." Considering the source, words to contemplate. Kara and I talked about Emfatyk getting his shot at the track this summer too, since my parents gave the nod, he is now on "work list". The easy ones like this don't take that much trouble to see if they have any talent, it is the difficult ones you may never have the patience to find out.

October 27, 2007

The adobe steeple rolls by on our way down Raton pass, remnants of an 1700's era Spanish mission framed in golden cottonwoods and burnished scrub oak. My son asks for the fourth time in as many minutes if we are still in New Mexico, and finally receives a different answer... we are back in Colorado. It is bittersweet return from the last US Nationals in Albuquerque, we celebrated the previous night with a traditional meal at the Church Street Cafe in Old Town.

We also said our goodbyes to the legend *Elandra. She is off to her new purchaser in Australia, her Reserve Championship did not diminish her worth in my eyes however. George Z took us back to her stall where she was being measured for a life size bronze by noted sculptor Judy Nordquist -- fitting praise. Both my son and niece fed her some carrots, first time they were able see her in the flesh. My niece, now 15, noted she thought *Elandra would be a little deeper in the chest for a mare that ran second in the Oaks. There is a candor about her that makes me smile.

We also witnessed the crowning of the newest legend from the distinguished family of Emigracja, great granddaughter *Emandoria. She won easily and unanimously in simplistic fashion. I have a growing respect for Greg Gallun and his handling of these Polish masterpieces. Michałów can now stow this trophy next to her World Championship trophy from last year, and her mother's a few years before that. To think of it in those terms, it is hard to over exaggerate the accomplishment. My son certainly liked her the best, I doubt however because of superior equine appreciation, due more to her name or maybe the sleezy she was wearing as he fed her carrots. To a 4 year old, she must have looked like the super hero she is.

October 9, 2007

For hundreds of years for farmers in the west, fall has always meant putting up hay for the winter. We carry out the tradition on a beautiful October day -- 135 bales to a load. Only forty five degrees this morning meant digging out the Carharts buried since spring, but by mid morning we are down to t-shirts and drinking long pulls from the water bottles - one cup of morning coffee was a poor choice for today's chore. My brother recently retired from the Air Force and moved his family back to build a house in the north forty. His labor is welcome and makes this task easier for my father and I than previous years. An overflow of horses means the hay barn has been converted to stalls, which also means the hay is now outside needing to be covered. My four year old son Flynn proudly climbs the stack to help hang tarps, and asks innocently, "Are you guys sure the horses will eat all of this?"

After a break for a snack, mom, son and grandson go for a ride. I get Brilliance saddled honoring my commitment to help her cope with her retirement from racing. Brilliance had been playing musical stalls, but now more comfortable with the older mares. Maybe she just wanted away from the "kids barn." Flynn rides Godiva alone in the arena while we get ready. Not the first grandchild Godiva has been entrusted with. When my niece was about the same age she would shimmy up Godiva's leg like a pole to get in the saddle. At that point we figured Godiva was broke. She can no longer carry a foal to term, but Godiva's role on the farm isn't any less important. My mom rides Melissa and I smile at thought of two grandmothers taking the younger generation for a ride. With more confidence than his experience warrants, Flynn doesn't want Granny to pony him as we head out to the pasture, I patiently tell him his time will come. My son chatters on, Godiva flicking her ears back every now and then, wondering if this is something she should pay attention to. The temperature is pushing high 60's, and the sun feels warm on my back. I soak in the moment, committing it to memory for future years.

September 21, 2007

This is my favorite time of the year in Colorado. The high plain's cottonwoods are just starting to hint at the luminous gold they will soon turn -- higher up, the aspen are already there. The nights are cool and finally back to some decent sleeping weather. The days are filled with pleasant sunshine, something to soak in rather than avoid like in August. The sky has also turned an azure and completely cloudless blue that has made the state famous.

I resolve to try and help Brilliance settle into retirement before the first snow, hopefully a few bareback rides and some trips to explore new trails will be just what is needed. No doubt my tall bay mare is not handling being unemployed very well right now. "She is just feels too good, doesn't know what to do with herself," my father reports. Brilliance ran her 16th and last race in July. She had been cording up in the race -- certainly a painful, both to experience and to watch. Since Brilliance was 7 years old and already proved she can win, I wanted to do right by her, and called it a career. Seems now I probably should have had this discussion with Brilliance before I made my decision.

On the track, Brilliance was a serious filly, always attacking her morning workouts. When I say attack, it is also not some overly dramatic description, but entirely accurate having been on the receiving end of her gallops. I remember once we were going for an "easy" two miles, but rounding the clubhouse turn after the first mile, my calves were cramping, I was drenched in sweat and to make matters worse was, starting to lose a stirrup. Brilliance was still on the bit and I was having serious doubts about making it by the gap where my fellow trainers watch with any sort of dignity. I did, but the various scenarios of how that could have ended up still make me smile.

She gives me that look right now that seems to ask "Why aren't we training? What did I do wrong? I know I can still win!" It makes my heart ache, this filly has given me her life every time I asked. I wish I could explain this isn't punishment, but trying to protect her. I don't think the looks will stop, however, till she has something else to occupy her time. Maybe a foal by her side will do just that.

September 4, 2007

I can finally feel fall in the early morning air, the chill is fleeting, but promises an end to the dog days of summer. The fall show is over and, as with any show, we had both our successes and disappointments. The successes will be remembered by garlands, photos and ribbons hanging in the tack room, the disappointments for only a week more. At the moment, however, the most overwhelming feeling is fatigue. We are not a "below the sidewalk" farm -- a tongue in cheek term coined from a funny encounter at Albuquerque a couple years ago. It refers to the reserved box seats that are below the walkway in Tingley arena, we have always had general admission tickets. Because we are not a "below the sidewalk" farm, it means WE actually do everything -- from setting up the drapes, multiple trips hauling horses, to on our knees sanding halter horse's feet. When the Wednesday to Sunday (not counting prep days) show was over we had a labor day picnic at the farm trying to re-charge our batteries. Only my 4 year old still had energy reserves to show off by driving his John Deere gator no handed to the delight of the family.

In all we had 8 (3 were client's) horses that showed in halter and performance classes. Our row won four championships in the Colorado Breeders Cup (CBC), a number of class wins and a championship in the class A show. Our blue collar filly Katie picked up a check in both her halter and hunter pleasure class. That she went from the track to a controlled hand gallop in the show ring with a just turned 15 year old in the irons a week later is testament to a 3 year old with a great mind. Overall, between clients and farm horses, our horses pocketed over $13,000 in CBC payback-- an astonishing amount that will take the sting out of the numerous costs of training and showing. In most ways, the money was spent before we arrived, we are only acting as the middle man with someone else's cash.

The next week will be spent getting long needed video of sale horses, sending out stallion DVD's and all the other tasks put on hold as we prepared for the show. I am looking forward to the more casual pace of fall, maybe start a few 2 year old colts in the long lines, and of course, a return to Tingley and our "above the side walk" seats.

August 8, 2007

The summer heat is back but we had a brief break from a monsoonal flow out of the Gulf of California that brought a daily drenching for more than a week. It was a welcome respite, but for a semi-arid land that is not used to so much moisture the torrents of rain washed everything in its path. Therefore we needed to tractor in more sand (which is in great supply on the farm from the sometimes dry creek beds) for the round pen. The pastures are waist high though, a beautiful sight in an afternoon breeze.

The summer race season is all but over -- one weekend left but no races for our fillies. Means we need to swing through and clean out the tack stall, pick up papers, silks and settle any accounts. No horses will make the fall trip to Texas as Brilliance did last year. The economics of $900 a month plus vet bills means a filly needs to finish first or second every race. Texas is a deeper pool than Colorado -- need to know they can swim before we throw them in.

This doesn't mean the work is over, already for the last couple months the farm has been in full swing with the show string getting ready for the Colorado Breeders Cup -- all the Pejczyks and *Ecahos are eligible, plus a *Ganges colt to show in the Open. While I have been toiling at the track, my niece and contract trainer have been working these horses. With track horses done, I can help out conditioning the halter colts, a *Ganges and an *Ecaho -- both two years old. They have been turned out "Polish style" with the other males on the farm. The nicks and bruises are testament to a playful summer. They will be separated now for the remaining few weeks to "clean" them up a bit. Their forelocks are half way down their faces, manes long, definition on their flanks... I like their look already. (We will debate later whether to clip bridle paths though I know how I will vote!) In this heat doesn't take long to work up a sweat under the neoprene in the round pen. I have also been schooling them, always a difficult task. No secret what most trainers will do to get that "hard stand up". Besides just the ethics of the behavior, I can't find it in me to violate the trust these colts have shown in me. So while I won't ever hit them, with some hissing, a "scary broom", etc, I am slowly getting them to tighten up their bodies and show. I guess the proof of my efforts will come in front of the judge.

Katie is still in training, but of a different type. She got her gate approval and was ready to race, just didn't get a start before the end of the meet. She did every thing right, but we didn't want to rush her. "Only three," dad says, "we do right by her and she will right by us." Next year we hope will be her time to shine, both racing and at Sport Horse Nationals. No rest yet as she will go to back to the halter ring to help her sire earn stallion award points for the CBC. Quite a summer so far as she won Regional Reserve Champion in SHIH -- a blue collar filly that has already done "right by us" and the backbone of the farm.

July 27, 2007

Colorado is Spanish for "colored red", a name derived by Conquistadors in seeing the Fountain Formation -- a brick colored band of sandstone that runs north to south across the state. It was pushed to the surface 230 million or so years ago when two continents collided, giving birth to the Rocky Mountains. An appropriate name, not only in its description, but hints at the history of this southwest state. Certainly Colorado can be categorized a variety of ways, but a few miles south of Colorado Springs the names tell the tale: La Junta, Pueblo, La Veta, Alamosa, Salida, Buena Vista, Durango, Cortez, and so on.

Sitting in an airport again which is a large part of my nomadic lifestyle, I am trying to make it home for early morning gallops. Thunderstorms in Charlotte seem to have other plans. I bide my time by reading the Wall Street Journal about potatoes rotting in the fields outside Twin Falls. I have driven that stretch of interstate in the evening dusk, irrigation pipes spraying the Snake river onto green fields that stretch to the horizon -- the organic smell of earth and humidity in the warm summer air brings a smile at recollection. The farmers' plight is caused by increased border patrols in Arizona that are keeping their work force from making it north -- proof enough even legal Americans don't want this work. We have seen the same situation closer to home, the backside has less good hands this summer and riders are in demand. Legal or not, they are good horseman and the backbone of the industry. Trying to find replacements that will work 14 hours - 6 days a week, sleep in the tack room, clean stalls, and have the skill to tape a horse on race day is near impossible. Hard working men that make their way back to wives, children and parents south of the border when the meet is over.

Years ago I groomed for a National Showhorse barn to get some experience. I soon found out my value was not in my skills, but that I had a drivers license. One of my first tasks was driving a full 12 horse trailer from the farm to the show facilities outside Denver. I was accompanied by Felix, a young man about my own age. He was the right hand of the barn's trainer, spoke little, when he did it wasn't in English. From cleaning stalls, tacking horses, to warming them up, Felix did it all. License or not, he could also handle the big truck, so whenever I got into a fix, he would scramble over me and get the rig going again, then we would switch places back. I still see him at shows, we always smile in recognition. I have my doubts I will see him this year. Certainly there is no easy answer, but they are inextricably interwoven in the horse industry and the heritage of this land, reason enough the agrarian west has been largely quiet in the debate.

July 25, 2007

Race for breeding -- a simple concept the Poles have done for decades that seems to befuddle American breeders who insist on trying to specialize an inherently versatile breed. In trying to mirror the Poles we have encountered the same confused understanding of our own objectives from breeders. We also don't try to breed race horses, we race horses to try to improve our breeding program and hopefully breed a good horse. As matter of record, we also show, but when we spend 2k for one show compared to racing all summer to actually make money, especially with the lucrative state bred program, simple economics explain why we do more of one than the other. Also, keeping in mind Arabians have been an implement of war throughout antiquity, what better modern way to tests a war horse's stamina, speed, soundness and above all courage than racing? Does western pleasure serve as the same measure of a horse's courage? A day at the races gives an easy answer, charging through a hole on the rail amid flying dirt and hooves is not for the feint hearted equine. At the same time, we want to adhere to the breed standard of type. For example we bred to Ontario HF not because he was a great race horse, but because he was correct, beautiful AND a great race horse. To be sure, this is a delicate and difficult balance, and in the modern arena of specialized english, halter or race horses, not the direction a majority of breeders choose. That said, we don't feel it makes it any less worthy.

July 22, 2007

I was in Rhode Island with my in-laws celebrating one of two annual birthdays for my son -- the result of doting grandparents on separate ends of the country. While the east coast set concentrated on balloons, presents and cake to entertain a 4 year old, the other set had their hands full saddling for race day with an absent trainer, further complicated in that Emaranta had yet returned to last year's form in the afternoon despite some glowing morning workouts.

It was another crazy week, began by thinking we will start the Pejczyk filly Katie with Emaranta sitting out till we figure out her problems. Then it is decided Katie needs a rest too so both are out. Finally, Dr. Moak works his magic, "No reason Emaranta can't run." As always... feet, feet, and feet! She wasn't hitting the ground quite right, causing a little inflammation in the knees, which surely were starting to sting just when the jockey was asking for her life. Regardless the breed, "no foot no horse" rings true.

With the same nervousness as if I was there, I took a ten minute break from the party to watch Emaranta dispatch a huge rally from 17 lengths back at the 3/8ths pole, getting up for third. It was elation for the family, not only did she return to last years form, but seeing Emaranta bouncing back to barn -- snorting with her tail over her back -- made it clear she physically felt great and still enjoyed her job. Jockey Guillermo Izquierdo, on her back for the first time, was thrilled, "This filly never stopped trying!" There is no better compliment for an Arabian mare that ponies my son on her days off.

July 20, 2007

Horses generate far more expenses than just feed and shoes as anyone who has ever spent any length of time with the creatures would know. Running in from the pasture, the herd, with our newest Pejczyk foal in the lead, decided to end their charge a little belatedly. The foal was "tea kettled" (my father's description) by his 3 year old full sister. This sent him head long into the metal gate, breaking both his upper and lower jaw, and knocking out a fair amount of his teeth. This happened a few days ago and he was rushed to Littleton Large for surgery. The good news is he will make a full recovery, with the only evidence that will remain as an adult is a little more frequent dental care. The bad news will come today as he is picked up and the bill paid. I could do a query on Quick Books to see the total we have spent at that establishment, but I think some things are better left for other times. The filly who did the tea kettling also did not escape unscathed, needing some stitches but otherwise will be fine. Horses will find any danger in the pasture, or failing that, will make their own. Reason enough we fret about posts, gate latches and holes almost constantly.

Another "medical" issue on the farm is too many testicles. The solution, all be it an easy one, is made difficult by the finality of it. Any un-shown, un-raced colt that has never lost and carries limitless hope to some future buyer. In theory anyway, but experienced breeders know few make it and there are far too many stallions compared to sires. I remember one May in Poland we had just returned from a pasture full of yearling and two year old colts at Michałów. Dad asked Director Jaworowski how many he thought they would keep as stallion prospects. After a moment of thought Jaworowski replied, "One -- maybe two," then quickly added, "but this was a very good year!"

July 8, 2007

Colorado Arabian Race Day at the track means a full day affair. Put together in cooperation of the Colorado Arabian Breeders Alliance (CABA) and Colorado Owners and Breeders of Racing Arabians (COBRA) it is a day to introduce people to Arabian racing, with talks, tours, races and perhaps most important, lunch at the track. For me it is a full morning with getting Katie to the gates early, shoeing Brilliance, then saddling Emaranta in the 4th and everything that comes with that. All this will be done in the baking sun, highs will be deep into the 90's.
Katie was near perfect on her gate work. Shaun the starters says, "one more time and we are there," in his calm quiet way, strange from such a hulk of a man. Must be habit from someone who makes his living cajoling naturally claustrophobic creatures into confined spaces. Emaranta ran huge till the quarter, only half a length back and a hole opening up on the inside. For the briefest of moments I thought this was her day, but there was no response. Looking at the race replay, seems she did everything on her own, never asked down the lane. Could be my fault for the 2 minute mile four days ago that left her short, but I have a sneaking suspicion we might need a change in riders. A difficult choice, one I am not keen on, but it is still mine to make.
The girls have their legs wrapped and ready to go home, it is hot, dusty and both humans and horses are tired. Dad paying a few bills, so I leave my niece in charge at the stalls. As I load my son into car, I hear 4 minutes to post for race 6 over the track PA. The race is an open allowance for boys that will pit the some of the best of the country, certainly from the track, against each other. Earlier the track handicapper told our group it would be the race of the day. Made me smile to hear him talk about an Arabian race that way. As I strapped my son in, I asked if he would like to see it. "Yeah" was his enthusiastic response.
I drove through the backside to a small parking area over looking the quarter pole, the distance down the stretch to grandstands and wire. The announcer is barely audible through the open windows. The gates pop open at the 7 furlong pole over half a mile away. There is a flood of color onto the track and the field starts rolling down the backstretch in silence. As they start into the turn the first sound to reach us is the horses' breathing, it is soft and muted, next comes their hooves striking the freshly tilled track, soft and constant. SW Zell, one of the best in the country, is favored, but I am routing for SE Bunker Buster. Bunker is a stout liver chestnut, not very tall but endowed with athletic talent and heart. His dam was second in the AJC Oaks in Delaware. I talked with Jose who had the mount on Bunker earlier in the day, he was excited at his chances. Jose is as talented as they come, and there are days he is masterful, I hope he has one of those days.
I see him in the yellow silks let Bunker out a notch as they near the end of the turn and I cringe at Jose's decision. Bunker flattens his ears and has the lead in two strides, SW sitting patiently off his flank. I yell encouragement out the open window, startling my son at both the noise and my intensity. The next sound to reach us is like large sporadic drops of rain hitting the windshield. It takes me a moment to realize it is the jock's sticks finding the sides of their mounts. Even with us now, SW makes his move and draws up with Bunker who fights to hold him off. But Bunker is empty, and SW is by. It is silent again, except for the soft drone of the announcer in the distance and then a brief surge from the crowd as the horses hit the wire. SW wins, Bunker dug deep to hold on for second.
I turn on the car and head out of the west end of the lot, blackened skies over the front range hold a promise of needed rain. I hear the soft snore of my son in back seat. SW is a worthy winner, but Bunker has danced every dance and always gives his all. I think that counts for something.
July 3, 2007

I have always equated a love of horses with a sickness that can reap havoc on your finances and relationships if you are not careful. Perhaps it is genetic, perhaps it is environmental -- I tend to lean to the former and think it can more often be found in the females of the human species. How else could you explain the multitude of young girls at horse shows on any weekend across the country? Their population would dwarf the males by 4 to 1 by my estimation. My niece has the affliction -- in all likely hood incurable. This has its blessings as my parents will always have help on the farm where work is plentiful. It also provided the farm with the first homebred Regional Champion as WA Borkata won Region VIII Reserve Champion Mare both Open and ATH in SHIH. The three year old filly was taking a break from her training at the track. It was not the result of a master plan developed over the long winter, more of a result in the filly not quite ready for the Colorado Breeders Cup (CBC) race scheduled for the 8th, so we decided to take some time off and shoot for the CBC SHIH at Estes Park. A reserve championship and finishing 2nd out of 11 in the regional pre-show gave reason for the family to huddle again. My niece assured me she could do 10 points better next go around, so she got her shot. Now she is formulating a plan for Nationals, like I said...
June 17, 2007

Doing the usual morning hustle at the track in getting everything lined up for Katie's first work when passing a walker full with Thoroughbreds. Something had just set them off; the snorting, tails flagging, and floating movement of these 16 + hand running machines gave me reason enough to stop and watch the spectacle. It was proof the Arabian blood, despite generations back, really isn't buried that far below the surface.
Back to the real business of the day, confirming with "Wild Bill" who is to be up for the pending work. The race track is the ultimate free market with the economic ebb and flow of everyone -- trainers, jockeys, their agents and exercise riders -- all trying to move themselves up a notch. Loyalty lasts for the length of a ride, business is business, and those that take things personally won't last long. Billy is "bunched up" and can make no promises on getting her out. No surprise - everyone will ride your stakes winners, however, few raise their hand for a non-starter. Plan B turns out to be better than Plan A as I see Polly who worked for me a couple years back when I first got my license, she says she can get to me third after the break. She was first call on Pejczyk and a large part of his success in winning. Her quiet demeanor, superior schooling skills, and innate feel of the horse are tailor made for today's work. Her being on Pejczyk's daughter for her first speed is beautifully poetic, and I can't help but smile at my luck.
I have legged Polly up with no martingale and stirrups up short which on the backside means speed. Katie senses this is not the usual gallop and is a little bit on edge. Polly listens to my instructions, "Just take her around the long way, work from the 3/8ths. This is just a schooling work, nothing fancy." I hope my voice conveys none of the nervousness I feel. Polly seems confident that I have Katie prepared for this next step, though I suddenly wish I could do one more gallop on her.
Not the fastest work, not even close... but Katie stretched out down the lane coming home in 13 and change for the last 1/8, a time which hints at possible turn of foot. Katie was well within herself and still pulling around the turn . Polly is all smiles coming off the gap, "What a mind this filly has!," she gushes. Katie would do great with company next time Polly also reports. A gritty filly that is like her father -- Polly wants to stay aboard for the next work and I am happy to have her - both of us thinking we moved "up a notch".
June 10, 2007

Emaranta had her second work today, fastest of the day going a 1/2 in 54.6. Marc, her committed jockey, was up for the work, and was grinning coming off the track. Emaranta is showing more speed than last year, as I caught her through the first 3/8ths in 39 and change. I am excited about the work, the best of her career so far. Marc loves her, and can't keep from saying it over and over. I hope that his enthusiasm and Emaranta's approval of him will get them clear late stretch. Racing is about experience and knowledge, but just as important is enthusiasm and confidence. Watching the team I assembled bouncing next to me, Emaranta's tail over her back and snorting with Marc laying on her neck and talking in her ear, who am I to argue. This duo clearly thinks they can win.
June 5, 2007

There is a tired cliché that horse business highs are few compared to the plentiful lows. Tired it may be, but also true as the last few days have bore witness. Story begins with our "Oops baby" -- a Pejczyk daughter out of his mother. Yeah, you read correct, the result of a two year old colt out to pasture with the mares. Pejczyk was so docile and laid back, we thought he had some serious testosterone and fertility issues. That clearly proved not to be the case, Pejczyk was just not one to kiss and tell!   We didn't even realize Phyllan was in foal till we spent the spring trying to fit up a pregnant mare -- not our proudest moment. To this inauspicious beginning came Piekna - Polish for "Beautiful" - few would argue an inappropriate use of the name. Despite lack of womb nutrition, we did out best to give her the attention any horse deserves. With not a lot of positives, not the least of which a useable pedigree, left her off the list of breeding, and sale candidates. After being started under saddle on the farm, Piekna accompanied her mother to Texas and in the care of my niece.   Piekna went to a trainer for finishing up who deemed her "un-trainable." (That my 10 year old niece assumed the role and started riding her over jumps speaks volumes of that trainer's talent!) "Pets" don't enhance the economic viability of a breeding operation, which means Piekna needed a home. After several no takers over the years, Piekna was donated a month ago to a farm that took care of abused children. We had hopes that she had found her place in this world, as she was the favorite of a couple ten year old boys. Two days ago we got a call from the program director that Piekna had been kicked, and her leg shattered. My parents immediately left for to see her. Nothing the vet and staff could do, but they waited till my parents arrived as a courtesy for them to say their goodbyes before she was put down. Piekna was brought back to the farm and laid to rest next to one of our most esteemed breeding successes. As mom explains to my 3 year old son, "So I can remember her every time I walk by" - proof that ribbons won or dollars earned are not a barometer of emotional attachment. Through her tears, my mother summed it up best, "I just wish she had had a better life."
The next day I saddled my filly Brilliance at Arapahoe for an allowance race. She was the morning line favorite by the handicappers, having been first or second since August in her campaign from Colorado to Texas. Fighting the rear wraps, and a loose horse on the way to the saddling paddock didn't nothing to settle an edgy filly, laying waste to our best plan. Brilliance galloped home last. She seemed frustrated as me on the way back to the barn. Simple law of the horse business should have predicted the outcome, highs come by themselves, the lows in torrents.
May 22, 2007

I was away on business when I got an excited call from mom -- Estansia had her Pejczyk foal, a gray colt. The arrival was about right according to the chart, but we had been expecting it for a couple weeks as she was showing signs of an early delivery. Estansia is a sneaky one though, and doesn't advertise too much as most of her previous foals have been found in the morning alert, up and nursing -- all this despite video monitors in the barn. Monitors, of course, demand the viewer be awake to be useful!
As is most often the case, we had hoped for filly especially since the two previous foals out of Estansia were colts. Estansia's only filly, her first foal, was sold at a few days old -- misguided confidence that the farm can produce another easily. Life, however, is unpredictable, those precious fillies should be treasured as this young fellow reminds us. A healthy correct foal regardless the gender, however, helps erase any disappointment.
May 14, 2007

Emaranta bounced back all right. After two days off she was all I could handle today. We galloped a mile and a half at Arapahoe, my first time out on the track this year. She was in the bridle, snorting and begging me to turn her loose. She IS going to be tough this summer.

Later and unceremoniously at roughly 9:45 am the first Pejczyk foal ever stepped on a public race track when Katie - WA Borkata out of *Boruta - ponied 1 mile. Mom and I stood on the rail and watched. She is starting to look the part and certainly acted like her old man --never turned a hair. Jaime said she was the best one she has taken all week. Katie will return this week or on Monday for her first gallop. Still too early to see when her first start will be, but she shipped great, nice a relaxed. Today was certainly a positive step, and she is ready for the next one.
May 11, 2007

Pulled into Arapahoe Park mid morning after taking my son to pre-school. The high plains were awash in a sea of green with snow covered Mt. Evans and Longs Peak dominated the horizon. The sky was cloudless with not a breath of wind. I just wanted to swing through and drop off a blanket for Brilliance and get my license renewed. Liz wanted to know if I would ride Brilliance as she was up for a mile and a quarter leg stretcher. Not having my vest, helmet and boots with me, I needed to regretfully decline. I stayed, however to see the gallop. Brilliance dragged Nathan most of it, and when I asked how she was Nathan responded, "This filly just wants to rock and roll." Indeed, Brilliance truly believes there are only two speeds, stopped and all out, of the two she prefers all out.
I walked with them back to the barn and I realized why I love racing so much. Though the competition, the thrill of the gallops and the pure joy the horses show in their work is all an important part, but I think the real reason is the look of a fit, well conformed Arabian race horse coming off the track. Brilliance bounced next to me, her dark bay coat stained in sweat, nostrils flared on her chiseled head, long neck arched and in the bridle. She was a living, breathing vision -- a tenuous, fragile one I know too well!
The next stop was the farm to gallop Katie and Emaranta. I threw the exercise saddle on three year old Katie for the first time as the old Stueben I had been using had a tendency to creep up on her. I hoped I wasn't going to miss the legs rolls and deeper seat. Katie was near perfect, save a spook of sorts. She was kind enough top do it at the same spot each time which, surviving the first, knowing it was coming kept me out of the dirt for the remaining three laps. She just might get a start in this summer.
Last one was Emaranta, she was a bit sluggish and will get a couple days off. I have been pushing her this last week, but she will bounce back. Next week she will go to the track, with no races for her in the first book I didn't see why I need to rush up there. Earlier I saw "her jockey" from last summer. She ran a third with him in her second start - they were a good team despite the inexperience for both of them. Emaranta is the one running the race, so I guess she should pick who she wants on her back.   I yelled across the gap if he would ride her again, "absolutely" came the reply with no hesitation. A jockey with no enthusiasm for your horse is not worth giving a leg up. If we can get a two turn race for her, she has a nice shot. Purse and Colorado bred money will buy some hay for the winter.
April 25, 2007

During my travels this winter I read a "Colorado History". One of the more interesting periods was the settlement of the state's eastern plains by farmers in the mid 1800's. They were lured to high arid flats by claims of period scientists that the rainfall associated with the Eastern and Midwest states was slowly moving west, in turn making this land farmable for variety of crops. Of course, the four year trend proved to be a minor apparition in the Colorado climate, forcing those new farmers back east. I only mention this as further proof that Colorado has always been an arid state, and the current drought we are experiencing is probably more the norm than not.
This drought, however, had a slight respite the past 32 hours with wind, rain, and heavy snows that toppled some of the farms 100 year old ponderosas. They had already endured drought brought beetles, which killed 60 or more of these trees -- the clean up is still ongoing. The irony of the needed moisture taking down some of the surviving trees is laughable. I say laughable because any other reaction might cause less committed souls reason enough to pull stakes and follow earlier counterparts east. The new snow also adds to the workload in plowing out the training track, draining the round pen in an effort just to return the chores in which we are already behind.
The three year old filly Katie - WA Borkata (WA Pejczyk x *Boruta/ Alegro) - also had a mixed reaction to the new snow. Newly shod in preparation for galloping at the track, her feet were balling up with snow, making a puzzle she was finding difficult to work out.
March 27, 2007

I arrived at the farm after being gone for a couple weeks on business. The big news was arrival of Phyllan's filly, half sister to Pejczyk. She is by Ontario HF, arguably Monarch AH's greatest son. Ontario was exported to Poland in November, making this filly one of the few foals of his that will be born in the US. We had great hopes that Ontario would deliver not only on racing prowess, but also beauty... wow, are we excited about the results. Though breeding horses is a tough business, a nice foal makes everything easier. Even the mundane chores seem to go a little bit quicker and everybody is excited. A new foal represents hope and optimism, almost unlimited potential.
This filly is our attempt to stem the tide of "French" race horses, which in our opinion, just do not exhibit the Arabian type of a horse we would like to breed. It isn't that I could point to any French pedigree and say this horse is a Thoroughbred, I am not suggesting that. My only contention is that your "typical" French horse, and there are exceptions like Bengali De' Albret for one, do not exhibit the Arabian standard. This is certainly not a revelation on my part. When the first French horses first arrived in Poland in 1929 their notable lack of type and beauty was a cause of concern despite their superior racing ability. Consequently, the Society of Arabian Horse Breeders ruled that the French horses could not compete in the Classic races for fear of compromising their prized “Polish” look. I guess we continue to look to the Polish breeding philosophy, which is still proving to be a road map for success in our breeding endeavors.
February 25, 2007

In beautiful sunny Scottsdale today. It is nice to be back again after such a long absence. Something about palm trees makes the everyday stress seem a little less important. The big class of the day for me anyway was the Older Mares featuring *Elandra -- the recent Monogramm imported from Poland by the Sloan's. I have an admitted bias towards her, not only from a pedigree standpoint as she is out of Erlanda -- full sister to Emanacja and Emigrantka -- but saw her in '99 with George Z at the Warsaw track. It was a rainy day and we were sorting through the line up in the program for the next race. We both looked at each other when we saw her name and rushed down to see her in the paddock despite the weather. Though thoroughly soaked, she was just gorgeous, fit, snorty, an elegance about her that is hard to articulate. It has been a few years since I have seen her, missing the 2005 sale where she was purchased. As they call the class in *Elandra is beautiful and trotty in her entrance with Greg Gallun, drier than I remembered. Any gray dapple she had in her youth has faded to a soft white. A lady standing at the rail behind me gasps and remarks, "That gray mare must be from Poland with that brand. Looks like another one of those will win Nationals." Indeed another one of "those", meaning impeccably bred Monogramm daughters from Michałów State Stud. Incidentally, why is it the announcers at Scottsdale and US Nationals continue to mispronounce Michałów, making it sound like a cheap beer? Have there not been enough of Michałów horses carting off championships that they can not be afforded the courtesy of a proper pronunciation? But back to *Elandra, she is perfect, unanimous, but I must disagree with the unsolicited assessment from behind, she is not merely another "those". This mare was second in the Oaks, she is perhaps the most complete mare we will see for some time.