Limerick rolling (but not bucking)

In April, Miss Lim demonstrated the roll-n-buck combo, a favorite of feisty horses of all ages.

The other night she demonstrated the leisurely get-the-bugs-off-me roll, and I was there to get a video. I think the fact she managed to turn herself 100 degrees without getting up is pretty impressive.

Deaf individuals in the harness racing industry

Last week I ordered Barbara Livingston's Standardbred Old Friends from the Harness Racing Museum. In correspondence with museum director Janet Terhune, I learned of deaf harness racing driver Ricky Macomber Jr., who  became the all-time leading driver at Hoosier Park this year, and deaf harness racing groom Risa Tanaka.

It's rare to find other deaf/hard-of-hearing individuals in the equestrian world, and I've never heard--pun intended--of any such individuals in the Thoroughbred racing world. The fact there is a harness driver that is deaf is just amazing to me!

When I interact with people, I rely heavily upon lip-reading and body language observation to understand what is being said to me. A hearing aid allows me to hear pretty well but the nuances of human speech are beyond its capabilities. Therefore, my powers of observation are key in conversation as well as all other areas of life.

This applies to being around horses. I observe their body language and watch carefully for any unexpected movements. When I'm riding with others, I pay close attention to those around me. If I'm inattentive and there is a problem in which galloping hoofbeats and shouts are the only precursors to potential disaster, then that may not bode well for me.

Which brings us back to deaf harness driver Ricky Macomber. In the fast-paced, potentially dangerous job of driving Standardbreds in harness racing, it's amazing that he has the skills, talent, and intuition to not only compete, but do so at the top level of harness racing. Kudos to him.

Click the links to read articles about Ricky Macomber and Risa Tanaka.

Ricky Macomber search results in Standardbred Canada
Ricky Macomber donates to Indiana School for the Deaf
Determination Leads to Opportunity in Harness Racing (good info about both individuals)
September 2011 issue of Hoof Beats, which mentions Risa Tanaka, groom of Hambletonian winner Broad Bahn
Risa Tanaka: Long, strange trip

Limerick says, "Good luck, California Chrome!"

Here, she reads Tim Layden's latest on California Chrome for Sports Illustrated. You can read the article here.

Here's hoping history can be made.

Horse Racing Nation: The Ladies (and Gentleman) of Our Mims Retirement Haven

Hundreds of miles away from the hope resting upon California Chrome as he walks the shedrow at Belmont Park, and a stone’s throw from where blue-blooded mares produce foals that may one day carry the same hope, is Our Mims Retirement Haven. Nestled in the rolling hills north of Paris, Kentucky, the Haven is home to nine senior Thoroughbreds--eight mares and one gelding.

Continue reading at Horse Racing Nation...

Horse Racing Nation: Arlington Classic Day at Arlington Park in Photos

As eyes were turned to California Chrome and his upcoming attempt at Triple Crown history, a filly quietly made history of her own in the first leg of the Mid-America Triple at Arlington Park on Saturday. Consisting of the Arlington Classic (Gr. III) in May, the American Derby (Gr. III) in July, and the Secretariat Stakes (Gr. I) in August, the Mid-America Triple is Arlington Park's turf response to the traditional Triple Crown races.

Continue reading at Horse Racing Nation...

Happy 23rd birthday, Limerick!

 I took some new photos of Lim on Sunday for her birthday. She's looking pretty good for 23!

I've also begun riding her again. I am starting very slow with 20 minute rides, maximum, that incorporate walking and trotting only. It's been quite a long time (10 months? longer?) since I was able to ride her regularly so getting back into the swing of things will take patience.

Limerick and friend Phoenix

First bath of 2014

I gave Limerick her first bath of 2014 on Saturday night (yes, Derby day--the bath was something of a celebration activity for me!) and well, let's see if you can guess which photo is "before" and which is "after"!