Every person who has doubts about racing should see this. You summed everything up about breakdowns so well. Thank you for posting this information and bringing knowledge to the public
Thank you, Jay. I'm so glad you have taken the time to explain about horse teeth, fractures, and especially about the minute percentage of horse deaths at SA, etc. Thank you & Cynci for all the care you take with your horses. I appreciate! ALSO hope to hear about Evening Sonnet. Thanks again! God bless!
Very good of you to post this video Jay...The ordinary public has no idea of the rigours and hard work that conscientious and dedicated trainers do in maintaining the growth and good health of their horses...After all, it is a huge investment that you guys make in owning and training race horses. I admire, respect and appreciate the time and effort that you and Cynci and your workers give to these wonderful horses...Good luck to you, and great success at the races. Al. from Canada.
Excellent video and explanation. it's really good that you explain those things and you were right, we are not villains. There are bad apples in the bunch, but for the most part everyone is just doing their very best and looking out for their horses. Horses can't talk to to us with our voice, so we read what they're trying to tell us through their actions and behavior. Some horses will keep on going and not stop even through pain in many cases. Just like a person that's unsuspecting they are going to have a heart attack, sometimes a horse doesn't even know what's coming. Sometimes it's too late to pick up on the clues. You're doing a great job with these horses and it's great to see horses so loved and cared for. Mars gallops like a champ and looking better every day.
Very informative, glad you guys were able to catch it early and give him the care he needed. This industry has actually done wonders for equine medical care, it's too bad the average person doesn't seem to understand that. Thanks for posting!
@@JayCNehfracing That's awesome! :D I hope other tracks do the same, I know they're expensive, but I think well worth the cost if you can catch problems early.
I took a shot looking at this because I really loved Mars and he just disappeared. Or I missed you saying where he went. I am thinking his issues here must not have gotten better since you don't have him. I truly hope you were able to find Mars a good home. He is just the sweetest boy. I can tell from the video. Not always easy to rehome a racehorse. I hope he is okay. I am sure you did the best your could for him.
Great video! You really know more about horse growth and horse starting than many in the Hunter Jumper field. I"ve adjusted my program a little so my horses are getting light work before going to the show barn. Ours aren't broke till 3 though. We've seen stifle/hock inflammation with the bigger Warmbloods. I don't think we consider starting a heavy horse slower than a lighter horse, another thing to ponder. Thank you :-)
First, I am so glad to hear that Mars will be okay. He is a sweet, playful, talented boy. Thank you for your very detailed explanation of what it is like at the track. I have never thought the trainers were at fault, but it is nice to see regulations being put into place to help the horses and the industry. I have wondered if the track was a contributing factor to the breakdowns and also wondered if it was a "safe" track, or if improvements could be made to the surface to be more conducive and forgiving to the horses racing on it.
To add, why is it that people are looking at trainers, whips, drugs, everything but the track (which is so critically important)? The experts said it is fine but is it really?
Hey Jay, good to hear from you and Mars so glad you and friends taking good care of him and his health so thankful for all of you and how is Lord Nelson and little Sonneteer l be. I think I’m leaving out another one of your little buddy . Mars seems very happy and again it is so good to see especially his hind leg getting better b glad to hear from you Take care everyone and a Merry Christmas 💕🐎💕
Glad you posted the truth on the backside! I'm worried the government is going to interfere with the sport I love. Hope you can And a better rider next time your horse runs. Maybe Jose Velez or Martin Garcia. I know jocks at the top won't ride for your small outfit.
How did your girl Sonnet do in her turf race on Friday? Glad you caught the problems with Mars before it was too late!! Best Regards, Jenn from Ottawa, Ontario, Canada.
I know you’re one of the good trainers, but I just don’t understand why these horses are raced so young. I own an off the track TB and all of his problems now, are from his career on the track. I know that other equestrian sports cause damage, but I just wonder if these poor horses were allowed to grow up and mature, if they would have less issues. Especially issues that linger into their adult years. So many of them are damaged at the age of 3, and their chance of a normal life is over before it’s even begun. Most if not all other equestrian sports don’t start horses until 4 or 5, 3 at the earliest. Race horses are starting at l.5 and racing at 2, and by 3 most are done. Why is this the culture? Could it change?
I could never bear to watch this process when done on my horse s even if painless glad you / the exercise rider caught it ( btw Mars is a lovely hunter type 😬Never heard of point of hock being analagized to a heel😬
Beautiful horse! Unsual place to have a problem. Cause? Also wonder--since, 2nd time this has shown on the vids--does Mars have a breathing difficulty as he gallops with head down? Great vid! It's a tough business!
Bigger/bulkier than Justify!!!!?? Glad you’re giving him the time off he needs and that he has the ball with which to entertain himself while on stall rest
Glad to here he will be ok, your rite things could have been worse if you're rider trainer didn't notice something was wrong 👍 How did Evening Sonnet do in her race?
My Majestic Rose was just euthanized after a training incident yesterday at keeneland. Her last race was at Santa Anita. She was really coming into her own. So sad for the horse and all the connections. Be careful with Mars...
I have worked in the racing industry for years, in studs, as a breaker, a track rider and trainer, but not in the USA. Where I'm from there are no dirt tracks and there are no artificial surfaces. It's all turf. But, like racing in the USA, here money also plays a big part in the sport. High risk - race horses are expensive, and high return - if you get a real winner. Such environments always attract an undesirable element more interested in the money than the sport. SA record of recent deaths is genuine cause for concern. The fact that until this crisis was identified horses could race having been drugged with pain relief and therefore certainly trained on pain relief suggests an endemic culture of managing appearances rather than animal wellbeing. The same risks are everywhere. They exist in human sport as much if not more. Because human nature is what it is, where I'm from the industry is rigorously regulated in particular with reference to the use of drugs, especially anything that may disguise a horse's pain so that it can work in spite of it. Certain practices have been discontinued as both archaic and ineffective such as pin-firing to resolve shin-soreness. Performance enhancing substances are also on the banned list. These measures are taken not to ruin the racing industry but to protect it. The same principles of fair play that characterise the Olympics are considered legitimate for horse racing. It is fairer for the horses, the riders who risk their lives and for the punter who paces a bet. Yet, we are far from the ideal yet. We still break and train under 2YOs that race in trials for the Ready-to-Run sales that follow on from Yearling Sales and we still race 2YOs in spite of their physical immaturity. In my view such practices as the Ready to Run sales process and racing 2YOs are primarily motivated by financial interests. It is the owners and trainers who cannot afford not to at least try and get an accelerated return on investment that insist on 2yo racing. But, from a sporting point of view, 2yo racing is like a bunch of 10yo kids running a 3-legged race. Exciting for the parents perhaps but of no real athletic merit. And so many of those great looking 2YOs just don't have what it takes for a real career as a race horse. They're burnt out and sacked at 3. And yet it is from 3 that genuine athletic ability can be seen in a thoroughbred. Sadly some with genuine ability are ruined because they are raced too young and never get to realise their potential. I love racing. I love the sport. I love the athleticism of horses. I know from experience horses love to run. Because I love the sport I don't break in anything under 2.5 and don't race anything younger than 3. My question is always, how will this horse develop as a 4-5-6 year old? But then again, I'm not in racing for the money. I'm in it for the sport. But this is a sport. It is physically demanding. Injuries happen, sometimes unexpectedly and sometimes tragically. There is no aspect of any worthwhile endeavour that does not come without risks. Whenever anyone or any creature strives at the pinnacle of performance, a breakdown is always just a heartbeat away. This is is nature of life when it is lived at the leading edge, the nature of sport at its finest. Horses love it. Anyone who has taken a horse out on a track to work in the early morning and let it have its head round the turn into the home straight knows that animal has an unstoppable flying passion to thunder upon the earth.
Thanks for taking the time to post such a thoughtful, well-spoken expression of your commitment to racing. Your approach to racing is quite valid, but there are some statistics that call some of your tenets into question. First, though, I will say that one must be very careful with statistical studies. They tell you how many of such and such compared to how many of the other, but never tell you why, they give you no details. Still, several studies have shown that horses that race at 2 have more races and earn more money than horses that don't. Also, there is some research that shows that soft tissue structures, tendons and ligaments, can gain strength and flexibility in very young horses that get limited training, and these structures don't improve in older horses. These are contradictions and there is much research that indicates otherwise. It ain't easy to sort out.
@@JayCNehfracing Hi Jay, I had a 20 year career analysing statistics, so I understand what you mean about stats. There are lies, damed lies and statistics as the old saying goes:-) So, of all the horses that prove robust enough to continue, they will likely have a long career - but the proper measure is the ratio of horses going on after 2 compared to the number that get sacked due to physical reasons - and seeing how that compares with, let's say, starters at 3yo. Absolutely agree conditioning under 3yo can be beneficial. Hence why i break-in at about 2.5. I also, just as a matter of course, do this work and the likes of the Maryland Shin Programme unshod. It's anecdotal but I find lower probability of breakdown and better hoof health and strength. Early stimulation of the hoof in work without shoes reduces jarring/shock-related issues and you get a better conditioned hoof that lasts better when the shoes do go on. Similarly ligament and tendon issues seem to be fewer. BTW, I didn't expect a reply, so I appreciate it :-)
The truth is, things happen with horses and it has nothing to do with the evil intentions of riders or trainers. Any riding stable will have a selection of horses ailing for one reason or another. My horse slipped on ice in his paddock while running around and damage some ligaments. No one at fault except, perhaps, Mother Nature. Mars is a big guy and young. He seems to be outgrowing his bones, so to speak. The observation of your rider combined with what he knew of the horse were key. Your attention to it only emphasizes your professionalism. As you said, most horse people do care about their animals. Horses have an amazing capacity for injury, despite their size. But you can't bubble wrap them as it makes them bonkers. They still have to be horses, which is why I have my vet's phone number in my contacts. Just in case....
How is ES doing? If healthy breeze him 5 furlongs and enter him going 2 turns and find a new rider so we can cash a nice ticket! What about your brothers 2 year old? What happened?
Mars is a beautiful baby huey! lol. Glad injury is minor. Now the big job to keep Mars occupied in his stall. Nothing like a bored colt who gets destructive for entertainment :-). Been there.. lol.
Every person who has doubts about racing should see this. You summed everything up about breakdowns so well. Thank you for posting this information and bringing knowledge to the public
Thank you, Jay. I'm so glad you have taken the time to explain about horse teeth, fractures, and especially about the minute percentage of horse deaths at SA, etc. Thank you & Cynci for all the care you take with your horses. I appreciate! ALSO hope to hear about Evening Sonnet. Thanks again! God bless!
We would love to hear how Evening Sonnet did in her race. I'd also love to get an update on Lord Admiral and hear how he's doing if you get a chance.
Very good of you to post this video Jay...The ordinary public has no idea of the rigours and hard work that conscientious and dedicated trainers do in maintaining the growth and good health of their horses...After all, it is a huge investment that you guys make in owning and training race horses. I admire, respect and appreciate the time and effort that you and Cynci and your workers give to these wonderful horses...Good luck to you, and great success at the races.
Al. from Canada.
Excellent video and explanation. it's really good that you explain those things and you were right, we are not villains. There are bad apples in the bunch, but for the most part everyone is just doing their very best and looking out for their horses. Horses can't talk to to us with our voice, so we read what they're trying to tell us through their actions and behavior. Some horses will keep on going and not stop even through pain in many cases. Just like a person that's unsuspecting they are going to have a heart attack, sometimes a horse doesn't even know what's coming. Sometimes it's too late to pick up on the clues. You're doing a great job with these horses and it's great to see horses so loved and cared for. Mars gallops like a champ and looking better every day.
Very informative, glad you guys were able to catch it early and give him the care he needed. This industry has actually done wonders for equine medical care, it's too bad the average person doesn't seem to understand that. Thanks for posting!
Santa Anita is getting PET scan and MRI so we will have state-of-the-art diagnostic ability
@@JayCNehfracing That's awesome! :D I hope other tracks do the same, I know they're expensive, but I think well worth the cost if you can catch problems early.
I took a shot looking at this because I really loved Mars and he just disappeared. Or I missed you saying where he went. I am thinking his issues here must not have gotten better since you don't have him. I truly hope you were able to find Mars a good home. He is just the sweetest boy. I can tell from the video. Not always easy to rehome a racehorse. I hope he is okay. I am sure you did the best your could for him.
Great video! You really know more about horse growth and horse starting than many in the Hunter Jumper field. I"ve adjusted my program a little so my horses are getting light work before going to the show barn. Ours aren't broke till 3 though. We've seen stifle/hock inflammation with the bigger Warmbloods. I don't think we consider starting a heavy horse slower than a lighter horse, another thing to ponder. Thank you :-)
Thanks for all the extra horse health and racing info you give , appreciate it
Thanks Jay, I truly enjoy hearing you explain everything . Please keep the vids coming!!
First, I am so glad to hear that Mars will be okay. He is a sweet, playful, talented boy. Thank you for your very detailed explanation of what it is like at the track. I have never thought the trainers were at fault, but it is nice to see regulations being put into place to help the horses and the industry. I have wondered if the track was a contributing factor to the breakdowns and also wondered if it was a "safe" track, or if improvements could be made to the surface to be more conducive and forgiving to the horses racing on it.
To add, why is it that people are looking at trainers, whips, drugs, everything but the track (which is so critically important)? The experts said it is fine but is it really?
Stress Fractures, running too hard on a hard surface?
Hey Jay, good to hear from you and Mars so glad you and friends taking good care of him and his health so thankful for all of you and how is Lord Nelson and little Sonneteer l be. I think I’m leaving out another one of your little buddy
. Mars seems very happy and again it is so good to see
especially his hind leg getting better b glad to hear from you
Take care everyone and a
Merry Christmas 💕🐎💕
We had to retire Mars but he's in good shape, just won't stand up to the extremes of racing
Coming to watch the breeders cup. Maybe we will see one of your horses on race day?
It's all about the safety of the horse, not about the trainer or the owner.
Glad you posted the truth on the backside! I'm worried the government is going to interfere with the sport I love. Hope you can
And a better rider next time your horse runs. Maybe Jose Velez or Martin Garcia. I know jocks at the top won't ride for your small outfit.
Coming to watch the Breeder’s cup this fall, can’t wait!
So glad you caught that early on. Mars is a beautiful boy and I am looking forward to see him race! Heal fast Mars Bellicose ❤🙏❤
Jay this vid was really good. Thank you so much.
How did your girl Sonnet do in her turf race on Friday? Glad you caught the problems with Mars before it was too late!! Best Regards, Jenn from Ottawa, Ontario, Canada.
Jennifer Lehman She came second last. Too bad.
@@williamdouglas2717 Thanks for telling me. She's only got one way to go, and that is up and better race by race!!
I know you’re one of the good trainers, but I just don’t understand why these horses are raced so young. I own an off the track TB and all of his problems now, are from his career on the track. I know that other equestrian sports cause damage, but I just wonder if these poor horses were allowed to grow up and mature, if they would have less issues. Especially issues that linger into their adult years. So many of them are damaged at the age of 3, and their chance of a normal life is over before it’s even begun. Most if not all other equestrian sports don’t start horses until 4 or 5, 3 at the earliest. Race horses are starting at l.5 and racing at 2, and by 3 most are done. Why is this the culture? Could it change?
I could never bear to watch this process when done on my horse s even if painless glad you / the exercise rider caught it ( btw Mars is a lovely hunter type 😬Never heard of point of hock being analagized to a heel😬
Beautiful horse! Unsual place to have a problem. Cause? Also wonder--since, 2nd time this has shown on the vids--does Mars have a breathing difficulty as he gallops with head down? Great vid! It's a tough business!
Glad you caught this early. Hang in there with this good big colt. He'll do you proud at some point.
Great video!
I love how he loves his Jolly Ball!
Bigger/bulkier than Justify!!!!?? Glad you’re giving him the time off he needs and that he has the ball with which to entertain himself while on stall rest
Glad to here he will be ok, your rite things could have been worse if you're rider trainer didn't notice something was wrong 👍
How did Evening Sonnet do in her race?
Too cute with that jolly ball
Great video!!
Thanks Anita
Thanks Jay,been worried about him lately.How did Evening Sonnet come out of her race?
I couldn’t stand watching the floating process though I knew that ultimately it would make them more comfortable 😬
My Majestic Rose was just euthanized after a training incident yesterday at keeneland. Her last race was at Santa Anita. She was really coming into her own. So sad for the horse and all the connections. Be careful with Mars...
Thankful you got a red flag and you still have Mars and are able to get him better.
I have worked in the racing industry for years, in studs, as a breaker, a track rider and trainer, but not in the USA. Where I'm from there are no dirt tracks and there are no artificial surfaces. It's all turf. But, like racing in the USA, here money also plays a big part in the sport. High risk - race horses are expensive, and high return - if you get a real winner. Such environments always attract an undesirable element more interested in the money than the sport. SA record of recent deaths is genuine cause for concern. The fact that until this crisis was identified horses could race having been drugged with pain relief and therefore certainly trained on pain relief suggests an endemic culture of managing appearances rather than animal wellbeing.
The same risks are everywhere. They exist in human sport as much if not more. Because human nature is what it is, where I'm from the industry is rigorously regulated in particular with reference to the use of drugs, especially anything that may disguise a horse's pain so that it can work in spite of it. Certain practices have been discontinued as both archaic and ineffective such as pin-firing to resolve shin-soreness. Performance enhancing substances are also on the banned list. These measures are taken not to ruin the racing industry but to protect it. The same principles of fair play that characterise the Olympics are considered legitimate for horse racing. It is fairer for the horses, the riders who risk their lives and for the punter who paces a bet.
Yet, we are far from the ideal yet. We still break and train under 2YOs that race in trials for the Ready-to-Run sales that follow on from Yearling Sales and we still race 2YOs in spite of their physical immaturity.
In my view such practices as the Ready to Run sales process and racing 2YOs are primarily motivated by financial interests. It is the owners and trainers who cannot afford not to at least try and get an accelerated return on investment that insist on 2yo racing. But, from a sporting point of view, 2yo racing is like a bunch of 10yo kids running a 3-legged race. Exciting for the parents perhaps but of no real athletic merit. And so many of those great looking 2YOs just don't have what it takes for a real career as a race horse. They're burnt out and sacked at 3. And yet it is from 3 that genuine athletic ability can be seen in a thoroughbred. Sadly some with genuine ability are ruined because they are raced too young and never get to realise their potential.
I love racing. I love the sport. I love the athleticism of horses. I know from experience horses love to run. Because I love the sport I don't break in anything under 2.5 and don't race anything younger than 3. My question is always, how will this horse develop as a 4-5-6 year old? But then again, I'm not in racing for the money. I'm in it for the sport.
But this is a sport. It is physically demanding. Injuries happen, sometimes unexpectedly and sometimes tragically. There is no aspect of any worthwhile endeavour that does not come without risks. Whenever anyone or any creature strives at the pinnacle of performance, a breakdown is always just a heartbeat away. This is is nature of life when it is lived at the leading edge, the nature of sport at its finest. Horses love it. Anyone who has taken a horse out on a track to work in the early morning and let it have its head round the turn into the home straight knows that animal has an unstoppable flying passion to thunder upon the earth.
Thanks for taking the time to post such a thoughtful, well-spoken expression of your commitment to racing. Your approach to racing is quite valid, but there are some statistics that call some of your tenets into question. First, though, I will say that one must be very careful with statistical studies. They tell you how many of such and such compared to how many of the other, but never tell you why, they give you no details. Still, several studies have shown that horses that race at 2 have more races and earn more money than horses that don't. Also, there is some research that shows that soft tissue structures, tendons and ligaments, can gain strength and flexibility in very young horses that get limited training, and these structures don't improve in older horses. These are contradictions and there is much research that indicates otherwise. It ain't easy to sort out.
@@JayCNehfracing Hi Jay, I had a 20 year career analysing statistics, so I understand what you mean about stats. There are lies, damed lies and statistics as the old saying goes:-)
So, of all the horses that prove robust enough to continue, they will likely have a long career - but the proper measure is the ratio of horses going on after 2 compared to the number that get sacked due to physical reasons - and seeing how that compares with, let's say, starters at 3yo. Absolutely agree conditioning under 3yo can be beneficial. Hence why i break-in at about 2.5. I also, just as a matter of course, do this work and the likes of the Maryland Shin Programme unshod. It's anecdotal but I find lower probability of breakdown and better hoof health and strength. Early stimulation of the hoof in work without shoes reduces jarring/shock-related issues and you get a better conditioned hoof that lasts better when the shoes do go on. Similarly ligament and tendon issues seem to be fewer. BTW, I didn't expect a reply, so I appreciate it :-)
The truth is, things happen with horses and it has nothing to do with the evil intentions of riders or trainers. Any riding stable will have a selection of horses ailing for one reason or another. My horse slipped on ice in his paddock while running around and damage some ligaments. No one at fault except, perhaps, Mother Nature. Mars is a big guy and young. He seems to be outgrowing his bones, so to speak. The observation of your rider combined with what he knew of the horse were key. Your attention to it only emphasizes your professionalism. As you said, most horse people do care about their animals. Horses have an amazing capacity for injury, despite their size. But you can't bubble wrap them as it makes them bonkers. They still have to be horses, which is why I have my vet's phone number in my contacts. Just in case....
It’s me again the other horse was Lord Admiral, got it right this time See u soon take care
Hand.
Yep
Let me when he going win please thanks
We had to retire Mars due to a tendon injury. It just won't hold up for racing but he's going to Oregon as a riding horse
Sorry the filly didn't do well her first race!
How is ES doing? If healthy breeze him 5 furlongs and enter him going 2 turns and find a new rider so we can cash a nice ticket! What about your brothers 2 year old? What happened?
Mars is a beautiful baby huey! lol. Glad injury is minor.
Now the big job to keep Mars occupied in his stall. Nothing like a bored colt who gets destructive for entertainment :-). Been there.. lol.