The Standardbreds

We had the opportunity to bring home some standardbreds from the coast today. It was a long trip, eight hours, but they were very good. There's Daffy, a huge three year old, who is called Daffy because his upper and lower lip are always flapping and wanting to be on you; only today, his lips were tight, and his eyes were worried. After all this is the third home for him in a week, and even though he is such a big guy he really still is just a baby. He walked right into his stall, though, and attacked his hay after examining his water bucket. We will spend some time with him tomorrow so he can connect a little better. It will take time. Then there is Kiki, a lovely, fine three year old mare. Both Daffy and Kiki are just off the track, just too slow, and Daffy really liked to sightsee as he went around, not great for racing. Kiki is a beautiful seal brown bay, and should make a lovely lady's driving pony. I will measure her tomorrow, but she looks about 15hands. We also brought Louie and Peaches home. Louie is an old gentleman, 23 years old, a been there, done that kind of horse. Not too much reaction from him, will have to see what the personality comes out when he has relaxed a bit. Peaches is about eight, has had a few owners, and is just tired and run down. We'll feed her up and see how she does. She is thin and her coat is dull, but she travelled well, and seems to trust Louie. None of these horses have a mean bone in their bodies; they jumped on the trailer without a concern, and after eight hours with just a few short stops, came off quietly and did exactly as they were asked.

We were going to the track to see if there were others there that we could look at, but unfortunately the meat buyer had been there the day before. It is such a tragedy that these wonderful horses end up on the meat truck, but we can't think about that, just try to do the best we can for those we have. All six stalls were filled with standardbreds tonight, and one, Jaxon, was still outside and very incenced that he didn't get in tonight. For those of you looking for a good horse, really consider the standardbred. There are many good rescue farms working hard to place these wonderful horses, so it shouldn't be hard to find one. They are so much fun, often have very smooth gaits, and make wonderful riding horses as well as such fun driving horses. They are just a little like a luxury sports car; beautiful, elegant, but boy can they go when you ask them to.