The following article comes from Joy Aten, prominent equine advocate and regular contributor to our “Shedrow Secrets” section:
Like others who acknowledge the exploitation and abuse of horses in the racing industry, I tire of hearing about all of the “good folks” in racing. Like the “good folks” who “sign up” to run their horses without drugs – does that include not injecting their joints, as well? – I didn’t think so. And of course, they’ll stop using Lasix when everyone else stops using Lasix and not a minute before.
Then there are those “good folks” who boast they run their babies at the two-year-old in training sales without drugs. No bute?…I certainly hope not! Why would a two-year-old need bute to run? And no Lasix?…since the industry claims Lasix is not a performance-enhancer and is used solely for bleeders, why would a two-year-old bleeder even be made to race? But check the charts of their running three-year-olds and they’re all on Lasix, at the very least.
Or like the “good folks” who promise a certain percentage of their winnings (WHOSE winnings?…I didn’t see any of them being whipped-raced around the track) to particular aftercare programs. There aren’t enough aftercare organizations to intake the discarded excess of spent racehorses! And why isn’t the RACING INDUSTRY the sole provider of the depleted “athletes” of the RACING INDUSTRY? Why is the non-race public, who continue to struggle even with the “crumbs” of those donated percentages, toiling to care for these horses?
And oh yes, the “good folks” who rescue some of the injured, neglected, abandoned, starved, and slaughter-bound horses of THEIR “sport” when they’re contacted by a frantic advocate. Why shouldn’t they? That is simply an expectation – take care of your own! But here, the dichotomy…the “good folks” crow about their “saves” while they’ve left their OWN former runners unprotected in the claiming game.
How about the “good folks” who retire their older racehorse (after several years of running) that’s made them an obscene amount of money (and then make certain everyone hears about it), yet their less-talented horse that didn’t generate such riches, they sell via a claiming race? I guess they only extend their “love” to the horses that stuffed their wallets.
Here, a perfect example of one the “good folks” – Maggi Moss.
Moss: “Ballistic Blonde is not one of my more talented horses. But I bought her cheap in Texas…” Moss puts the mare in a claiming race and she gets claimed. Moss states, ‘with emotion’: “This is the hardest part of the business. But it’s big – $25,000 is a good price for her now. I just really wanted her last race for me to be a winner.” Moss goes on to say: “It’s getting much easier for me to run my horses out east so that I don’t get so personally attached to them. This is a business and my gut interferes.” Out of sight, out of mind for Ms. Moss.
Does anyone else see what’s most important to Moss? MONEY. Clearly, the money. What she did to her mare So Many Ways is another example. Moss says about the mare: “her kind and almost human personality…made this decision [to sell her to the Japanese farm as a broodmare] so difficult.” In another piece, Moss talks about how the offer from the overseas breeding farm for So Many Ways was just “so much money”…just too much to turn down. MONEY. “Good folk”? It didn’t matter how “kind” and “human-like” Moss thought So Many Ways was…this “good folk” loved the money more than her mare.
And what about Bojan, Ms. Moss? And the deal you were going to offer low-level trainer Chad Skelton for MSW Fuhrever Dancing?…you know, 5K and throw in a “couple of horses that would actually make him money” to sweeten the deal? Unreal…Moss is considered one of the “good folks,” yet she was ready to offer up a couple of sacrificial horses to someone she and her cronies were crucifying as the “scum” in racing. Fuhrever Dancing was worth saving, Moss deems…and two other horses were going to pay his ransom with their lives. Fuhrever Dancing gets her some good press. No one will ever know about the sacrificial lambs. “Good folk.”
(By the way, the last race for Ballistic Blonde – Moss’ “cheap” mare that she sold for a “good price for her” – was a 3K claiming race at Turf Paradise in October 2012.)
More “good folk” stories to come…
Joy, thanks so much for your excellent details, facts, and direct stories on these parasites.
Maggi Moss is one of the biggest parasites in the horse racing business despite the fact that she bemoans slaughter and provides lips service for the most part.
She’s part of the problem as she is an active claiming owner who exploits and dumps.
TURN BACK TIME (TBT) – on March 16, 2017 Maggi Moss claimed this gelding for $7500 at Gulfstream Park.
Prior to his decline, TBT was a Derby hopeful when Mark Casse bought him for $150,000 at Keeneland.
Like all racehorses who don’t live up to the human plan for them they quickly become disposable.
TBT after making some starts for Casse was not showing much so he was put up FOR SALE in the claiming ranks – time to dump him.
He was subsequently bought and sold many times, track to track, with his price getting lower and lower with each horrible start.
Anybody with half a brain knows that TBT was suffering from some sort of agonizing ailment that got worse with every race.
The usual proverbial chronic pre-existing conditions most likely, but the secret treatment records protects the abusers who continue to dope and run until they are caught.
So it didn’t surprise me that on July 9, 2017, he tested positive for a big overage of Phenylbutazone in his system for his race on June 1, 2017 at Churchill Downs.
He was subsequently disqualified, purse money forfeited.
So TBT’S doping positive tells a story, the sad truth behind horse racing with an owner who constantly claims to “love” her racehorses and treat them so good.
Maggi Moss was well aware that her trainer was doping TBT to keep him flipping a buck for her because she pays for the vet bills.
He won that day on June 1, 2017 because they masked his pain with dope, lots of dope and we can only guess what else they did to him including SWT, but they can’t test for SWT which makes it such an invisible enemy of the racehorse and contributes to breakdowns.
Nevertheless, this example alone clearly shows that Maggi only cares about herself and the money she can make off a racehorse who is obviously in distress because they require dope to run.
Second, TBT was claimed in that race that he won. This being about the 5th claim. So the next owner didn’t even know that the horse was doped and tested positive. Of course most owners know that racehorses are doped, but are not provided with the records so the abuse continues as the chronic issues get exacerbated with every race.
He was shipped out to Thistledown where he was run under the new owner with everybody oblivious to his testing positive in the previous race.
Now I don’t care about the people who gamble on racehorses, but strictly from a legal prospective this information is not disclosed to the public while thousands of dollars is gambled on a fraudulent product when it gets right down to it.
TBT was flipped, sold and bought by at least 3 different owners after testing positive for Bute.
His lengthy record of ongoing abuse is sickening like most racehorses in the claiming ranks.
Again, this shows a bunch of parasites with total disregard for the health and welfare of a racehorse.
It also highlights a widespread system of cover-ups and abuse with either dumping or death in the end.
TURN BACK TIME’s last start was on June 5, 2019 when he barely finished last by about 15 lengths.
Like too many others his record shows how he endured a life of abuse, pain, and suffering only to disappear off the radar and we can only guess where he ended up.
Whether Maggi Moss or Mark Casse and all the others they are nothing but parasites – every single one of them.
I often come back to this post because it’s so accurate.
There are no “good folks” in horse racing.
Take for example, Carl Brewster – look this attorney up some time.
Lot’s of stuff going on in this dudes background.
Anyways, he has been legal counsel for Steve Asmussen during his violations, and always comes to his rescue.
Does it surprise you that CB owns horses or shares in most (if not all) of the racehorses in Steve’s barn?
After the release of the PETA video, good ole boys club Carl went to town to defend this animal abuser.
Here’s an excerpt of just some of his comments in response to a pro-horse racing person stating that Steve A. is a cheater.
” When considering he has started more than 37000 horses his record of compliance is remarkable–a fact clearly documented in the KHRC report regarding the PETA complaint. I am an animal lover and active rancher. My family for generations have been farmers. I grew up knowing and caring about the well being of animals. Steve and his training staff have started more than 900 starts for me over the past 6 years and I have spent innumerable hours in their barns observing first hand the care. It is always top drawer. Naive I am not. Knowledgeable you are not.” Carl Brewster. DISQUS.
37,000 horses used, abused, and exploited by this idiot and his attorney.
Only 10 of the 37,000 horses they exploited can be accounted for as stallions and/or broodmares.
The other 36,990?
Well, your guess is as good as mine, but about 10 top multiple graded broodmares, IN FOAL, were dumped at a kill auction outside of Burnet, TX, and were subsequently rescued. They were directly traced back to Steve’s father who signed the slips to auction them off.
Yet, like all racetrackers they claim to “love” their horses, but have no problem dumping them without looking back or checking up on their well being.
Most of the 36,990 probably ended up at slaughter.
Now Carl since you are such an “animal lover, and active rancher.” (a dichotomy in and of itself) then why don’t you have the thousands that you used on your ranch?
I suppose the love quickly wanes when you can no longer make money off of them right?
Just think about how heartless and inept a person would have to be to wreck havoc on a racehorses life 37,000 times then send them away without batting an eyelash?
The top 6 trainers have about the same figures with most of them having their “in-house” attorney who defends them when they are caught doping – legal, illegal or otherwise.
No Carl, you sure aren’t naive, but neither are the rest of us.
Maggi Moss – the dumping Queen and the Queen of delusions.
She fits in very well with the horse racing crowd because that’s part of what they do.
Total disregard for the well-being of a living creature that they probably maimed, dumped, and/or died.
This is horse racing.
Absolutely, Rose. How can a compassionate individual own one of these horses, claim to love them but put them at risk of injury and death by racing them, then sell them and walk away? – never giving thought to or caring if they are one of the “THOUSANDS that need to be retired”?
Those who constantly say how well treated and “loved” these horses are need to follow some horses once they no longer make enough money and enter the claiming ranks.
I would love to know how well treated and “loved” these horses are as the decend in “value”, are given various drugs to keep them racing and are shuffled from barn to barn in the disposable system that claiming is.
If Ms Moss is concerned about horse welfare, as she claims, she would not be in the game any longer. One cannot continue on in racing year after year and claim to care about the horses,
Donoharm lives up to his name but, sadly, the business is doing harm to
him !!
Voodoo Storm, 9-year-old dark bay gelding, winner of nearly 500K from his 87 races, is now running in 4K claiming races. Maggi Moss once owned him – but because it was only for one race (“eighteen days”, she stated), she questions why she should be called upon to help him. So how many races DO you have to own them for, Ms. Moss, before you bear some responsibility? – 2? 10? 20? Or maybe the money amount they earned for you is your criteria for helping them or turning away?
But then she states this; “Know that I feel there are 1000’s of horses that need to be retired, and do not discriminate as to those that are winners of a lot or those that have little earnings” – she should add that she DOES discriminate if she was the owner for only “eighteen days”. (and isn’t it telling that a racing industry member feels there are THOUSANDS of horses that need to be retired…)
Another of her former horses, Donoharm, winner of 400K, is about as low as he can go – ran for a meager $2500 at Arapahoe a couple of weeks ago.
Exactly right. This horse abuser should go straight to jail !
Thank You Gina.
I really Appreciate your posts. You and so many others on this list have actually been in that world of horse racing and you know What is really going on behind the scenes to these horses in terms of drugging, continued abuse and death. I hope Your Posts and the other posts and the stats on this Website will help to WAKE UP those that are asleep to the Absolute Abuse that these horses endure so horseracing can be Shut Down FOREVER !!
Thank-you Kathleen for posting this.
So much to say here that I don’t even know where to start.
I tried to make this short, but it was not possible.
This is my short version if you can believe that!
The facts coming out in this court case is standard throughout the industry as they claim.
So if you are training and you are not willing to conduct your business this way then you will not make a living.
It’s just that simple.
Moreover, in order to permit the constant needling of your racehorse to win races, mask pain, continue to train/run them sore, and then dump them when no longer profitable doesn’t make you “good” it makes you pure evil.
What I constantly maintain on many of my comments here is that it’s not possible to be “good” and to continue in this business because sooner or later you will succumb to the necessary evils of this despicable system.
To what degree depends on the individual, but anybody who cares about racehorses would not be doing this.
Any gambler who cares about racehorses would leave them out of their gambling bets.
Veterinarians are running horse racing for the most part, and they make tons of money doing it.
There are entire “networks” of vets all over racetracks, and they qualify for organized syndicates from what I saw, and from what investigation I began during my brief stint with the CHRB in 2005.
Vets get privy information as to WHAT is being tested for and what is NOT being tested for.
They can order just about any type of drug (illegal or otherwise) from all over the world.
They do their homework before a race and they put into that needle what they know they can get away with.
This is going on all over the place, and many vets (when I was exposed to this information) OWN or have direct partnership into racehorses.
It’s NOT ILLEGAL for vets to own racehorses, and I’m not aware of any racing jurisdiction that has a rule on the books to prohibit vets from owning racehorses.
Even the state vet (who has endless exposure to drug information) plus controls the drug testing barn can own horses or they can get around the rule under hidden ownership.
These vets are like vultures. They get a trainer to front for them, there is an understanding to keep their mouth shut even when caught, but there’s also a guarantee that they will make money, and keep them on top.
I directly witnessed this when in horse racing, and nothing was ever done about it.
This is all being conducted at the detriment of the racehorse.
The racehorse is confined in their 10 x 10(12) space 23 hours per day, and they are sitting ducks for these predators.
Nobody, not any NEUTRAL organization is protecting them because the very people that are supposed to be protecting them are actually the ones abusing them as being exposed during this court case.
There is no NEUTRAL organization protecting the integrity of the drug testing process.
Moreover, these vets don’t have to hand in their vet records for daily operating procedures in the stable area.
This makes it so easy for them to run a doping ring when there is zippo oversight, and even cover-up because they don’t have to tell anybody what they are doing in the corner cobwebs of the stall!
Most owners get screwed as well because they get the big vet bills, and have to pay them.
In some cases, the vet is treating several of the same racehorses in the same race!
Talk about a carte blance for cheating!
You don’t know what the hell they are putting into that needle so this has the potential to “slow down” a favorite racehorse and speed up a long shot with lots of bets placed along the way of course.
As some of you may be aware, I caught “red-handed” a vet delivering a dose of something, via a needle, just 2 hours prior to a Graded Stake race at Del Mar totally illegal and against the rules.
In this example, she was treating one of Bobby Frankel’s horse – another doping cheater in my view.
I had to leave my job because I was getting death threats from reporting ILLEGAL doping!
Plus, I was getting fried with pro-horse racing articles circulating derogatory information about me painting me as this “irrational” women screaming about nothing when really I was doing my job.
The investigation revealed that the vet had falsified vet records on this occasion, but it seems logical that this had been going on for a long time.
There is a well established vet-trainer relationship at the highest levels of the game, and they want to carry on their little money making scheme at the detriment of the racehorse, the people who follow the rules, and they are monopolizing all of the purse money.
Case in point, the recent Belmont Stakes revealed the same vet (Baker) administering dope to the top trainers in the same race.
I would even go so far to say that when a top trainer realizes that he has a very expensive horse in his barn that is not living up to an owners expectations (s)he possibly work in tandem with their vet and BINGO the horse goes down – very possible scenario with everybody either profiting or getting back money especially if the horse is owned by the very vet that is treating him!
Again, we have no medication records to refer to because it’s not mandatory for vets to provide medication records to the commissions or the wagering public except in New York during Graded Stakes races that I’m aware of.
This should be standard operating procedures, and when we tried to pass this in California the vets were the first ones to fight it so that should tell you something.
The top trainers have been fighting this for a long time as well – again working in tandem.
In most racing jurisdictions, with no mandatory necropsy rule in place this possible scenario can carry on under these lackadaisical rules.
The system is in place for the vets/trainers to run their own little private killing gallery.
Despite the fact that this business derives money from the public I’ve never seen such secrets be permitted to carry on, and all facts seem to point to politicians receiving kickbacks to not pursue the dirty world of horse racing.
You would have to be incredibly stupid to invest in horse racing, to bet on horse racing, and/or be heartless to partake in such egregious acts of cruelty on a sentient being.
The only people who like the system currently in place are the vets/trainers/owners who are making millions off the bones, backs, and lives of racehorses with little to no oversight.
“This investigation has made things tough for me” Sure Beattie ! Have you ever thought YOU might be responsible for how “tough” things are. ? !
This game is nothing short of a form of organized crime.
Shit it down.
ALL These people DRUGGING horses should be thrown in Jail !!!
Another Excerpt from Paulick Report…. June 28th, 2017
……… it is two-time Penn National leading trainer Rojas, not Beattie, who is on trial for wire fraud, conspiracy and misbranding of prescription drugs. U.S. Attorney William Behe has laid out a case with testimony and documents from racing officials, veterinarians and vet assistants alleging Rojas requested and received race-day treatment of horses in order to win purse money, then had billing and treatment records falsified to conceal the cheating.
Beattie is among numerous individuals at Penn National under investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. She resisted cooperating with the FBI at first, Beattie testified, even after Special Agent Bruce Doupe told her, “If you don’t want to talk, I’ll come to your house at 4:30 in the morning, handcuff you and put you in jail for a very long time.”
Finally, Beattie said, after spending more than $60,000 on legal advice, she decided to cooperate with authorities, submitting to numerous interviews and even wearing a recording device on their behalf.
Despite admitting to years of rule violations in multiple states, Beattie has not been sanctioned by any racing commissions and has faced no criminal charges. It has hurt her business, as shown by a 2016 record of 14 wins from 111 starts and earnings of $217,655.
“This investigation has made things tough for me,” she said.
Beattie also said she has stopped cheating with race-day treatments.
Beattie explained how veterinarian Kevin Brophy established an order form for trainers to fill out their race day medication requests. She said her lists regularly included Kentucky Red, Estrone and Amicar – substances that are not permitted within 24 hours of a race.
Beattie testified that Brophy and other veterinarians informed her of which drugs the state’s testing lab was not testing for.
On Monday, Brophy’s associate veterinarian, Fernando Motta, testified that Rojas regularly requested and received treatments of Robinul and Estrone on race day for her horses. Motta beat the test for Robinul, he testified, by administering a lower dose and changing the route of administration to intravenous from intramuscular.
MORE EXPOSURE OF HORSE ABUSE AT RACETRACK
Excerpt from Article – Paulick Report -June 28th, 2017
Trainer Beattie At Rojas Trial: ‘Almost Everybody’ Illegally Treated Horses On Race Day
Stephanie Beattie threw fellow horsemen under the bus during her testimony for the prosecution Tuesday afternoon at the federal trial of Murray Rojas, a former rival for leading trainer honors at Penn National in Grantville, Pa.
Beattie admitted she routinely had her horses illegally treated with therapeutic medications on race day by the same veterinarians who counted Rojas as a client.
“Almost everybody did,” Beattie said of the practice. “Ninety-five to 98%. It was a known practice. We wanted to win and they weren’t testing for those drugs at that time.”
Beattie, 46, won enough races to be Penn National’s leading trainer on three occasions. In 2009, her best year, she won 222 races from 811 starts for earnings of $3.4 million. The previous year, when she won 212 races from 612 starts, she had a win percentage of 35 percent.
But it is two-time Penn National leading trainer Rojas, not Beattie, who is on trial for wire fraud, conspiracy and misbranding of prescription drugs. U.S. Attorney William Behe has laid out a case with testimony and documents from racing officials, veterinarians and vet assistants alleging Rojas requested and received race-day treatment of horses in order to win purse money, then had billing and treatment records falsified to conceal the cheating.
Speaking of ABUSE of horses.
Trainer Beattie At Rojas Trial: ‘Almost Everybody’ Illegally Treated Horses On Race Day
June 28th, 2017 -From Paulick Report
Stephanie Beattie threw fellow horsemen under the bus during her testimony for the prosecution Tuesday afternoon at the federal trial of Murray Rojas, a former rival for leading trainer honors at Penn National in Grantville, Pa.
Beattie admitted she routinely had her horses illegally treated with therapeutic medications on race day by the same veterinarians who counted Rojas as a client.
“Almost everybody did,” Beattie said of the practice. “Ninety-five to 98%. It was a known practice. We wanted to win and they weren’t testing for those drugs at that time.”
Beattie, 46, won enough races to be Penn National’s leading trainer on three occasions. In 2009, her best year, she won 222 races from 811 starts for earnings of $3.4 million. The previous year, when she won 212 races from 612 starts, she had a win percentage of 35 percent.
But it is two-time Penn National leading trainer Rojas, not Beattie, who is on trial for wire fraud, conspiracy and misbranding of prescription drugs. U.S. Attorney William Behe has laid out a case with testimony and documents from racing officials, veterinarians and vet assistants alleging Rojas requested and received race-day treatment of horses in order to win purse money, then had billing and treatment records falsified to conceal the cheating.
Beattie is among numerous individuals at Penn National under investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. She resisted cooperating with the FBI at first, Beattie testified, even after Special Agent Bruce Doupe told her, “If you don’t want to talk, I’ll come to your house at 4:30 in the morning, handcuff you and put you in jail for a very long time.”
Finally, Beattie said, after spending more than $60,000 on legal advice, she decided to cooperate with authorities, submitting to numerous interviews and even wearing a recording device on their behalf.
Despite admitting to years of rule violations in multiple states, Beattie has not been sanctioned by any racing commissions and has faced no criminal charges. It has hurt her business, as shown by a 2016 record of 14 wins from 111 starts and earnings of $217,655.
“This investigation has made things tough for me,” she said.
Beattie also said she has stopped cheating with race-day treatments.
Beattie explained how veterinarian Kevin Brophy established an order form for trainers to fill out their race day medication requests. She said her lists regularly included Kentucky Red, Estrone and Amicar – substances that are not permitted within 24 hours of a race.
Beattie testified that Brophy and other veterinarians informed her of which drugs the state’s testing lab was not testing for.
On Monday, Brophy’s associate veterinarian, Fernando Motta, testified that Rojas regularly requested and received treatments of Robinul and Estrone on race day for her horses. Motta beat the test for Robinul, he testified, by administering a lower dose and changing the route of administration to intravenous from intramuscular.
Under cross examination by Robert Goldman, attorney for Rojas, Beattie admitted she never secretly recorded Rojas admitting she had her horses illegally drugged. “There wouldn’t be, because we don’t talk,” Beattie said.
“You don’t like her, do you?” said Goldman, who then revealed that Beattie made fun of Rojas by dressing up like her at a Halloween costume party.
Goldman then recited Beattie’s history of medication violations, dating back to her earliest years as a trainer, including a 2005 suspension at Charles Town in West Virginia when officials searched her vehicle and discovered loaded syringes.
Goldman asked: Why did she have injectables?
Beattie responded: “I was giving medication at Lasix time, like everyone else was.”
Beattie denied under oath that she would have shock wave therapy performed on a horse on race day and then have her veterinarian turn in a false name. She said, however, it was “common practice” for horses shipping in to have received shock wave therapy that same day.
She also said she never directed her jockeys or stable employees to use electrical devices, commonly known as buzzers or batteries, to shock horses both during morning workouts and races, as alleged by her former boyfriend and training partner, David Wells. Wells pleaded guilty to charges of rigging a race in a deal with federal prosecutors.
“Did I ever ask them to, no,” Beattie said. “Does it happen at every racetrack, yes. But I never told my jockeys to do it.”
Then there is Maggi Moss – the Queen of dumping.
She is standard operating procedures when it comes to her never revolving door of claiming, dumping, buying, selling, exploiting then dumping.
You Joy, and all of us here know all too well about Maggi Moss.
That said, I checked out her FB page where she posted the pic of a fat healthy OTTB being ridden in the show ring and made a point of saying that NOT all OTTB’s end up like Dr Drip.
She said there is a “good” side to horse racing basically.
So Ms. Moss we are supposed to sacrifice about 99 racehorses for 1 that ends up in a “good” situation?
You know full well that the majority of racehorses end up in horrific situations just like Dr Drip.
You Ms. Moss are a delusional twit.
It’s really too bad that Ms. Moss with her education, her attorney background, her horse background all being used to justify the ongoing using, abusing, whipping/beating, dying, dumping of racehorses.
Indeed the apologists will use anything to justify their legitimized animal abuse.
Yes, Rose, they most certainly are just as guilty.
Gina asks a good question – where were the “good” folks of horse racing? – when Dr Drip was passed from racing owner Arey to jockey Lavergne to whomever ELSE he was handed off to? Nowhere around…and certainly not concerned for him nor looking out for him. Arey and Lavergne had already washed their filthy hands of him and walked away.
Even though I have dealt with the defending of this industry by apologists for quite some time now, Dr Drip’s horror story – and those who have defended Arey/Lavergne in claiming they bear no responsibility in the gelding’s torture and death – have surprised even me…and the added insult they hurl at Dr Drip in doing so is maddening.
Without a doubt, Rose…on both counts.
The jockey who rode him for the majority of his races was DANNY LAVERGNE.
We now know that the owner, AVERY, who made $250,000 off of Dr Drip gave him to Danny.
Danny gave Dr Drip to a “friend” who in turn gave the horse away for riding which I believe was the current owner that got arrested.
So most of the dumping was by the very people who claimed to “love” him – typical racetrack people.
In fact, they loved him so much that they dumped him, didn’t provide a safe retirement, didn’t spend $20 in gas to go see if he was okay.
They just washed their hands of him, and never looked back.
Unfortunately for Dr Drip ended up in the hands of a monster.
I just can’t believe that the person charged had saddled him and rode him 2 days before the seizure?
This just blows me away.
As for the rescue who has about 20+ OTTB’s right now?
GULF COAST THOROUGHBRED RESCUE.
https://www.facebook.com/GulfCoastTBNetwork/
There were at least 4 pics that showed some severely neglected racehorses that had just come off the track!
Therefore, the racing people weren’t feeding these thoroughbreds even in active training!
I’m just so distraught over Dr Drip, but this happens on a regular basis with this business.
Dumping is one of many repulsive facts about horse racing.
Of course dying in the dirt is another.
All the dumpers of this horse are as guilty as the individual arrested.
Unfortunately they will probably skate.
Gina,
Where is the after care place that you were talking about that has 20 horses that need care ?
Thank You Gina for your comprehensive story on this heartbreaking Story.
One Question. Who Was the Jockey ?
Yes Carolyn, but it should really haunt them all – every single supporter/participator/apologist.
It should also clearly show any member of the public what this horrible business is all about.
Anybody who continues to support or defend this is now just as abusive as the abuser themselves.
Dr Drip sacrificed his life for this business, and I’m not about to let him die in vain.
I detest this industry and I will rejoice for every race track that closes down.
Furthermore, this corruption is going on at the highest levels of the game and is, from what information I’ve been exposed to, the corruption tentacles extend into the entire drug testing process.
If true, then most races are fixed – organized, and it’s organized at the highest levels of the game with the most winning trainers of the game it seems.
This is horse racing only it can’t even be called horse racing because it’s an evil entity, and in order to be “successful” in this business you eventually become evil under the delusion that you are one of the “good” folks of horse racing.
What a sick, demented, twisted delusional world where racehorses are dying in the dirt for these despicable people.
It can’t shut down soon enough for me or the racehorses.
Thank you, Gina for all that you’re doing for Dr Drip.
I hope that the exposure of the unspeakable torture of this successful racehorse haunts AYER and THE JOCKEY for the rest of their lives.
An arrest was made today on the case of Dr Drip:
https://www.facebook.com/slpsheriff/posts/1499920266717962:0
The investigation revealed that Dr Drip changed hands “many” times, and was not properly taken care of since 2014 when his owner/trainer “AYER” who made $250,000 off his sweat gave him away, washed his hands of Dr Drip and NEVER looked back even when he was allegedly contacted for assistance.
NEVER picked up the phone to see how his champion racehorse was nor did he spend $20 in gas to go see how he was doing!
This is standard racetrack modus operandi.
DUMPING is standard operating procedure from the lowest claimer to the highest “royally” bred.
Let’s be clear horse racing did this to Dr Drip.
They opened the door for this pain, suffering, and egregious acts of cruelty.
So onto the jockey he went.
It’s now 2014.
His sweat is barely dry from the racetrack where DUMPING him into the claiming ranks didn’t get rid of him, but they had other plans for DUMPING, and they carried those out with total impunity.
The jockey couldn’t take care of him, evidently, so handed him off to a “friend.”
The jockey washed his hands of Dr Drip after he made 10% of his earnings on the track which translates to about $25,000 not including whatever bets he had going.
Let’s be clear horse racing did this to Dr Drip.
The jockey NEVER went to see him during this time, and made a phone call only to find out that the “friend” had given him away for riding.
Again, another individual that “loved” and “cared” for him so much didn’t even go to see if he was alright.
The “friend” who was not getting any money to buy feed or to pay for his upkeep (I suppose the former racetrack connections believed that money and feed drops down from the sky) gave/sold him to some people who didn’t know the first thing about a horse let alone a special needs thoroughbred.
The investigators have not detailed exactly how many times the horse changed hands, but nobody was feeding him or taking care of them
Dr Drip had some more sweat to give to people after he made $250,000, generated thousands in wagering profits, took care of everybody that used him, and he got the rotten end of the stick.
Typical OTTB life.
They do know that he continued to be used and abused by the person who was arrested today.
They allege that he was the guy that poured acid on him but because there are no direct witnesses for that they say it will be hard to prove because he changed hands so many times, but they can prove neglect and will try to get felony animal cruelty charges upheld with jail time.
It’s now up to the D.A.’s office to go forward which they will.
The guy arrested today is 250 pounds or more.
I can’t, and it’s so difficult for me to live through his pain in my mind.
Imagine carrying a 250 pound idiot on your back while your starving, haven’t been fed in who knows how long, with open wounds/sores on your back, maggots eating you alive and being kicked in the side to go.
Hell, for all we know, he could have been wearing spurs!
When I look closer at the pics you can see where the bridle was ill-fitted and it rubbed sores on his nozzle, and on the cheekbones – just another set of pain devices for Dr Drip.
He was saddled so many times in the last 3 years with multiple owners who probably knew nothing about a racehorse, who starved him, abused him, allegedly poured acid on him, saddled him up and rode him in that painful state.
This boggles my mind, and stabs my heart.
Moreover, the property was leased and the owner agreed to let the horse onto the property so it’s highly likely that he saw this horse and said NOTHING!
I would like to find out WHO the farrier was because he’s just as guilty as all involved.
We will be looking into this.
This is a typical scenario for an OTTB.
This is not an anomaly although the state of neglect of Dr Drip is the worse that anybody has ever seen.
The MAJORITY of OTTB’S change hands, and the majority end up in the hands of people who know nothing about a horse let alone a racehorse and MANY end up in neglectful situations DIRECTLY DUE to the horse racing industry.
Folks, both the industry funded aftercare programs and any other private OTTB rescues are OVERWHELMED, FULL TO THE TILT, underfunded, unable to take more as they are shipped-off to kill auctions, and subsequently slaughterhouses.
This is all going on while the industry boosts about RECORD WAGERING – 123 million in 4 days during the Derby, BILLIONS in wagering profits, and LITTLE OR NOTHING given to aftercare.
Not even a 1-800 number that people can call to get emergency funding.
This is the REAL world of horse racing where over breeding, irresponsible breeding is necessary in order to fill races and generate wagering profits or to flip a buck for their respective connections.
Local governments are giving MILLIONS for actually breeding a racehorse while they don’t have safe drinking water (Flint, MI) or their roads/bridges are falling apart!
It’s time to shut this business down!
Even in the wake of BILLIONS in casino profits they STILL don’t take care of these horses because they know full well that it’s a life time commitment, and not one they are willing to do.
Instead they dump them, and create this mess while convincing people that this is business as usual.
DUMPING – so necessary a tool in order to keep filling races.
I’m sad to say that there are about 20 OTTB’s now in dire need of assistance at 1 aftercare facility – that’s just one and they can’t get any funds from the multiBILLION dollar horse racing industry.
Most of them are already well on their way to looking like Dr Drip due to not enough groceries.
I, like so many others, are heartbroken over Dr Drip.
Every time I submit a comment on this blog regarding his horrific life I can’t stop crying.
Where were the “good” folks of horse racing when Dr Drip was being abused, neglected, and hurt?
Well they were probably out breeding or dumping a racehorse to fill their delusion and to fill the wagering coffers.
After all, this is horse racing.
Multiple-graded stakes racehorse gelding THE PIZZA MAN barely make it through the race yesterday.
Watching him get beaten/whipped was equally disturbing.
In his prime, TPM pulled in over 2 MILLION dollars for Richard and Karen Papiese (Midwest Thoroughbreds) but these greedy slave masters can’t find it in their heart to give him a decent, and safe retirement.
Let’s not forget that exploiting, dumping, maiming, and/or dying of their profit slaves is standard operating procedures for this vile business.
He simply didn’t want to be there, but these heartless owners don’t seem to give a damn.
This is one example of many, and this is why this business needs to shut down.
There are too many Pizza Man’s, and there are too many horses dying for this VILE business.
Yes Carolyn, they are squeezing him dry now after all that money he made for them.
The following scenarios are most likely for The Pizza Man:
1. Catastrophic breakdown with an insurance policy most likely in place.
Midwest Thoroughbreds have a history of this happening. Most equine insurance policies have a caveat that the racehorse must die on racetrack grounds while in active training or racing. Perhaps the reason why they brought him back after 8 months?
2. Breakdown that will render him useless to the operation, and the dumping will begin.
3. Low performance in stake races leading to dumping of one kind or another whether that’s in the claiming ranks (which they have done to many of their racehorses) or somewhere else.
The sad part is if he performs then he will continue to be trained, and raced until there is no blood left in him.
No matter what dumping is in the future, most likely, after they are “done” with him.
Well you cruel horse racing people – society is DONE with you, and it’s only a matter of time until this sinking ship hits the iceberg.
If THE PIZZA MAN hasn’t raced for 8 months, then he’s at high risk, especially given his poor health history. No doubt the vet on duty will pass him fit to race – what a joke.
Papiese clearly has no respect for TPM and I foresee him racing him into the ground until he gets the last drop of blood out of him.
This article deserves special attention, and I’m (hopefully) getting it re-posted.
This is an accurate narrative, backed-up with evidence, that this business doesn’t give a damn about these racehorses.
They are nothing more than a profit commodity who are continually abused throughout their racetrack life.
Midwest Thoroughbreds – a prime example of an outfit who regularly dumps racehorses who are no longer profitable.
Google their name and a plethora of articles comes up about rescue groups finding their horses all over Florida in bad shape.
True to horse racing procedures these owners give little or nothing to these financially struggling rescue groups who are actively cleaning up their mess while they spend millions buying up more racehorses.
So now they seem to be falling back on their virtual ATM machine called THE PIZZA MAN.
This racehorse has been through lots, and has made his owners $2,126,571, but that’s not enough to retire this 8 y.o. gelding.
After all, he’s not going to the breeding shed to make millions so sitting him in a pasture equates to spending money instead of making money.
He’s back in again after being off the radar for 8 months.
He’s entered in the Black Tie Handicap at Arlington – poor dude.
It’s no secret that The Pizza Man has been plagued with issues (lung infections) so he’s probably been turned into a pin cushion by now to keep him going.
Of course we will never know because the industry and the supporters ensure that medical records are kept secret.
Here is a quote from his owner:
“We’re just blessed to have a horse like him and we’re not done with him yet,” Papiese said. (Bloodhorse)
In other words, he’s not done making you enough money because over 2 million is not enough for your spending habits at the Keeneland sales is it?
Well, Papiese we are DONE with people like you, and your horse should be DONE with this business, out in a grassy paddock, enjoying his life.
He was certainly not blessed to have owners like you.
People are DONE with this legitimized animal cruelty and/or dying, and we will continue to educate the public so that they will be done supporting this.
Dispicable people in a dispicable business. God help the horses.
And those with the power to do something for these animals and do nothing are as guilty of abuse and cruelty as those perpittrating the the abuse. Their hands are just as dirty if not more so .
PS Re Ms Moss, I often think of her lovely mare, So Many Ways, and wonder if there any provisions for her return to the US once Japan is finished with her .
Joy, think of horses as stocks in an investment account. When those stocks don’t perform up to the owner’s expectations, they are sold and that is exactly what Ms. Moss is trying to do with Run Like Elle. She is trying to sell him via claiming races because he isn’t making money for her. No matter what Ms. Moss says, her actions speak louder than her words. Racing is a business for her and making money is her goal. The horses are a distant second.
Thank you, Joy for exposing this.
I cannot fathom why Maggi Moss publicly declares that she’s against the slaughtering of racehorses when she places her own racehorses in such vulnerable situations having the knowledge that there is a very high risk of them ending up suffering a torturous INHUMANE death?
Thompson is another example of the sickeningly cruel people in this industry.
It is unacceptable that the racing authorities allow Thompson to hold a trainer’s licence when he is also operating as a kill buyer.
The horror story for these innocent noble horses continues………..
And those that have the power to intervene do NOTHING!
I am just appalled with how Maggi Moss places her horses at such great risk.
Run Like Elle, Moss’ 4-year-old colt. She ran him on December 2 for 10K at Delta Downs. No takers. She ran him (at DD) on the 21st but lowered his sale price to 5K. Again, no takers. The dark bay colt is entered for 5K again on January 7 at Fair Grounds Race Course.
It’s not new news that racehorses disappear from the Louisiana tracks. Many. And often. It’s also not new news that a known kill buyer is also a racehorse owner – Jacob Thompson. He just boasted via a FB post that he’s got 30 horses in training. He continued, doing his best to goad advocates; “I did have more tbs [sic] to post today [he advertises his slaughter-bound horses for exorbitant prices] but I will load them instead so ya’ll have a good day!!!” Verbatim.
But then kill buyer Thompson says this, and includes a screen shot of the entries for January 7, race 5, at Fair Grounds…“[Maggi Moss] has a colt running for a tag on Saturday for 5K I think she wants me to go claim him at the fair grounds!!!”
Every racehorse owner who puts their horses into claiming races (and that’s every racehorse owner) is placing them at great risk. Of injury and of death. Sometimes that death comes via having their throats slit while hanging – still alive – by a hind leg.
Moss, an advocate? Please.
Thank you so much for the help Billy! I sent Kelli a Facebook message yesterday but never sure how well that works, I will try calling the tracks to get her info, that was my next plan. Thanks again!
Michaela in posse attacks race before last there was another trainer named kelli martinez she is the last listed person to race him she had a horse entered yesterday 12/3 at turfway park so she might be stabling and racing there you should be able to call the racing office to come in contact with her on another note I have searched the net high and low and haven’t came across anything I hope I could be of some help good luck on finding posse attack
Exactly, Rose.
I see that HALOS AND ANGELS raced at Mahoning Valley yesterday, came home 5th for $85. She still has a sale price on her head for $5,000. She hasn’t won a race since April 2014, according to equibase.com.
This rising 6 year old mare is racing for her life in Claiming hell. And clearly this gambling business is seriously compromising her welfare and safety.
No rules to protect her, none whatsoever.
They just keep on sending her out, keeping their fingers crossed that she doesn’t break down.
The facts here illustrate racing wants the horses for a few years to use them up and make some money. The claiming game is a system for the bigger players to unload the unprofitable horses and thus begins the downward spiral for the unfortunates. The end for the survivors of the brutal claiming process is, all too often, a horrific death at a slaughterhouse.
Obviously, it is impossible for “good folks” to be active in this game where MONEY ALWAYS TRUMPS THE WELFARE OF THE HORSE. I could hardly believe Maggi Moss sold her “beloved” mare, So Many Ways, to be a broodmare in Japan. Moss tries to portray herself as one who really cares about her horses. But as the saying goes, don’t listen to what I say, watch what I do. Moss is a phony like all the other so called “good folks” in this business. They are in it for money and ego, period.
Joy the other day you provided a link on this site to a YouTube video about horse racing.
I watched it.
It was great, but the one thing that stood at for me was the woman who does OTTB rescue, and talked about a horse who made over 1 million.
They contacted the owner who made the million off of the horse for a much needed sponsorship, and she said that they didn’t give ONE DIME.
You could sense the frustration in her voice that we all feel when we must beg for $200 to get a racehorse out of harms way.
Whether BREAK THE ICE, LA GALERIE etc etc etc. last week we were begging for donations.
This was all going on while Keeneland was boasting about record profits at their sale.
This was all going on while owners like Bobby Flay, Barbara Banke, and Three Chimneys (who sold La Galerie for $800,000) were spending millions buying up more potential victims of this business.
In fact, one of the biggest OTTB rescues in central California closed it’s doors a couple of years ago.
They did a special on it, and the prevailing theme was how they were desperate for money, for financial support that never came from the industry or participants of it or came in such low amounts that they couldn’t keep going.
Despite the fact that they request, on many occasions, financial assistance from the industry and directly from racetracks like Santa Anita and Del Mar they refused to support them.
That says it all right there.
The only thing these pro-horse racing people care about is themselves.
They only want what they can financially gain from the racehorses, and then they dump them on everybody else’s doorstep with no financial help to keep them out of harms way.
Maggi Moss claims to follow her racehorses.
We know this not to be 100% accurate.
Moreover, following a horse, and providing it with a home is 2 entirely different issues.
So let’s be clear: not only does Maggi Moss not follow all of her racehorses, but she certainly doesn’t provide them with a soft landing in most cases.
She can convince herself that she is the “good” folk of horse racing, but we know otherwise.
Anybody who buys, sells, and dumps racehorses like Maggi Moss is no horse advocate.
Further, anybody who participates in this industry in whatever capacity can’t love a horse.
We know this.
I’m sorry you cannot find Posse Attack, Michaela. Like Mary, I cannot tell you where the gelding is. What I CAN tell you is what Moss did with him – she unloaded him. In fact, by looking at Posse Attack’s PP’s, she tried for awhile…running him cheaper and cheaper. No one claimed him, even when he last ran for Moss in May, 2015 for 4K. But she got rid of him anyway as he ran for Damian Martinez in June…where the bay came in last, 87 lengths behind. Yes, that was not a typo – he finished EIGHTY-SEVEN lengths behind. He didn’t race again.
Michaela, I have no idea where Posse Attack is or whether he is alive or dead. However, what I can tell you is that Ms. Moss has publicly stated at least once, maybe twice, that she follows ALL her horses even after she is “done” with them. I haven’t found that to be true and I have challenged her on her claims but she has ignored me which is probably a good thing because no one likes to be caught with their “pants down.” Moss “sold” him to be retired? Certainly, the horse went with an adoption agreement. Moss is an attorney who absolutely loves the racing industry in which she participates so she should be fully aware that unless a horse is in your backyard, no horse is 100% safe and she must be knowledgeable enough to grasp that horses are vulnerable to disappearing into the underground slaughter pipeline. When PA stopped producing revenue for her, perhaps she just wanted to unload him and selling him was a means to an end.
I reached out to Ms. Moss about a year ago concerning two horses that she previously owned…Marchwood and Tricolette. Moss had no idea where they were or who they were with and we think that Tricolette has simply disappeared. I would reach out to Moss and ask her to investigate the whereabouts of a horse that she previously owned…Posse Attack. Ask her to follow up with the individual that she sold the horse to in order to obtain information. Remember…she is the one who publicly boasts that she follows ALL her horses even after she unloads them.
I saw mention of Posse Attack in one of the comments on this page. Does anyone know his whereabouts? Maggi had at one point given me the contact for the racing family she had sold him to to be retired, and when I called them they said they gave him to a teenage girl. I’ve always wanted to check on him and make sure he’s still happy and OK, and I search social media every so often hoping he will pop up. Reading this article and posts makes me worry about him. If anyone has any info on him, I would appreciate being notified, you can reach me via my email Michaela[dot]slavid[at]gmail[dot]com. Thank you!
Again, the claiming system and what it does to the horses clearly shows they are not the beloved family members that racing insiders like to declare. And Maggi Moss, one of racing’s “good folks”, is as guilty of unloading her racehorses via claiming races as the rest. A racehorse supporter tracks her stable – the many that “come and go” – and sends me the long list…I can’t keep up with the buying and selling she does. And her “family members”, the horses she claims to care about so much, just fall farther and farther…while she just buys the next slave, and the next, and the next.
Donoharm (what a sad irony, that name) is a 2009 Kentucky-bred bay gelding. He is GSP with 45 starts and earnings of nearly 400K. Moss claimed him for 32K on 3-28-15, ran him in a stakes race on 5-25-15 then sold him for 20K on 6-19-15. Barely time for Moss to get to know her “beloved horse”, and certainly not time for the gelding to acclimate to his new “home” – what a stressful existence these creatures that crave routine live.
Donoharm just ran (and won) on October 20 at Remington Park in a 5K claiming race. And he’s running again tonight with the same price tag on his head.
Family members?…just stop with the lies…you make yourselves look like the callous fools that you are.
2016. Yet again, the horse racing industry has shown us how the “good folks” of horse racing conduct themselves. Thanks to Ray Paulick of the Blood Horse he exposed yet another huge abandonment of racehorses in the horse racing capital of the world: Lexington, Kentucky. Here’s the link:
http://www.paulickreport.com/horse-care-category/abandoned-horses-now-under-care-of-lexington-humane-society/
An active member of the thoroughbred industry (name withheld in article) originally abandoned 33 racehorses. Evidently, no feed, no water, no hay, no clean stall – just left to die. Since the horse racing industry and all their billions wouldn’t step up to the plate, the Humane Society did.
They ended up taking in 22 racehorses yesterday, and today with no funding from the multibillion dollar horse racing industry. Remember? Those “good folks” of horse racing. You know, the ones that say they care about their horses when they are running, winning, and making money? Remember the ones who are so quick to dump them either in claiming, kill auctions?
What about the multibillion dollar industry leaders like TVG, Bet America, Xpressbet, Keeneland, Fasig-Tipton, HBPA – these are the very companies that make billions off the bones, and backs of racehorses. The ones who donate little or nothing (relative to their obscene profits) to OTTB aftercare.
So far, since my last call to the Humane Society not one of these so called “good folks” have stepped up and given one dime to this ongoing rescue.
In fact, it’s people like you and me who scrape together $5, $10 to help out. In fact, it’s the Humane Society membership, and private donations (by people who have not created this mess) that are paying for these racehorses.
PLEASE comment on this article. When you locate this article there is a comment section below. I was the first to leave a comment, and I didn’t spare any words. I’m sure that the “good folks” of horse racing will comment , and defend their slave business. I do battle with them all the time on this website.
The Lexington Humane Society now has a specific account set-up for these abandoned racehorses soliciting for donations. Now I know everybody here is up to their eyeballs in the mess that the industry leaves behind including myself. So if you don’t donate, please make a comment.
Marchwood’s future is in your hands Ms Moss. I most certainly do not mean to be rude but you have the money to save this horse. I do hope you take appropriate action.
I had hoped that Maggi Moss had been watching over her former racehorse Marchwood – had seen that the gelding was claimed by Burton Sipp in September for 5K and then had come to his rescue – but she hasn’t. Marchwood could still be with Sipp. He could be lingering in a feedlot. He could be dead. We don’t know. What we DO know is Moss was not watching over him. And in fact when told about him over the week-end, it was said by the founder of the rescue that she is an advisory board member of that I should take him in. How callous…an astounding display of complete lack of concern for Marchwood.
I have privately reached out to Ms. Moss and asked her to step up for Marchwood. We will wait to see what action she takes, of any.
From a previous Owner/Trainer perspective?
The racehorse is a disposable commodity more now than ever, and it’s owners like Maggie Moss, and the industry as a whole who are the problem.
I truly believe that the racehorse has been pumped-up with drugs unabated for so many years now that there’s no way to train, and run a racehorse drug free anymore. There just isn’t. My comment in no way supports or justifies the industry whatsoever, but it does exemplify just how bad the situation is for a racehorse.
What I’m saying is that the small percentage of Trainers who want to run on oats, hay, and water can’t even if they wanted to especially when they are forced to compete with these trainers and owners who conduct a virtual drug den, and the industry supports them.
In other words, lameness is actually bred into the racehorse now. I’m no vet, I can’t justify this, but I grew up around racehorses. The racehorse in the 60’s is a completely different animal then the one racing now.
Moreover, in the past, I was able to take a racehorse off the track (who was heading to kill auction), spend some time, effort, and money on them to transition them into another career. It was a passion of mine. You really have to know what your doing, but I’m an accomplished equestrian so I was able to assess both the physical, and mental aspect of the particular individual. Then I was able to work with them and, based on my assessment, figure out what career was best for them. Back then, I had 100% placement, and I often broke even financially or made a little profit. I estimate that I was rehoming about 20 per year.
Enter EPO. Around 2000, I was starting to notice that racehorses were coming off the track completely “burned-out.” There was something horribly wrong, and I just couldn’t put my finger on it. I also noticed that these racehorses were usually coming out of the same barns, from the same Trainers. They would claim a horse for $5000 that was finishing last by lengths, run it back with very large bets placed on it, and it would win by lengths. This kept happening, but I also noticed that those racehorses would win maybe 2, and then go down. Aside from breakdowns, they were just not the same horse. They were all sunken in physically, and mentally they were toast. There was something seriously wrong with them. EPO was later found out to be the culprit.
It wasn’t only EPO though. I was now taking in racehorses that had absolutely nothing left to work with. The lemon was squeezed dry (so to speak).
I’m talking physically, mentally, and emotionally. They were so burned out. There was nothing left to work with. About 3-5 days of getting them off the track, the drugs would wear off, and they would be completely lame. That would add to lay-up time, rehabilitation time, and in many cases were not able to perform any type of post-career.
Aside from the physical aspect, there was the mental one as well. Many of these OTTB’s I would rehome to teenagers, families, or people who just wanted a trail riding horse. This requires a sound mental attitude, but these horses were crazy. I know they were not born that way, but they had enough. This was all a result of being over raced, changing hands frequently, and probably neglect and/or abuse. I never saw this in the majority of racehorses I got off the track in the 70’s,80’s, 90’s. Or, it would be very rare to see this. Now it was common rendering them almost impossible to rehome.
In the year 2000 and forward, Out of about 20 horses that I would take in, maybe 4 were salvageable. In the past, this equation was inverted.
I had regular clients who purchased OTTB’s from me. I had a good reputation in the Polo world, with Owners expecting a certain level of horse. There’s no way I could send most of these horses to them because they would be sent right back.
In the past, it cost around $30 per day, per horse for me to retrain, and rehome. On average, I was able to turn a racehorse around in 4 to 6 weeks costing me about $1500 on average. Of course my time is never factored in. It was a labor of love.
I always knew that I could get $1500 for the racehorse so I would be able to break even. I had to break even in order to survive. At 20 racehorses a year it adds up. Although I loved what I did, horses don’t live on love alone. You have to have the money to conduct this type of OTTB retraining/rehoming business. I got absolutely NO HELP from the racing industry at all. I tapped into the so called money funded racing industries only to be turned down. Not one of those rich owners would give me a dime to help finance my OTTB retraining/rehoming program – not even the owners who made the money off the racehorse. I was doing it all myself.
So 2000 comes around, and out of 20 horses 4 would be salvageable. Many would be completely lame after the drugs wore-off, and then the mental issues that I talked about already. So it didn’t take long to be in huge debt. I had to stop.
I know that I’m one of many who took in, on average, about 20 racehorses per year for retraining, and rehoming who concluded what I did, and had to stop.
The majority of racehorses coming off of tracks in North America now are disposable, and the industry is to blame. By the time they come off the track, most require extensive ongoing vet support (very expensive), and the physical can be addressed by medicine, but the mental is an entirely other issue.
Once a horse is mentally off it may never come around, and a horse’s disposition is essential for it to be retrained, and rehomed. Of course the massive amounts of drugs being permitted during its racing career probably contributes to its mental issues as well. Any drug addict has mental issues.
I would even venture to say that the racehorse being slaughtered is not even salvageable for food anymore – horrific as slaughter is.
For the most part, the racehorse is now a disposable commodity, and that’s all because of the industry. The blame lies squarely on them. So not only do they use, and abuse, they dispose as well with very little support coming from the industry. This is what they call the “good folks” in horse racing.
When I hear the name, Burton Sipp, I cringe. When his house burned down, and his wife died in the fire, it was rumored that the fire was intentionally set by Sipp. I would venture to guess that no horse is safe unless they are winning for him.
You’re exactly right, janwindsong. Moss has a large stable and has horses “coming & going” all the time. It’s a business. Her horses are nothing more than objects to be used in this gambling industry until they’re “worn”…like a used deck of cards. Then it’s time to get a new deck.
Maggi Moss came into a facebook group called The Kill Pen Experience after a short and successful rush to save a TB racer out of a kill pen. She beat her chest over the saving but as seen here. It is only when the powder keg is lit and their names are about to get neon lighted that these owners step up. Why don’t they have every auction in the US contacting them with TBs that come in? The kill buyers do have such a network. Why don’t the owners? I will tell you why. They don’t care to.
Maggi Moss claimed Marchwood for 50K on June 14, 2013. Marchwood earned 40K for Moss – 40K earned by HIS efforts, only…Moss did nothing but stand and watch – and then she sold him (via a claiming race) for 30K on November 29, 2013.
After Moss unloaded Marchwood in November of 2013, the 2010 bay gelding ran another 17 times.
Marchwood’s most recent race was a 5K claiming race at Mountaineer on September, 2015. He came in 5th of 9 horses.
So Moss’ former horse has fallen to the 5K level…but what’s especially disturbing is he was claimed in his last race – by Burton Sipp. Google Sipp. It will make you sick.
Let’s hope Maggi Moss, who claims to love her horses and has said she stays in the racing industry because she can better help the horses, has come to the rescue of this gelding she owned, raced and then sold…Marchwood has not raced since September when Sipp claimed him.
Moss just got rid of another one of her horses – Whispering Charm, a 2010 gray gelding – via a 4K claiming race on November 27…Whispering Charm came in 18 lengths behind, 8th of 10 horses.
And another Moss gelding is still laboring at the 5K level – Voodooville.
Voodooville wasn’t capable of bringing Ms. Moss the money and glory she so desperately needs and desires. I would venture to guess that Voodooville wasn’t considered “family” so was put up for sale like so many of them are when the big purses dwindle away. Yes, things are looking bleak for this sweet boy but I’m sure that is of no concern for Ms. Moss. I would venture to guess she is concentrating on the next “big” race…one that can bring in a large paycheck and a truckload of congratulations from her many admirers. So incredibly sad…not for Moss but for horses such as Voodooville.
Maggi Moss sold her racehorse – Voodooville – via a claiming race on June 7, 2015. Voodooville is a six-year-old dark bay gelding (2009) – he is MSP and the earner of over 200K. On June 7, Moss unloaded him for a mere 10K. On June 27, Voodooville came in last by over 18 lengths in a 16K claiming race for his new owner. On July 30 at Belterra (cheap Ohio track), the gelding finished 6th of 8 with a 4K tag on his head. And most recently, Voodooville ran in a 5K claiming race where he “broke awkwardly [and] fanned into the 5 path” – and ultimately came in 8th out of 12 horses. Things are looking bleak for Voodooville. Moss got rid of him just in time, it appears…he cannot even finish well in races that are about as cheap as they come. Struggling. But you know, out of sight-out of mind. For Moss, that is…Voodooville is living it.
A brief follow-up on a Maggi Moss slave;
Whispering Charm is a 2010 grey gelding that was a 5K claim for Moss on July 12. She ran him in a $7500 claiming race on August 6 where he came in 5th and made $321 for his efforts. On October 29, Moss dropped him into a 4K and he rewarded her with a first place finish – he made $8100 in a race where he ran with a 4K price tag on his head. Don’t you wonder if Moss has ever even seen this particular 5-year-old grey money-making machine of hers that she has up for sale…
A side note, I noticed a gelding that ran in this Oct 29 race with Whispering Charm named Disco Dancer. Disco Dancer is a 2008 dark bay gelding. Here, his last 6 races;
-June 24, 9th of 10
-July 11, 10th of 10
-July 24, 7th of 8
-August 7, 7th of 9 (“gave way” and finished over 16 lengths behind)
-September 5, 10th of 10 (over 24 lengths behind)
-October 29, Disco Dancer finished last again – 10th of 10 – and came in over SIXTY lengths behind.
His owner – Cathy Combs Livings and his trainer – Jacoby Landry.
As Rose mentioned in her comment, this is a brutal industry. How could anyone who claims to love horses be a part of this?…to watch horses like Disco Dancer struggle? Mind boggling.
Carolyn…you are, indeed, just stating the facts. We know it, industry members and supporters know it…but admitting it makes them willing participants in the exploitation.
And Rose, you are spot on, as well. Finding homes for unproductive broodmares is one of the most difficult re-homing challenges. Although my heart breaks for every discarded racehorse, the poor forsaken broodmares – enduring exploitation that continues even after their racing days are over – really tear me up.
Carolyn,
I know that every day there are small victories, which are encouraging, in our fight to educate and inform the public of the plight of the thoroughbred. Sometimes it seems as if no one is listening, especially when I read of another breakdown. It is disheartening.
I know that we will get there, and there is a light at the end of this dark tunnel called racing. One day they will be no more. No more drugs, no more suffering, no more deaths. What a happy day that will be Carolyn, and one I forever look forward to seeing.
Marlene Thornley
Kathleen, sounds to me that woman just wants to get rid of the horse. That is why horses are sent to auction. She is not going to listen to anyone because she does not care what happens to the horse. How sad.
Carolyn, this is all part of this brutal industry. The fate of Little Polka Dot is more or less sealed. You are spot on. Nobody wants the broodmares once they can’t “produce” any longer. At every level and in all aspects this industry is an abomination.
Marlene, i truly believe we are getting there. The more we expose, inform and educate the public as to what is really going on with these racehorses then our efforts will not be in vain.
Joy,
I couldn’t agree with you more, perfectly said Joy!! Maggi Moss and others like her, all exploiters, should try making a living at a real job, instead of forced slavery off the backs of these beautiful creatures, who deserve to live a quality life as much as we do; yet many are sent to their death full of drugs to mask their injuries. Even the lucky ones who are retired are not guaranteed to escape a trip to the slaughterhouse. The horse can never win in this scenario, they will forever be the innocent victims of this cruel industry.
I pray to God every night that racing will be no more, and I live long enough to see it. The losses are immense and the lists of breakdowns and fatalities seem endless. Only when people wake up to the truth and see the brutality of this blood sport, can any progress be made.
I cry for every beautiful baby that has lost his life, and I am tired of crying. Racing needs to end now!!! When will people wake up and see it for what it is?
Marlene Thornley
Thanks KentK. According to equibase.com, and on my calculations, LITTLE POLKA DOT began racing as a 3 year old in 2009 and raced for about 4 1/2 years. I noticed her last 2 starts were in Claiming Races and she placed 5th and 4th – looks like her winning days were over. Finished with this one. Appears she was in foal to City Zip when she was sold on. As Gina pointed out, this mare worked very hard in her racing “career” earning $537,291 in prizemoney alone.
Her reward? Get her in foal, put her in the broodmare sales and get some more income out of her. BYE BYE Little Polka Dot, I LOVED YOU so much and thanks for the DOLLARS.
This mare is now a foal factory for the racing industry. Highly likely her future will be producing a foal each year for as many years as her body can endure (often just a few weeks from date of foaling before the next stallion is on her back). Foal will be removed from her at far too young an age of course. One might think I’m being cynical but no, I am not. Just stating the facts and my own personal experience with the shameful over-breeding in this so called “sport”. And what will happen to her when she’s no longer a productive commercially viable commodity? Highly likely to the slaughterhouse and we know what happens to these noble horses there – unspeakable inhumane deaths.
Hi Carolyn
Bilinski is a DVM and a New York breeder , operates Waldorf Farm in North Chatham.
KentK
Thanks KentK. Is Jerry Bilinski a breeder?
Update on Little Polka Dot
She went through Keeneland
Nov 2014 Sales ring
Details
KEENOV2014
Hip: 693
Broodmare Little Polka Dot
M 2006 Orientate – Silky Oaks, by Regal Intention
Covering Sire City Zip
Buyer Jerry Bilinski
Seller Select Sales, agent for Coteau Grove Farms
$100,000
Sold
I knew exactly what you were saying! That autocorrect has gotten me into trouble a few times…
Thank you, Gina. And this is exactly why I want these “good folks” exposed for what they truly are. Racing apologists want to claim Moss and the likes of her are the good people of racing, that they are the majority in the industry, and therefore, the industry should continue and simply be “cleaned up”. But the truth is, Moss does what everyone else does…run, drug, run, unload, run, drug some more, run, unload some more. Racing is filthy to the core. And it needs to go. Let Moss, et al, make their living from their own labors…not off the backs of drugged and injured horses.
I hate this auto correct. Anyways so many correct words mispelled by auto correct in mid air. Verify on EQUIBASE, type in LITTLE POLKA DOT, go from there.
Joy, another victim of Ms. Moss’s callous and heartless decisions is LITTLE POLKA DOT (LPD). Sickening really. This LA-bred mare was a Multiple Stakes Winner earning over $500,000 for Ms. Moss who dumped her when she was no longer profitable probably due to soreness, lameness, multiple joint injections and/or all of the tricks of the trade that keeps three horses going until it no longer works. A groom told me the then filly was so over injected and sour that she no longer wanted to run. Of course that’s when Ms. Moss dumped her. I’m now told that she was dumped at kill auction, but can’t verify this information. I can’t see her being dumped since this mate is a Multiple Stakes Winner who will now become a breeding machine for the industry most likely. Just another victim of Ms. Moss – the “good” folks in horse racing. All information can be verified via equivalent, type in horse name LITTLE POLKA DOT at top right, review PP’s. You will then see a hard running filly turned mare that ran her ass off for Ms. Moss only to be dumped. This is the good folks if horse racing.
Great work Kathleen!
Here is another follow-up of just SOME of Maggi Moss’ racehorses. These good folks just LOVE their racehorses!…so they SELL THEM?
-CIGARZIN, sold via claim
-CANNON LUKE, sold via claim
-DONOHARM, 2009 GSP gelding, sold via claim
-INDYCOTT, sold via claim
-FROM DAY ONE, sold via claim
-KISS TO REMEMBER, sold via private sale
-ELECTRIC TEMPTRESS, sold via private sale
-LANGSTON, sold via claim
-LOCA’S HEMANO, sold via claim
-METRO DREAMER, sold via claim
-POETIC POSER, sold via claim
-MONTEZUMA EXPRESS, sold via claim
-POSSE ATTACK, sold via claim
Don’t let these good ole folks fool ya – these horses are nothing more to them than just tools of the trade. No one sells their beloved “family members”.
Moss’ horses are young, old, with a few starts and little earnings, and with many starts and million-dollar earners. She exploits them all.
-COUNTERFACTUAL, a three-year-old filly with only 5 starts. Yet the little filly runs with BUTE and LASIX in her system. Didn’t Moss claim to run her horses “clean”?
-DELAUNAY, an 8-year-old gelding with 53 starts. His labors have put a lot of money into his exploiters’ pockets – 1.2 million. Delaunay races with Bute and Lasix, too.
Gina, Mary and Joy,
Thank you all for your help on this retired race horse that was in danger.
The good news is that I got a hold of the current owner the day before the auction, explained to her that 20% of the horses went to a kill buyer at that auction every two weeks and that she needed to start the bid at $600.00 so that would not happen
(that was the advice the auctioneer gave me)
She started the bidding high and a woman bought the retired race horse for 1250.00
The new owner loves the horse and has been in touch with previous owner and will be sending photos to share.. the owner told me she is “relieved” the horse went to a good home.
Tragically, many people Still do not know auctions are where kill buyers go to fill their quota for horses that are then sent to their death in a horrific fashion.
THank God this race horse was saved from a horrible death. She is only nine years old.
Kathleen…I sent you an email.
Rose, I finally got a hold of and spoke with owner. She inherited the horse from her Mother. I also talked to auctioneer. I told her the auctioneer said to start the bidding at 600 or 700 to keep the horse from being sold to a kill buyer. what a racket. She should withdraw the horse but I do not think she will listen to me on that subject. She should go through a private buyer and not an auction where you have no idea who is going to get the horse. Makes no sense to me.
Joy & everyone: great factual comments. Sadly, Ms. Moss is common among racehorse owners who claim to love their horses then dump them when no longer profitable. She’s s mule for TVG. More about this later. Anyways, I’m in transit and saw the horse your trying to rescue in Oregon. Caroline Betts @carolinebetts is a very good contact for the west coast. She reaches TB’s in Southern California on the way to Mexican slaughterhouses. I can’t speak for Ms. Betts, but Zo think she could help somehow. I must go. All the best to everyone especially the racehorses.
I would put up the purchase money but I have a full house plus I’m on the east coast. Someone would need to take her in Oregon or somewhere on that coast.
Well then Moss is a liar, Mary…and isn’t it troubling that a THREE-year-old has to have BUTE to run (oh and lest we forget, something the filly LOVES – running). How sickening.
Joy, Ms. Moss may claim to love her horses but the bottom line is that she loves money more. Also, I remember when Moss told me her horses raced “clean” except for Lasix but it is reported, by Equibase, that her horses race on bute, a pain killer. I have never been able to comprehend why those immersed in racing have such a hard time understanding that bute, as well as Lasix, are drugs!
RACEHORSE IN DANGER OF BEING SENT TO SLAUGHTER IN OREGON ON SUNDAY
GRAND DAUGHTER TO SEATTLE SLEW
IMASSYTWO is the name of the horse
Does anyone on this list live In OREGON
There is a horse by the name of IMASSYTWO foaled April 20th, 2006 by Astra Diamond out of Prancing Doll by Can’t Be Slew
Owner of horse died last year..
Daughter is taking it to Eugene Auction. on Sunday at 4 pm. They Start with #1. Her # is #47
She is a beautiful horse. I spoke with auction person tonight. They need 600.00 to keep it from going to kill buyer
Eugene Auction sells 20% of their horses to KILL BUYERS.
The auction info is Eugene Horse Auction, 92380 hwy. 99 junction city oregon . Phone is 541-998-3353. Fb site states horses start selling at 4pm on Sunday.
https://www.facebook.com/groups/634083809971848/
PS I wonder if Ms. Moss has a return clause for her filly, So Many Ways, she sold to Japan for an undisclosed sum.
Joy, thank you for getting the facts regarding Ms. Moss’ involvement in the despicable “claiming game”.
As Carolyn said, the horses Moss unloads in cheap claiming races more than likely find themselves being trucked to slaughter but not before they endure further hardships as they descend in the claiming ranks. Sad to say, but when compared to the alternative, the lucky ones breakdown and are euthanized.
Moss is a typical participant in this gambling business. She is the “winner” while the horse is the “loser”. And I believe she has been a critic of Jacobson while she does what he does – plays the “laiming game” to make money.
MAGGI MOSS, high profile racehorse owner who, from my observations in the media,
declares that she is against slaughter of racehorses and mistreatment of the racehorses e.g.
http://offtrackthoroughbreds.com/2015/05/15/tbred-with-head-wound-dumped-dies-at-age-3/#comments
JOY ATEN has researched several of Moss’s horses and facts are facts. If Maggi Moss is against the mistreatment and slaughter of racehorses then why is she disposing of her horses in such a manner?
Honestly Maggi, you would know that when you relinquish ownership of your racehorses, you would be well aware as to what is highly likely to become of them, racing in the despicable claiming races in the hands of ruthless trainers and ending up on the kill buyers’ truck. If I may say so, as awful as this might sound, I would rather see you humanely euthanase your “finished with” racehorses on one proviso, THAT YOU DAMN WELL BE WITH THEM WHEN IT IS DONE! and maybe then you might realize what we are doing to these noble horses. Joy and some of her fellow advocates have saved many racehorses from going to slaughter only to be faced with the devastating decision to euthanase a few of these horses (on expert veterinarian advice) purely because they have been so very badly damaged by racing. Do you have any idea as to what it would be like to have to go through something like that after going through difficulties and expense just to get the horses in the first place? No, stupid me, I don’t think you would! (I have personally experienced it myself once – a young 3 yr old colt). I come from a racing family that has been racing horses as owners since the early 1800s and fortunately only a few extended members of my family continue with the “tradition” of racehorse ownership but it deeply saddens me. It just makes me want to throw up and I refuse to be with them in Members Lounge on raceday and spend my time monitoring the horses on the ground in the tie-ups both pre-race and post race and speaking up for the horses no matter what the trainers and vets on duty think of me. With the model of horseracing today I would be ashamed to admit that I was a racehorse owner! My late father said to me once that it was important to have peace of mind. How can you possibly have peace of mind when you are disposing of your horses in the manner that you do? It is so very disappointing to read about this. I just don’t get it.
THANK YOU JOY for your time, research and guts to expose these truthful facts. Your amazing dedication, knowledge, wisdom and experience of these horses lives’ in the racing industry is to be lauded!
Brief follow-up on several of Moss’ horses…
-Voodooville, 2009 dark bay gelding, MSP, 29 starts for 200K – Moss SOLD HIM for 10K via claim on June 7. This 6-year-old gelding last ran on July 30 at Belterra for 4K. He came in 6th of 8, “failed to menace”, and made 52 bucks.
-Plenty Elusive, 2010 bay gelding, 25 starts for 141K – Moss claimed him for 20K in March and SOLD HIM via claim for 15K in July.
-Metro Dreamer, 2011 chestnut gelding, 20 starts for 73K – Moss SOLD HIM for 7.5K via claim on June 5.
-Awesome Ave, 2012 dark bay filly – Moss claimed this 3-year-old for 12.5K in March. Moss last ran her on July 5 for 5K…on bute and Lasix.
-Rock City Roadhog, 2010 bay gelding, MSP, 34 starts for 248K – on March 8, the 5-year-old won 15K for Moss when he finished 2nd in a stakes race. She ran him only 7 days later…where he came in 1st and won FORTY THOUSAND dollars for Moss. Then she SOLD HIM for 7.5K via claim on July 16.
Those were just 5 of her horses recently followed up on – and she’s unloaded 4 of them. Making money off their backs then selling them when she’s done using them. Who does that to their horses they claim to love?
Danio, do you know where Chamberlin Bridge is ? He was claimed by Ms. Moss for $25,000 then claimed by the owners who ran him to victory in the Breeders Cup 2 years later. Ms. Moss puts horses up for claiming and also claims horses. She did make money on Chamberlain but not as much as she could have had she not decided to put him up for claiming.
you conveniently left out the part of the article where Maggie Moss says she could make a lot more money but she insists her horses all get time off and turn out-14 at a time are rotated out to pasture. I have NEVER injected a joint, and all of my horses retire with me-whether or not they ever win a race. not everyone has that luxury.
Maggi Moss, what do you have to say about Northwest Hill?
In all of these comments, I don’t believe there was any mention of the Ms. Moss gelding by the name of Northwest Hill.
Northwest Hill, 1998 bay gelding with 72 starts, record of 16-11-7 for earnings of 346K.
Northwest Hill’s last three races for Moss at Prairie Meadows:
-June 9, 2007 in a 10K…last place by over 19 lengths.
-June 16, 2007 in a 5K…finished 7th of 10 (dueled, faltered).
-June 30, 2007 in a 5K again…BROKE DOWN AND VANNED OFF. DEAD.
Three races in 21 days. Dropped into cheaper races. Finishing poorly. Broke down. Dead at the age of 9.
A tragedy Maggi Moss? – the “livelihoods” of these people who are breaking laws every day whilst abusing and inflicting cruelty upon these voiceless horses with the inexcusable drugging of these animals and you defend the drugging of these helpless horses. These people should be brought before the courts and punished. These trainers and their staff are not earning an honest living like a bus driver, a factory worker or a shop assistant.
THE TRAGEDY IS FOR THE HORSES.
Maggi Moss cannot see the forest for the trees. I’ve seen her comments when her own trainer, Tom Amoss, has been suspected of illegal drugging. She always has the same BS comment…upset with the PICOGRAMS! Yet then she goes on a rant about not catching all of the REAL abusers! Moss…you are out of touch or suffering from a mental disorder….because YOU, Ms. Moss, put YOUR “beloved” racehorses up for sale and therefore readily available to the REAL abusers you admit are in your industry!!
Thanks, Gina.
To Joy, a top Trainer in Kentucky was suspended for using METH on his horses. Maggi Moss is involved, and has submitted a comment on the Blood horse Blog DEFENDING drugs in racehorses saying that drug tests are not reliable. She usually comments, and defends when the Trainer has some of her horses. I copied and pasted what has been published. Here it is in directly from Maggi Moss:” I hope someday a journalist will “explain” drug testing today, and try and measure a picogram, It cant be done; it is smaller than a billionth of a gram, and cant be shown to the naked eye. Read the notes from the ARCI today, they lack the resources to test for dangerous drugs that kill horses and jeopardize jockeys, for we are too busy trying to quantitate what is virtually immeasurable thru new super testing. IT IS MADNESS.
If one has any common sense, and truly understands drug testing, racing, and what it has become, one would understand that we cant get real cheaters due to not having the “tests” available, nor having the resources to find the dangerous drugs out there.
It makes no sense for a trainer of Kellyn Gordons’ work ethic and integrity to use methamphetamine. He made a mistake treating his own horses for respiratory problems, having syringes in the barn, and should be punished for that.
I KNOW the facts of this case and have no question that Kellyn is not responsible for this and to take away his, and his employees livlihood is a tragedy.
But, to Barry Irvin, perhaps now you will understand that regulators do not always get it right, and how we are measuring in picograms ( ie Indiana) and taking away ones livlihood can be patently unfair.
And to those that are so quick to rush to judgment and again call one a “cheater” without the knowledge of this and other cases, i can only hope that you are never ” charged” with something that you DID NOT do that affects your livlihood and understand the pain and helplessness of what that does. My comment: racehorses are being doped every day to mask lameness, soreness, and mental issues directly associated with an industry that exploits racehorses for profit. Period. Whether a picogram, a milligram, a gram or whatever it is racehorses are being doped. Period. There are so many drugs allowed in a racehorse on raceday. One of the biggest drugs, and performance enhancer is (S)Lasix. The industry knows that in order to keep these horses running, fill races, and enhance profit – horses must run. Of course the horses can’t speak for themselves or ever divulge what is going into their veins, muscles, or joints. What a great scam isn’t it? Exploiting a voiceless, defenseless animal who can die for their stupid bets. This is horse racing.
Well Mary, as I stated on HW before for me personally, I never had any intentions of actually owning and/or riding TBs for life, when I first bought a % of a racehorse. I didn’t grow up around horses. I went to a cottage every summer, then worked like crazy, then raised kids and worked a lot more. My perspective is all breeders, trainers, and owners making $ off any horse OWE that horse a home and/or proper end to life period.
Furthermore, I can honestly tell you 90 out of every 100 boarding barns throughout the province of Ontario here, are just absolutely pathetic. Either priced over the moon and run by hob snobs pretending NOT to be pro-slaughter or else these places are operated by Farm Tenants usually full of Student Boarders with no other interest than jumping their ponies. I could go on and on and no about all the other barns and camps offered, but I’d likely be sitting here till next month doing that.
And oh, yes the fact that tbs need a few more more calories than other breeds…I won’t even get started on that one. Other than to say, one of my favorite excuses of all time from the cheapies is “Well, your horses aren’t in work now so they don’t need much of anything really”
Uh huh.
Patrick,
Thank you for the correction.
I knew it was a Jo-Anne. I did not remember the last name and just clicked on the title late last night and bought it.
I’m going to read ‘Saving Baby’. Also, I think everyone should most certainly watch ‘ Kill Pen’ too.
Mary. I agree 100%
Here’ a business decision I made. 3 yrs ago I euthanized my beautiful mare named Shelby’s Request.
She was gorgeous. I NEVER raced her but she was whipped a lot in 49 lifetime starts.
Foaled in Alberta. Sired by Urgent Request…..a darned worthy stallion I think.
Ran at Woodbine back in the day along with other greats –
Like champion Raintrap, his half brother.
Tons of $purse money available in the Canadian International
Shelby’s Request was the dam of Santinos Gold.
A trainer named Ross Armata decided Santinos Gold was no filly for the track.
She landed at Molinaro Stables in Acton, Ontario.
That farm manager, Tina DeBartolo (her husbands name is Santino)
drove my mares barely 3yo filly to Carsons Auction and kill buyers gladly attend.
Now moving on to Shelby’s 2nd foal, another filly, this one by Weather Warning.
Shelby had raced multi state over her years of running. Then resold several times.
Then re-bred and sold some more.
AFTER ALL THIS, IS WHEN I BOUGHT HER
She was living outside 24/7 with a few other mares. No shelter. Just round bales and water
And chased (constantly) off the already rain covered hay available for the small herd.
She had stifle damage and the biggest hematoma probably ever seen.
I hadn’t stall rented before at farms anywhere, it was a new thing for me.
Before that I just paid invoices from racetrack trainers.
I read lip tattoo from Shelby & paid cash for her.
She joined my other mare and they did get somewhat attached.
My other ottb mare is very sensible and accepting.
Actually, she is amazingly beautiful too and so incredibly kind.
In fact her “kind and almost human personality” made my decision to NOT sell her so easy.
Sorry. Back to Shelby’s story.
As time went on challenges kept up and eventually I clue in as I investigate and piece together ALL
her life history.
She was bonded with me, no doubt, despite my inexperience owning and riding horses.
But I learnt very fast and –
Shelby used to love how much quality feed and hay she’d get morning and night.
I’ll never forget her excitedness or else the soft nickers every single time she seen me coming to her.
However, no vet miracles so Shelby received anti-psychotic needles periodically. I didn’t want to do this.
Before I signed for Shelby at Caledon farm, I didn’t know she had a 2nd foal born.
A ‘Weather Warning’ filly who apparently didn’t get fed much along with other babies
left behind at a previous farm and only a 45minute drive away.
Harvey Tenenbaum, a breeder, and former member of THE JOCKEY CLUB OF CANADA
and his (low in wins) TB trainer, Gerald Seymour had apparently been evicted from a property they leased.
I was told many months later over the phone by a lady named Nicola Wells-Scott,
that Shelby’s weanling “didn’t look so good” along the rest of the young tbs neglected there.
She said the “yearlings looked scrawny” I guess there was a dispersal sale held.
Imagine that.
Believe it or not, a real estate agent told me months and months after I bought Shelby, the day she went into
that farm property to list it, she was greeted by a pit bull and a german shepard but apparently, it was rumored someone else had opened up the arena door and a group of young horses were in there chewing on wood.
And obviously, the broodmares had all left or had just recently been shipped to that Caledon farm where I did end up buying Shelby.
The entire length of time, I owned Shelbys Request –
She always had major separation anxiety when any horse ever left her sight.
Especially, when lead into an arena and she was still in her stall.
I will always believe Shelby was separated from 2nd foal by force and way too soon
and it practically snapped her mind.
And ya, I cried for 2 weeks straight after watching her drop that final day
All the plentiful ” Good Folks in Racing”
Kathleen, “Saving Baby” is by Jo Anne Normile.
Carolyn. I have had horses since 1963. In my opinion, most people, who have horses, shouldn’t have them. Just basic care, for a horse kept at home, will run $200 to $250 a month. That is $3,000 a year. That doesn’t include vet, farrier, fence posts, buckets, etc. Horses are very expensive and labor intensive. Also, there is no money in boarding horses unless you do it at the upper levels. I sold a farm that I owned in Cincinnati to David Beisel about 7 years ago. David does Grand Prix and is a top rider. He charged $850 a month to board but he relies on buying/selling/training to really make his money. When you aren’t financially stable, you begin to cut corners and the horses suffer. I have seen it hundreds of times over the years. With horses, you work long, hard hours for very little money. The only reason to really do it is because you love the animal. Finally, TB’s require more calories than the majority of other breeds and most people are clueless when it comes to feeding a TB. People will babble that they are “hard keepers”. Not true…they just require more calories.
Jo-Anne,
I just saw this posting from the Canada group that is working hard to end slaughter. This is a step in the right direction.
The Canadian Veterinary Equine Welfare Council (CVEWC)
An exciting new initiative to help end horse slaughter is being organized, and we need your support in order to help launch the Canadian Veterinary Equine Welfare Council (CVEWC).
This group of concerned veterinarians will be the first of its kind in Canada
The Canadian Veterinary Equine Welfare Council (CVEWC) will consist of veterinarians who do not consider horse slaughter to be a humane form of euthanasia. Once established, this group will work to create a greater presence amongst the veterinary community, animal care-givers, the general public, and government, to publicize the stance that Canada’s horse slaughter industry must end. The group’s mission is to educate other veterinarians, animal health professionals and horse owners about the options available to those who must end the lives of their horses.
https://canadianhorsedefencecoalition.wordpress.com/2015/01/07/introducing-the-canadian-veterinary-equine-welfare-council-cvewc/
Jo-Anne,
i just bought your book “Saving Baby”
THank you for posting this.
i had not seen this particular video before. Nor had i read this blog before.
This event got a lot more press than the the one last year which is good. it is a really good group of people that love horses. they are going to create a new facebook page and keep up the pressure.
it is so barbaric what Prime Minister Harper is allowing. He is creating seriously bad karma and so is the legislation by not passing laws to end slaughter in Canada.
THe blog was actually written by a pilot who flew them to japan to be slaughtered.
this is where many racehorses are being taken to be bred. I would never trust my horse to anyone in Japan.
Kathleen. Our Prime Minister Harper is a guy who will do anything to promote wrong to animals.
He loves Alberta – calgary stampede $ meat plants $ live horse shipments $ pmu sales $ or foal sushi $
ALL DISGUSTING!!
Last month, I read this reblog
https://heatherclemenceau.wordpress.com/2015/03/25/the-horse-sushi-sagas-reblogged-
Yeah – Heather and I have taken a few road trips together
Speaking of the “Good Folks”
https://tuesdayshorse.wordpress.com/2015/04/14/tricks-of-the-trade-how-epo-is-used-for-blood-doping-a-horse/
Tricks of the Trade: How EPO is used for blood-doping a horse
Erythropoietin is a hormone produced naturally by the kidney that helps regulate the production of red blood cells. Epogen is a drug developed by scientists in the 1980s to treat human diseases like anemia, where red blood cell counts are insufficiently low.
Epogen has been brought illegally into horse racing but no one knows how widespread its use has been. There is anecdotal information suggesting the winners of some of horse racing’s biggest events, dating back to the early 1990s, may have been treated regularly with EPO.
In human sports, a number of athletes paid the ultimate price for cheating. Published reports document the sudden deaths of dozens of young, otherwise healthy athletes who were suspected of blood-doping with EPO in the late 1980s and ‘90s. The drug increases blood viscosity and can lead to myocarditis, stroke, or heart attack.
Carolyn,
You are a Brilliant light on this Planet and on behalf of all horses.
The really stupid ones are those that abuse horses and send them to their death.
Thanks Kathleen, stupid me – my worry for T I DOUBLEGRRR has clouded my normal thinking process.
Carolyn,
I think the one you are referring to is right above your post in this section.
Gina’s post is http://horseracingwrongs.com/2015/03/23/joy-aten-on-the-good-folks-in-racing/comment-page-1/#comment-18525
Exactly Mary “it is down the road that we are concerned about”. For as long as I can remember this cycle of the finished with racehorse continues on and I cannot see it coming to an end. Passed around and around and around. The old timer trainer that I helped out knew what went on with the ex racehorses and he never took the risk and had his horses euthanased knowing that they would never end up in that lethal cycle.
Ribbons still in their manes and tails! says it all doesn’t it! I hope Sneak Around can be bought.
Gina Powell wrote a piece recently and I wanted to respond to her but for the life of me I cannot find it. She related the neglected horses where she currently has her horse and it was gut wrenching to read. The destruction that the racing industry creates is unforgivable and unacceptable. People are also victims. Although Gina is looking for another place for her horse, she has to see this terrible neglect of other horses every time she tends her horse. There are people out there with good intentions when they take on an ex racehorse but many are green and get to the stage where they just don’t have the money to maintain the horse and they must struggle emotionally with that as well, I suspect.
I have another “rescue” to add to the list started on this page. Race Horse Reclaim in Micanopy, Florida, is run by Ms. Deb Adams. Adams supports the racing industry, too. Also, she does NOT adopt out with a contract because, according to Adams, a contract isn’t worth the paper it is written on. It is a long story but Brenda Lewis and I sent a horse to her in February. Within 10 days, Adams “flipped” the horse to a Kelly Walker who runs a riding school in Vero Beach. Within another 5 weeks, Walker “flipped” the horse to a “wonderful mother and daughter” who will provide the horse with a forever home or so she says. As we all should know by now, the auctions are filled with horses that were adopted out to “wonderful mothers and daughters”. Heck, some horses even arrive with ribbons in their manes and tails. Therefore, please do NOT support Race Horse Reclaim financially. No reputable rescue adopts out without a contract….reputable being the operative word.
By the way, the horse that Adams “flipped” was named Sneak Around. We have no doubt that this horse is safe and well cared for at the present time. It is down the road that we are concerned about. There is a $3,000 offer to “buy” Sneak Around back from the mother/daughter team that currently has her and an anonymous donor has put up another $2,000.
I remember, a few months ago, Susan Salk had a “story” about a 19 year old TB that was doing upper level eventing with multiple chips in his hocks, fetlocks and knees. As we all know, chips are fractures. I was horrified by the story and made a comment on a FB friend’s wall. She came after me and deleted my comments. Her reasoning was that Salk was trying to promote the TB breed for other disciples besides racing and I shouldn’t say anything that detracted from that. Salk has admitted to me that she knows little about horses so her credibility is limited. She is just a storyteller, and, if we rely on Salk to promote the TB for other disciplines, then the breed is in trouble. In addition, the fact that she thanked a kill buyer on her blog is reprehensible, at best.
Susan Salk is delusional. And no friend to equines.
Jo-Anne,
I’ve found it very difficult to read Salk’s blog…in fact, when they come across my FB newsfeed, I typically scroll on by them. But every so often a slight hope that she’ll hold the industry responsible for what they did to the horse rises up in me and I’ll read a story…only to be disappointed once more. But a recent story about a racehorse in a kill pen had me appalled – a commenter stated; “And thanks to that kill buyer who reached out when he didn’t have to do so”…to which Salk replied; “I agree that the kill buyer should be thanked for making the effort to place this horse.” And this is not the only time I’ve seen a comment where a kill buyer – or MEAT BUYER, as he was called – is THANKED. Yet comments from those of us who question the industry that SENDS them to the MEAT BUYER are struck down. Thanking a kill buyer…for selling a horse for an inflated price…when he’s just going to fill that horse’s spot with two more horses that will be tortured during a long, hellish trip then butchered at their journey’s end. It’s kind of like thanking a murderous serial kidnapper for setting a child free when he’s received the demanded ransom. There will always be another child.
Can’t you just see that kill buyer grinning with sick satisfaction as he’s rubbing his slimy hands together…all the way to the bank. And his double decker sits in the parking lot crammed full of others just days from having their throats slit. But yes, thank him…
Canada. They are being neglected, not abused. However, they are getting ribby. I’m waiting to leave the barn and report it to local animal shelter that will go out and request that they trim their horses hooves in the least. Since I’m new to the barn I don’t want my horse targeted by revengeful people. I hope to leave the end of the month. In the meantime, I’m basically taking care of their horses. The most neglected horse has a sign that says not to feed him. It’s terrible. He usually goes hours without feed or hay in front of him. I throw in the stall as much hay as I can. He goes crazy when I feed my horse and not him. When I first moved there they told me that horse was “very mean, and grouchy, not to go near him.” Well I would be mean and grouchy too if I was hungry! The owner of the barn is a real estate investor. She rents the stalls out, and is not liable for anything (not that I would want to pursue anything against her anyways). They need a visit from the local humane society shelter to light a fire under their butts. The situation is not severe, but if it continues it will become a serious issue. It’s not even the issue, but I don’t like horses not being taken care of, and I will not remain silent about it.
Gina,
So sorry to hear what is happening at that barn. Is this in Canada or the US.
Based on my years of experience with rescue, many racehorses end up in bad situations. Take for example, the last 2 boarding farms I’ve boarded Wolfie at. In one barn, we had 3 OTTB’s that we couldn’t give away. The farm owner didn’t want to send them to a kill auction so all of us pitched in an additional $50 per month in order to ensure they were taking care of. All of them came from Top Owner/Trainer barns at Woodbine. The never ending cycle of dumping is alive and well. Now I’m boarding somewhere else. I moved just because I couldn’t stand listening to these racetrackers and their prospective horses now all babies. So now I’m in a barn where there are 4 OTTB rescues. Now the owners have big hearts with good intentions, but no money. Consequently, these horses stand all day with little or no food. Their hooves haven’t been trimmed in months so they are tripping over their own hooves. Their teeth are so bad any food I give them gets dropped or you can see the obvious struggle they have in masticating their nutrition. They haven’t been floated in so long. Some have such old halters that they are cutting into their face. Their skin is full of rain rot because even though they have stalls they don’t want to bring them into the stall because they have no bedding, and are too lazy to clean the stall. The stall hasn’t been cleaned in MONTHS! They are in manure up to their knees never mind their ankles. Their manes are so matted and long they get in the way. They are a sorry sight. I have spent money I don’t have just to throw some hay in. Their water buckets are usually empty so I fill them. I can’t go on like this. I had the farrier come yesterday to trim Wolfie. I posted a big note on the message board, and contacted all the owners to say your horse needs trimming. They all said “Gina we don’t have the money.” One of the senior horses was so sick from a cough I called the owner and said you need a vet out here. Your horse needs antibiotics. She finally did get the antibiotics, but complained that she couldn’t afford it. These horses are neglected, and they are one of many. Once I leave the barn (and I hope it’s really soon), I will report to the local animal shelter to pay a visit to the farm to light a fire under their ass. I have learned from past experiences not to report neglect until my horse is out of that situation, and safe. Sadly, this is one of many situations going on across North America, and it’s a direct result of the horse racing industry. When these horses were in the winners circle they were loved only to be dumped once they were no longer profitable. Everybody made money off of them from the exercise riders, jockeys, owners, trainers, and all the jobs that these horses support. Yet, not one of these people are there when they are dumped. None of them come to this barn to feed them, pitch in, or even see how they are doing. The industry ensures that the racehorse is a commodity to be dumped. They support this mentality, and so does anybody who is in this business. They all talk about how they will take care of them, but are nowhere to be found when situations like this play out everyday. This is horse racing.
Oh Jo-Anne I am so sorry to hear about Santinos Gold. Broke your heart badly and I just felt sick when you wrote this piece about her. I guess a comfort for you is that she did not endure a miserable life as a racehorse for years and potentially could’ve suffered similar to NEHRO and others.
You are so courageous to speak out as you have. I believe if i remain silent then I am just as guilty as these curs in the racing industry. These horses need us desperately to expose the truth more than ever before.
As for the threat/warning of legal action being taken against you, nobody wants that BUT my view is that these curs realize that the industry would get unwanted bad media publicity because the biggest can of worms could be opened if legal proceedings were instituted and they’d be pretty stupid to have a go at people like yourself and others on this site.
Where I am, there are instances of first time owners suing racing authorities when their horse breaks down due to the terrible state of the track surface, etc. Owners institute Court proceedings and the racing authority lets it get to a certain stage at great cost to owner in legal fees and then they make an offer $$$ so good that owner settles due to financial and other stresses before a court hearing commences. However, owner has to sign a confidentiality agreement not to disclose anything at all about the matter. They walk away though saying to people “don’t ever become a racehorse owner”.
The racing industry will continue to remain silent and hope it all goes away but
WE WILL NEVER REMAIN SILENT AND WE WILL NEVER GO AWAY!
Carolyn, some of the horses that end up with rescue organizations do land in a good spot, but so many more suffer even more neglect and abuse. A few years ago, the TRF was exposed as being a living hell for many of the horses that were placed with that organization. At the time, Ray Paulick was on the BOD. Some of the horses ended up “missing” and many were neglected. It was a horror story. The TRF had hundreds of horses spread throughout the country and there was no accountability or follow-up from the TRF. I think they have cleaned up their mess, but I would never consider donating a dime to them. Let the racing folks, who make their money exploiting these horses, step up and provide a comfortable retirement for the discarded horses.
Also, quite a few years ago, I was involved with fostering a horse by the name of Goobanader. He was donated to CANTER-Ohio and CANTER adopted him out. However, he ended up at the Sugarcreek kill auction. I received a call over the weekend that the horse’s “bail” had been raised and I was asked to go pick Goobanader up from the contract kill buyer, Fred Bauer. It was a cold, rainy Sunday. We hooked up the truck and trailer and left in the early evening. I’ll never forget it. I had to act as the “banker” since it was short notice and no one was able to get me the $800 before the trip (I was later reimbursed). Goobanader was the sweetest boy. I fostered him for a week or two and then CANTER volunteers came to my barn and picked him up. Nancy Koch told me, at the time, that she was going to enforce the contract and, yes, CANTER does adopt out with a contract. I don’t know if the person who sent Goobanader to the kill auction was ever legally pursued, but there are times I still think about that sweet horse.
Contracts are only of value if the rescues are willing to legally go after those who break the contract. I was once told by Ms. Anna Ford that it would cost too much in “time and money” to enforce a contract on a horse that I had sent to New Vocations. I then told Ford that she should adopt out horses with a “wink and a smile”. it isn’t surprising that she didn’t respond favorably to that comment! By the way, the horse that I donated to NV was Hill City Miss. She disappeared about seven months into the adoption and has never been heard from again. I still have a $4000 “reward” for her safe return. Needless to say, that was the beginning of the end to my relationship with NV.
Carolyn,
Since you live in Canada you may have heard the story about SILKY SHARK.
His owner said the following:
“SILKY SHARK was everything you’d want in a racehorse,” says Terpenning. “He was vibrant, fiery, a very happy horse. On the racetrack, he was a total professional. He earned over $100,000.”
Terpenning sold the horse to a man he trusted, who continued to race him. But after a stretch of unsuccessful races, it didn’t take long for Silky Shark to wind up in the “slaughter pipeline.”
The health problems that ended his racing career were not life-threatening and he could have led a long life as a field horse. But multiple sales — auction after auction — devalued Silky Shark on paper. By the time he was purchased by a “kill buyer,” the horse that won over 100 grand was probably worth about 100 bucks
The only reason we know Silky Shark made it to market is because of an investigation by the Canadian Horse Defense Coalition. The organization’s executive director, Sinnika Crosland, tells Latitude News the NGO furtively gathered documents from a Canadian slaughterhouse and then traced Silky Shark back to the racetrack.
The Canadian Horse Defense Coalition posted this information to its website, which is how Ken Terpenning found out.
“I was totally devastated,” says Terpenning. “I cried for probably two or three days.”
http://www.latitudenews.com/story/the-shady-trade-in-american-horsemeat/
http://latitudenews.wpengine.netdna-cdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/12/Silky-Shark-2.jpg
Jo-Anne, I don’t think Nancy Koch is related to Stephen. Nancy lives in northern Ohio. CANTER, at one time, had a strong presence at Beulah, but, in the last couple of years before Beulah closed, that dwindled considerably.
Excellent idea Joy – these pro-racing equine rescue organisations must be exposed. The racing industry alleges many racehorses end up with rescue organisations and live happily ever after.
I’ve heard adverse reports (where I am) about a racing authority funded rescue place. Some horses didn’t know how to pick grass, didn’t know what a carrot was and many were sick and beyond repair.
And yet the racing authority shows a piece on TV about this place deceiving the public once again.
One trainer/owner went back to check up on his horse and found him in worse condition than when he had left him there.
I am so sorry, Jo-Anne, about Santinos Gold. That will be a heartache you’ll never get over. I’m so sorry…
RIP little filly. You will always be remembered and we mourn the loss of you.
Jo-Anne,
Correction:
They are trying to get Legislation passed to Ban Live Horse Export to Japan. The demonstration will be on April 16th on Thursday at noon in Calgary.
I also have a great concern for racehorses being sent to Japan to breed. A lot of racehorse have been slaughtered in that country including Ferdinand. I cry every time i watch his story on a show called “Inside Information” from HRTV . HRTV has bee taken over by TVG and is Now totally devoted to Gambling. they no longer even have new shows that tell the stories on the race horses that have died. Only reruns.
No horse deserves to die in such a horrific manner and yet 4 million are dying that way every year throughout the world
Jo-Anne,
Speaking of Canada and horses.
There is a group that will be meeting Thursday at noon in Calgary. they are trying legislation to get the live exports of horses to Japan from Canada banned.
A demo to raise awareness for the horses being exported live to Japan from YYC will be held on the green space at the corner of McCall Way & McNight Blvd. A few of us will be attending the YYC AGM @ the Aero Space Museum @ 11:00 followed by a demo at approximately 12:00pm depending on how long the AGM goes.
Aero Space Museum Association of Calgary
4629 McCall Way N.E., Calgary, Alberta T2E 8A5
https://www.facebook.com/events/828960167158557/permalink/838769839510923/
Jo-Anne,
Thank you for your post and thank you for your courage in standing up to those people who are abusing horses. i have seen YOU TUBE video of horses being sent to slaughter houses in Canada and it is an image in my mind that never leaves me.
Her name was Santinos Gold
Wondering if Nancy Koch is related to former VP of Woodbine Racing – Stephen Koch. He just left in March 2015 apparently. Now is Executive Director of NTRA. And ya – Steve Koch was the one who sent out a press release when WEG decided to become a no kill track. The “good folks in racing”
I’ve yet to see anyone denied stalls based on that revised stance – no racehorses to slaughter
Ya Mary I thought that about Lisa Molloy. She made a reply to me on Susan Salks blog one time.
Well said Joy. I’m feeling some responsibility to blow the whistle here myself.
Simply because ITS NEEDED MORE THAN EVER FOR THE HORSES!!!
Furthermore, unlike some people who shy away from naming names and are intimidated somewhat easily by such words as ” Snitches Get Stitches” that kind of garbage isn’t going to ever get someone like me to back down. Canada’s Constitutional Law is a double-edged blade and I absolutely love it! One time awhile back, I sent an email or 2 around to various ” Good Folks in Racing” It was regarding my outrage in believing that a filly offspring of a former mare of mine, was sent off to slaughter via Carsons Auction here in Ontario. She was a Touch Gold daughter and ya, I have no problem in blaming Adena Springs for that oops, another mistake to be born foal. Anyhow, the email I wrote made lots of referencing to what I see as Factory Farm Criminal Breeding.
I had also composed a list of a few low claim runners bred by Hill ‘N’ Dale, being one and the same CTHS President R.Glenn Sikura on this side of the border.
My comments still stand today and basically said, shouldn’t this guy out of anyone at all, after decades,
know what good breeding stock is and isn’t.
How many frigin horses does this world need to mass produce to go nowhere good……
Long story short is Mr. Sikura told me to ssshhhh or else SLANDER claim will file.
Well I didn’t get served (Gina) and if that should happen its fine.
I’m sick of paying and paying and paying endlessly for my horses – breeders mistakes. I don’t even Ride.
This brings me to the subject of LONGRUN. This thoroughbred retirement organization is in my opinion,
nothing but a bad joke. Founded by Breeder, Vicki Pappas and her husband William Diamant, seem to need a lot of sponsors to keep their so few tbs well fed.
The ‘REAL’ rescues/advocates of tb retirement go above and beyond each and everyday to get horses rehomed. Mary and Joy, I’d be happy to forward email you ladies showing donations collected (as sent to me) from Revenue Canada statements.
Oh and Once again, EVERY SINGLE THING I EVER SAY ON THIS SITE OR ANYWHERE ELSE IS FOR THE HORSES ONLY. BECAUSE HUMAN SILENCE DOESN’T GIVE ANY HORSE TREMBLING AND SHAKING WITH FEAR AND TERROR ANY HELP WHATSOEVER, WHILE AWAITING THEIR DEATH BY SLAUGHTER.
Rest in Peace little chestnut girl, I tried. And may all the bastards who hurt you Rot in Hell.
Oh, and we must not forget CANTER. Ms. Nancy Koch, National Director of CANTER, supports racing while her organization tries to find homes for the unproductive ones through CANTER listings. The industry she supports destroyed many including Bionic Brine and Sounds O K but she had no problem accepting financial help from me. Where were all the “good folks” in racing when these two horses needed help? Nowhere to be found….nowhere to be found.
Thank you!…yes, if there are other equine rescues that support the gambling industry of horse racing, please let advocates be aware of it. Donations are always in short supply…rescues are always begging for help…and those who donate should know the facts. It seems that the pro-racing rescues should have no funding problems, correct?…they can just ask their ally – the multi-billion dollar racing industry- to support their horses…the cast-offs of the industry.
Joy, let’s not forget about New Vocations. The founder, Dot Morgan, makes her living in the Standardbred racing industry. Her daughter, Anna Ford, is a huge supporter of racing and is the Program Director. Another rescue that supports racing is ReRun. The director is Lisa Molloy.
I believe this post was where a few advocates questioned which equine rescue organizations were pro-racing…in order to “stay away” from supporting those rescues and to support organizations that don’t betray the horses, instead. Here are just three of the organizations whose founders/board support horse racing…others can be added once their support of the racing industry is confirmed as these three are:
-Remember Me Rescue
-Beyond the Roses Equine Rescue and Retirement
-Brite Futures Farm
Outstanding assessment and superb writing on the crimes done to horses. May God give you a hundred blessings for your compassion and concern for abused horses…..also the same amount of blessings for Patrick and all those who recognize and are opposed to the sin and violence of racing horses.
Joy, Gina, Kathleen, Mary, Rose, Carolyn, Tracey,
Keep fighting the fight! Maggie, If you are a part of the “Racing Industry”, you ARE a part of the problem. It doesn’t matter what good intentions you might have, being there clearly means you support it. All I see is death, abuse, neglect, and immense suffering and pain. Tell me what good comes from this scenario?
Joy, you always give the straight, unabashed facts. I always know that through all of your combined experiences with this Industry, I am reading the bare truth, as sad as it is. It makes me angry, it makes all of us angry, and we all just want it to end. Leave the throughbred alone, they have suffered enough….Marlene Thornley
I applaud you, Gina!!! Yes, speaking out for the voiceless certainly brings one enemies!…but I’m proud to have “those folks” as enemies!…I wouldn’t want to be called a friend of someone who abuses or supports an industry that does!!
What’s the saying?…if you die without having made enemies, then you never stood up for what’s right.
Thanks Carolyn, I have many supporters, and many enemies. I’m very outspoken about a variety of animal rights issues. I can tell you that I’ve had 2 GPS devices removed from my car. I have a tracking system on all my emails, and comments. I have the police following me constantly. Both in marked cars, and unmarked cars. The marked cars seem to have intimidation as their motive. I have also demonstrated peacefully which is my legal right to do. It’s no secret that some law enforcement consider us terrorists just because we implement our constitutional right to Free Speech, and Peaceful Demonstration. I’m sure they have an entire file on me. I’ve become somewhat of a recluse not trusting anyone, but I will continue to speak out. I’m a law abiding citizen who is a warrior for animals, our planet, and the environment. If that’s a crime then so be it.
Kathleen, I would Google Lexington TB farms, or horse farms in the Bluegrass. There are hundreds of farms in that area. It is senseless to mention my name because no one will have a clue as to who I am. Many are owned by people who don’t even live on that farm, i.e. they have managers.
I know some of the big ones…Three Chimneys, Airdrie, Calumet…but it is best if you spend some time on this. However, if any of these farms are sending horses to Bauer, they will NOT stop. Remember, they aren’t doing anything illegal. However, let’s say a farm does tell you they have five barren broodmares that need a place to go. Please make sure you have a rescue in place to take them. You may have to sweeten the pot with a little money, too. Good luck!
Mary,
How do I get a list of the TB Farms. What key words would I use to search for. Do you have any names .
I will not mention your name or Fred’s. I will just say that I heard that they were selling some of their horses to kill buyers instead of giving them to a horse sanctuary and I will ask them why. That may make them think twice before doing it again.
Kathleen, horses disappear all the time. Fred Bauer is a contract kill buyer who supplies a Canadian slaughterhouse. I have met him four times. He makes his money in the slaughter industry. As despicable as Bauer is, he isn’t doing anything illegal. Of course, he isn’t going to tell me, or you, which farms supply him with horses. He wants to protect his business at all costs. However, feel free to call all the TB farms in the Lexington area and tell them that someone you know (me) told you that Bauer makes a swing through their area on a weekly basis picking up horses to ship to slaughter. Ask them if they hand off their unproductive horses to this kill buyer. I have no doubt that 100% of them will say “no”. Lies come fast, and furious, in racing.
Mary,
That is outrageous when you have a rescue center in Kentucky (KEHC) that will take them for free.
Is Fred Bauer still doing this ? Is he still going through Lexington picking up horses ?
I have heard that the kill buyers only get 150.00 or so for the horses so why would these TB Farms risk their reputation in that way. That makes no sense.
Do you know which farms are doing this. I would be happy to pick up the phone and call them and ask them why they are doing this. If we can start to call these places and tell them politely that we know what they are doing that might cause them to think twice about continuing this practice.
These places need to be exposed. We have social media. We can send out tweets to thousands of horse lovers and tell them to call these TB horse farms.
I find this quite curious…I’m not encouraged by others to intimately know about puppy mills in order to desire they cease to exist. I’m not attacked by puppy mill owners or supporters…obviously because I don’t actively speak out against them. Yet I am CERTAIN the minute I would call for the end of them on some public anti-puppy mill forum, the puppy mill “apologists” would come out of the woodwork and scream that I don’t know what I’m talking about, or that I’m just a “hater”, or that I have an agenda, etc… Same holds true for those who are actively calling for the end of holding orcas captive at marine parks. They get blasted by whom?…by those who find their livelihood in the marine park business. See the correlation?…with horse racing?
The curious part…I have to wonder if there are folks employed in the puppy mill business who claim to take home/rescue hundreds and hundreds of dogs and puppies – broken, sick, used-up, worn-out, disposed-of dogs and puppies – who then remain cranking out more puppies in the puppy mill business…Maybe?…seems like the light might go off in their heads.
I guess whatever animal abuse issue one chooses to actively work and try to make a difference in, one is going to have to contend with those who are a part of said animal abuse and therefore expect them to take great offense in one’s exposing of the abuse and exploitation.
Ms. Moss…
– I never “demanded” you make a comment here at HW…until your accusation that I was posting untruths. Now it’s very simple – state what wasn’t true. You made an accusation here, but you can’t seem to follow through with proving what you claim was untrue on the very forum in which you made the accusation. You want to accuse publicly, but explain privately.
– I never asked for your life history. We all have many experiences, personal tragedies, tough times and absolute joys throughout our lives that others are unaware of. I see no relevance in sharing that here.
– And the same is true in my experiences with horse rescue. FYI, I don’t simply sit behind a computer and spew “talk”. You don’t know my life and you don’t need to. Irrelevant, again, in regards to this blog.
– I wouldn’t expect you to understand why I want the racing industry to cease to exist…you thrive on it, love it, get a thrill from it. Just as I don’t expect those who find employment or pleasure in the puppy mill industry, or in the circus or marine park entertainment business, or in the Big Lick show world to desire dialogue with those who want to shut them down. How ridiculous. I certainly don’t expect racing owners and trainers to come here and have discussions with those of us who are anti-racing! Why would pro-racing folks want to read what’s here? Speaking for myself, I don’t verbalized and write what I learned about horse racing to “convert” the racing apologists!…hell no, because it will never happen! No, I speak FOR the exploited horses to educate those who were where I once was. I LOVED racing…until I was shown what it really involved. And Patrick continues to show me the truths every single day.
– It’s simple, really…I want this abusive industry to end, you want to remain a part of it. That’s all. I’m not asking for dialogue with you, I never was.
We will all need to keep working fast and furious to pick up the broken bodies of racehorses. And all of our efforts will never save them all. In addition, some will never even get the chance to live beyond their adolescent years as racing will either kill them or send them to slaughter.
And for what….
Maggi Moss: why don’t you just say -“Joy, you are right. I love the thoroughbreds. What we have done here is WRONG.”. And take it from there. It takes someone who hasn’t a stake in the dog and pony show to see what you don’t have the strength or courage To see and help you sort out the truth of this business called the horse industry – here “racing.”.
We know it isn’t just racing, don’t we? It is the connections and the power of enticing the interest of media, business, investors, and other darlings of society. We know that is what all this is all about.
Joy isn’t just one person. Even as you focus on HER as a basher, whiner, complainer, hater – all negative. I sincerely want you to see her as a GOOD thing. she speaks for everyone and the horses who can’t wait patiently for some semblance of humanity to be utttered by anyone of you who have the authority over the horses.
We want to see the abuse of this congenial species STOPPED. The breeding and stripping of the mares of their foals, isolation, training before the horse is mature, drug use, overseas sales, slaughter, abusive training, — the list goes on and on.
We want zero tolerance – real zero tolerance. When we see that – and we do see everything sooner or later – people like Joy can rest.
In the meantime, my final words to you – SHAME ON YOU for sending your sweet gentle mare on a trip to hell (airplane, being with a culture that sees her flesh on their plates even as they groom and cleanse her). .
Sent via BlackBerry by AT&T
Kathleen, it is really quite simple. The kill buyers pay MONEY for the barren broodmares. If you send a horse to the KEHC, you donate the horse. No money is generated. As I have said a million times before, the racing industry is all about the MONEY.
By the way, the KEHC is a great rescue. Joy and I worked with them when Constant Velocity and Say Yes Dear were sent there. However, they only take horses with a connection to Kentucky. It is interesting to note that Say Yes Dear was euthanized about three months after entering the KEHC because of the damage that he incurred at the hands of those that owned and raced him.
Ms. Moss, this is Mary Johnson, the “real” Mary Johnson…you know, the one that paid the kill buyer middleman, Mr. Mark Wedig, $4250 to “save” Cactus Café and Canuki from the slaughterhouse…you know, the Mary Johnson that volunteered for years on the backside of Beulah Park, walking the shedrows and trying to save lives…those lives included, but weren’t limited to, Ruby Red Breast, Dark Okie, and Shanty Hill Road. Yes, the Mary Johnson that spends thousands of dollars every year to pick up the discarded horses of YOUR industry. Therefore, now that I have introduced myself, I would like to respond to some of your comments.
We have something in common. I wasn’t born with a “silver spoon in my mouth”, either, but I was able to get a good education and, after graduating from the University of Cincinnati, went on to get an MBA. I paid for my undergraduate degree and the company I worked for at the time paid for my MBA. Along the way, I took Business Law courses just for fun. Several times you have mentioned that you weren’t born with a “silver spoon in your mouth”. So what? The destruction of horses in YOUR industry has nothing to do with silver spoons or plastic spoons. I personally think it is irrelevant.
From your first post, it looks as if you have taken on the puppy mills in Iowa. Good for you! I, too, am against puppy mills and, just like horseracing, I would like to see them go “bye bye”. However, you state about racing… “do I do more good in or just get out and let everyone else try and fix a broken industry”. That doesn’t make sense to me. If I follow your logic, then perhaps I should apply to work at a puppy mill or at the circus, so that I could be part of an industry that exploits the lions, elephants, and bears. Ridiculous! My point is that you do NOT have to be part of an industry in order to “fix” a broken system. A perfect example is Sea World. The negative publicity has effected the bottom line and Sea World is scrambling to grab a lifeline. I am a business woman, first and foremost, and the way to impact any industry is through your wallet. In regards to racing, continue to shine a light on the dirty secrets which, ultimately, will cause betting to decrease. Seems simple to me.
The word “hate” is bandied about by the pro-racing supporters. Ms. Moss, I want to be clear…crystal clear…I do NOT hate you nor does Joy Aten but we do hate the industry in which you participate. I don’t know you and you don’t know me. Therefore, to say that we “hate” you is not correct. Please do NOT twist and spin the truth. You need to understand that I have been told that there are “many” good people in racing and that the “majority” of those in racing are good people. Both of those statements are lies. There are a “few” good people, not many, but a “few”, and even those “few” good people drug their horses (yes, Ms. Moss, Lasix is a dirty, dirty drug), inject their horses, break their horses down, and put them in claiming races. I always use the analogy of the two neighbors. One neighbor hits his dog five times a day with a stick and the other hits his dog once a day with a stick. Of course, the guy who hits his dog once a day is better than they guy who hits his dog five times a day, but both are cruel to their animals. Perhaps you could switch dog for horse and stick for whip. Tell your trainers to STOP using the whip in order to “make” the horse run faster. Horses feel pain. Let’s stop with the whips!
When the anti-racing folks speak the truth, we are instantly labeled “haters”. Interesting, don’t you think? Even you say the racing industry is “broken” but I would NEVER label you a hater. Why do you label me, and others, “haters”? We hate what is being done to the horses who give their all. Just to clear up confusion on your part, we hate the atrocities committed against the horses we love. We will continue to speak out because, as you know, silence never helps the oppressed. It helps the oppressor.
I have known Joy Aten for eight years. She is a woman of incredible integrity, morals and ethics. Joy does NOT lie. To even insinuate that she does, is reprehensible, at best. Not only does she “talk the talk” but she “walks the walk”. In essence, you are calling her a liar in one of your comments. Since your comment occurred here on the HW blog for all to see, it seems to me that you should address your accusations against Joy here. Put it out there, Ms. Moss. What has Joy stated that is inaccurate? Because I know her well, I can reassure you that she checks her facts over and over and over. I have worked with her many, many times and there is no one…let me repeat…no one… that I trust and respect more than Joy Aten.
Joy, Do you really think that I “needed” to post anythng here? You demanding I answer you HERE? correct you here? tell your untruths Here? Write the 2 months of what happened with Fuhrever Dancing? what really happened with BOjan? Post the total workup that Silver Nat at Rood and Riddle prior to running him? correct all the wrong trainers written here? Give you a self serving history of my 30 plus years with horses? what I have done in my life? why you distort facts? None of it matters to you, you are not just angry, you simply hate racing. But, in this arena, there are over 100,000 owners, over 10,000 trainers? those that really do not give a damn about you or what you have to say, so that either makes me stupid or sincere. I am completely insignificant, a small pebble in a huge pond in this industry.
Where does one start with horses? Tenn walking horses? standardbred racing? the quarter horse assoc who is for slaughter? the thousands of homeless horses of all breeds? the willd horses? the millions of dogs and cats killed every day? your world is based on your experience, your anger on a small proportion of the animal cruelty throughout the world. But heres the real difference Joy, you rant, you distort facts, you use a computer to spill your wrath- action will always speak louder than words, and action requires education, trying to make a difference, and doing something, NOT just bashing an entire industry with a vemon that makes any dialogue, or reasoning, a waste of total time. Heres the real difference, hate, anger bashing are emotions that will not solve problems, or are emotions that can accomplish real solutions. They are all stressors that do not accomplish goals. Words will not, being right will not, only people coming together for the common goals they share will solve problems, Please note that I do not judge you, do not begrudge you or have I exhibited anger towards you – I simply said I understand your anger.
This is a good website and does do a valuable service that is needed, but unfortunately, the posts are so hateful towards racing, that yes, racing will turn their backs, for there cant be dialogue that is fair, reasoned or can make a difference.
I choose not to continue this dialogue for its clear it is irrelevant what I say. You all want the truths, what is untrue, I would not even know where to begin – but here is one simple fact for you – you mention 4 or 5 horses on this website that i have owned, I have contributed or been responsible for saving literally hundreds of race horses, most of which you never read about. What monies I do have, or as you say have made off these” poor animals” goes to the rescues that need it. – I give back all i can to save animals, all animals. I try and speak to what i see as the true ills of this industry to whomever will listen.
I try and give back what I can- and that is all any of us can do.
Your in Ky Joy, why dont you come over to Keeneland and see how my horses look or how they are treated? I think you will find it considerably different than the back side of a low life Michigan track. My horses do get breaks, they are turned out, and I do NOT run sore horses. Little solice to you Joy, but probably better than what alot of owners do to their horses. But, its racing so its evil and awful so again, what difference does it make?
So, unlike most of you here, I do wish you all well- I dont see many current owners commenting here so as I said, Im either sincere in attempting a common dialogue or really really stupid.
Mary,
Kentucky Equine Humane Center
I heard that they never turn away a horse.
Why aren’t these big TB farms calling them ???
Maggi Moss: I respect your input, opinions, and viewpoints that you have posted on this website. Its obvious that you love animals, but regressive that you support horse racing. The best way to help the racehorses is to leave the business because participating in it supports it.
Yes, Mary, if they don’t pay they don’t stay !
Gina, your experience after sending those Tweets last year is appalling. This is NOT ON!
I hope that you have success in acquiring the necessary evidence and that you get justice.
Rose…your sweet mare’s story brought tears to my eyes. She is so lucky to be with you!!! Oh if all horses could be so fortunate…
Thank you for giving her a wonderful life!
Gina, I want to thank you again for doing the right thing as you acknowledged the horrific abuse in the industry, then left…and now speak out. So much of what you said, as I was reading it, I was nodding in full agreement. Such powerful truths!!
Yes, this industry is definitely propelled by egos, as well. We’ve certainly been exposed to that today.
Yes, Tracey…it’s right where it all starts. I agree.
Neglected to address something else you mentioned, Ms. Moss…you weren’t “singled out”…you just happened to be the first. Unfortunately, this industry is permeated with those who put their bank accounts before their horses they enslave.
Ms. Moss….
1) We are all waiting for you to address HERE, so everyone can learn, what the untruths are that were written about you and your actions (or lack if them).
2) I didn’t realize you and I had a history! PLEASE!…for everyone here once again, do tell that “history”! I’d like to know what it is!
3) You say you know me?…learned about me?…tried to understand why I feel as I do towards the racing industry? (paraphrased) Hmmm…how did you accomplish all of that? We’ve never spoken, I reached out to you regarding Bojan yet you never responded, you did block me on FB so I was unable to communicate with you there…so just how have you taken the time to LEARN about me?
4) #3 being said, I’m the one accused of not wanting to get to know you. Ms. Moss, you clearly have things all backwards.
5) One thing you’re right about…one thing. I am angry – really angry – with the DAILY maiming and killing of sentient creatures so YOU and the others like you can have a “thrill”. Unfortunately, not enough people are angry about the abuse. Apathy kills, too.
Maybe you should take a long, hard look at the names of dead horses Patrick lists here every week. Oh no, that’s right, you would just as soon be removed from it so you can keep it all business and not have it affect you. Again, apathy kills.
Finally, we look forward to your corrections.
bellesforeverr, since you support Ms. Moss, I assume she supports you, as well. Please reach out to her immediately and ask for her help with Tricolette. I know the Radosevich family and the father, Jake, has been sending horses to slaughter for years. In fact, Anna Ford, the Program Director at New Vocations, once told me that Jake’s wife, Shelly, would try to occasionally “save” one of her husband’s horses and send that horse to New Vocations. I realize Joy is talking about Jeff but they are ALL cut from the same mold. If a horse can’t produce, the horse is GONE! .
Kathleen Christine is the best without a doubt. Would be glad to discuss anything “civilly” with you; my email is mmoss98202@aol.com.
Rose, several years ago, I was picking up a horse that was owned by a contract kill buyer who ships to Canada. His name is Fred Bauer. I was chatting with him and he told me that his men made a trip through Lexington, once a week, to pick up unwanted horses. Of course, I don’t know for certain, but I would bet that at least some of those horses were unprofitable broodmares. Also, a gal that I knew who, at that time, was working at the Kentucky Equine Humane Center shared with me that she NEVER got a call from some of the big TB farms in the area to take in a horse…NEVER. I wonder where all those unprofitable broodmares ended up. Remember…racing is all about the MONEY. It isn’t desirable to have a horse on the payroll who can’t produce revenue.
Kathleen, surely you are joking, aren’t you? Even if the breeder had a contract with a clause saying that the horse must be returned to him/her, do you really think that would have insured Kevin’s safety? Horses don’t travel to auctions with their papers and contracts. Most TB’s go directly to kill. They do NOT go through auctions. By the way, there were hundreds of horses at Sugarcreek that day…hundreds. What about those horses? Is Kevin more valuable than they are? Should the reporter have “saved” all those horses, too? Is that the reporter’s job to “save” horses discarded by their owners? Many want to blame and point fingers but let’s put the blame with the person responsible…the person who sent the horse to his death…the OWNER.
There are very few breeders who step up for the horses that need help. A few years ago, I reached out to Brett Jones, of Airdrie Stud, and asked for his help to “save” a TB stallion by the name of Slade. Slade won $225,000 for his connections yet was damaged beyond repair by those that owned and raced him. Jones politely declined to help us…he didn’t give us a nickel…he didn’t give us a dime. It was up to Joy and me to “save” this horse. I brought him into my barn and cared for him for three weeks until he was humanely euthanized. He was only eight and damaged beyond repair. Perhaps you would like to read Slade’s story which was written by Joy and posted on this blog as a Shedrow Secrets story. Keep in mind that Slade is NOT the exception. This same story plays out every single day in the racing industry.
http://horseracingwrongs.com/2013/09/21/shedrow-secrets-slade/
Also, how disappointing to compare the reporter to Ray Paulick who is a “hired gun” in the racing industry. I personally believe that the reporter, whom I thanked for the story, showed the ugly side of racing to those here in central Ohio. The general public is clueless when it comes to the atrocities that occur behind closed doors. Paulick, in the meantime, talks out of both sides of his mouth and makes his living on the destruction of horses. Despicable, at best.
Oh, and by the way, I am following a couple of low level horses that may need some help getting out of racing. If we can acquire these two horses, I will reach out to you so that you can contact former owners and breeders and ask them to step up to the plate. Perhaps you will have better luck than I have had.
Mary,
on the subject of Kevin Silverlaspia
The breeder owner should have had a clause in there saying there was a no slaughter contract and to return to breeder.
PLus, the NBC reporter should have contacted the owner breeder instead of taking pictures,writing a story and walking away. the horse was still alive when she was taking pictures of the horse. it would have been a much more powerful story if the owner breeder would have rescued the horses and found it a good home.
Instead the journalist let him go to his death. He was only five years old.
Another example of a journalist (Like Ray Paulick) that does not really care about the horse or if they live or die.
Joy, I too feel for the broodmares. I have one here with me. She is now 16 yrs. old. Her owner sold her to a so called breeder in Kentucky because none of her foals were “any good”. The breeder wanted her because she is by Hennessey. She changed hands for $1.00 !! There was a return clause in the sale. However, she changed hands at least twice after the sale. With the help of a friend she was tracked to a breeder who had her with some barren mares. He bred her once but she aborted. He relinquished her once he was contacted.
She has been with me since last August and she is a great gentle horse. As far as I’m concerned, return clauses are window dressing and are rarely enforced, if ever. It is difficult to find homes for these mares but not impossible. I believe the vast majority of these mares are shipped to slaughter.
There is sooo much wrong with this business from start to finish that it can never be anything but exploitation of the horse at every level.
There should have been a return policy for Kevin to the breeder. There should be a return policy for every horse so they do not end up in slaughter.
Kevin had an injured foot. He could have been helped by the breeder or original owner instead he died a horrific death.
Why didn’t the NBC journalist contact the breeder or owner instead of just writing a story about him ??? Since they knew his name they could have looked it up in the data base like I did. They could have helped save his life.
Instead of helping to save Kevin’s live they took pictures of him and wrote a story. Another example of a journalist connected to the industry wanting a story more than trying to save a horse’s life.
Ray Paulick could contact the owner of “Ill HAVE ANOTHER” to make sure he will not be led to slaughter at the end of his life but he would rather be in the good graces of the Big Red Barn owner in Japan than risk embarrassing him. He would rather attack his readers than act like a journalist and get the truth as to whether or not this horse that was sold for 10 million dollars will be protected from death in Japan.
Maggie,
I would really like to have your email address and talk to you about the trainers that are abusive in using drugs.
You can get my email address from Patrick.
Thank you for writing. I have a question for you.
Have you ever used Christine Janks as a trainer. Christine also has a cat sanctuary in Carson Springs.
She wrote an article about the fact that trainers are using drugs and getting away with it and Ray Paulick posted it on his site.
Trainer Janks: It’s Fraud and It’s a Felony 6/22/2012
Here is an excerpt.
I have been training horses for 40 years, and no owner or potential owner has ever asked me if horses in my care have had any positive tests for prohibited drugs. There is no incentive to hire honest trainers, there is only an incentive to hire the criminals. If these trainers get caught, owners blithely move on to the next criminal trainer.
I have said, and will continue to say, racing can be quickly cleaned up. Take a couple of trainers off the grounds in handcuffs and rule the doped horses off for a year. Overnight, owners will be looking for honest trainers.
I wonder if I am the only one who is sure dermorphin was not confined to Louisiana and Southwestern states where Quarter horse racing is prevalent.
Yes, Patrick, Ray Paulick is an exploiter as you said. When I mentioned the fate of Ferdinand regarding horses being sold to Japan for breeding, Paulick was so irate he called my comment ignorant !
He was so out of line in his attack that some said he should apologize. I’m still waiting !
PS for some reason, Paulick is a big defender of the Japanese racing industry.
Yes, Carolyn I agree with what you said !
Carylon, Joy I believe that this whole industry starts with breeding and if the breeding farms stop producing then eventually the whole of the racing industry will fall. I also believe that no horse is safe from this industry for example, the foals of nurse mares who are abandoned so that their mothers can give their milk to more “expensive horses.”
Patrick, As I said, I follow your website; I understand emotions, feelings and thoughts on both sides of this issue and many others. Hating racing and those of us that “participate” will not end racing in our life times, but at least I “respect” peoples views and purposes. Your beliefs are not idealistic for the simple reason you stand behind them and it is your passion. The problem is discussion here is so full of hatred and a need to be right, that it is hard to be productive towards mutual goals.
If you are in racing, you are evil and anything you do is evil and you simply go straight to hell, you become the devil in disguise. Joy is so full of hatred and a need to be proven right, that any discussion becomes meaningless. I refuse to believe that in a civilized society that any two people cant rationally discuss their differences, hence my perhaps insanity of commenting here.
The fact is I am in racing right now, ane my efforts inside the industry become meaningless- who is right or wrong simply is not the issue. I opened myself up to the venom and poisenous words here in an attempt to speak towards hopefully mutual passions, no matter what side one is on.
Joys needs to single me out is based on a past history between us, not a meaningful discussion to promote change or help horses, and frankly, the truths become secondary to any mutal purposes. With a single purpose to only be right at any cost is the equivalent of the dysfunctional world we all live in. There are hundreds of thousands of owners in this industry, but I was the effective target for her to accomplish her hatred and disgust- Sadly, I am one of the few women in this industry that is trying to make a difference and that is what I will continue to do. I do not hold myself out as “important” “prominent” or even worthy of discussion-
The very real problem is it is easy to type words, most of the time not even knowing the person one is writing about- never having been in their world or living their life, The only concern is being right no matter what the cost. I have atleast taken the time to learn about Joy , her experiences, and why she feels as she does, and understand; Sad, she did not feel the need to do the same.
Hatred will not fix the problems, and it would have been easier to simply move on without comment, but that is not me. Unfortunately, life is not black or white; wrong or right: That is what starts wars and destruction.
Many comments on this page are just flat out untrue but it doesnt matter when one only has the need to be right. Thank you Patrick for pointing out what you do in a constructive format and the passions you feel.
I will take your suggestions under advisement, Joy, I will not be responding to you for you only have one goal and that is to be right at any cost. Nothing I say will ever change your hatred for the industry based on your experiences, and sadly, you have never met me,
You can google me til hell freezes over, and pick out of that what ever suits your need to be right. I have lived alot of life, and “silently” and for my own purposes tried to make a difference in peoples lifes that needed help, to make changes in laws that deal with animals, and a lifetime that spans 20 plus years with real victims of domestic violence, post partum depression and real victims. So much life, that frankly my goals now are simple, the health of my mom and my dog, that is wrong or right, all that matters to me right now so with that , I wish you and everyone the same, good health. The things here and the poisenous words are things we can control, other things we cannot, and to me, those are the important things in life.
It’s unacceptable Joy. It’s inexcusable animal abuse. Agreed, why bring more into the world when there are far too many horses already. It’s insane to keep on producing and so morally wrong.
Ms Moss, you’ve recently introduced yourself and made a comment on this site and you allege that Joy Aten has not got the facts right in relation to yourself which have been stated publicly on this site and you would like to get the facts right. Do you not think it prudent to state the facts with which you are in dispute with Joy Aten on this site so that all of us can read what you have to say. Joy Aten has gone to great lengths to substantiate her statements in relation to you Ms Moss and therefore you now have the right of reply. Therefore one would imagine, given your lengthy experience in law, that you would feel quite free to proceed with an open and transparent public reply. It would be very much appreciated Ms Moss. And thank you.
I absolutely love this website. Patrick, thank you for having us all as Posters. Joy, Mary (I respect you. I’m on the same page when it comes to horses), Kathleen, Carolyn – all posters. People like Ray Paulick, Maggi Moss, Frank Stronach, etc. etc. depend on the exploitation of racehorses to earn a living. It becomes abundantly evident, with each example, that Owners choose money over the racehorse that ran its fanny-off to fatten their wallets, and egos. It’s throughout the industry from the lowest levels to the highest levels of the game. In order to continue competing in this game you must uphold the mantra: BREED BREED BREED CLAIM CLAIM CLAIM DUMP DUMP DUMP KILL KILL KILL. It’s an never ending cycle. They know darn well that in order to fill races, their wallets, their egos that they must implement this mantra or they can’t compete in this game. Horse Racing business model is an abyss of pain, suffering, breakdowns, and death. They must dump horses in order for this business to continue. The endless days of being jailed in a cell (stall) 23 hours per day for these horses that are turned into pin cushions for the industry is a disgusting shame. It’s not the Sport of Kings – it’s the sport of slaves. I evolved. I reached that conclusion. I tried to lie to myself and say that what’s going on is okay. It’s not okay. There are good people with good intentions, but those good intentions will rarely continue because in order to survive you must exploit the racehorse. To what degree depends on the individual(s) involved. I got out of this antiquated roman like blood sport. I knew that I could not uphold these business practices. I just couldn’t. Recently, I read ‘LAST CHAINS ON BILLIE,” and “WAR OF THE WHALES,” SAVING BABIES.” They are all amazing books, but you know they are all the same really. The stage may be different, the animals may be different, but really it’s all the same. It’s exploitation of an unwilling participant for profit. Very few benefit from the MILLIONS that these profit slaves generate. During the process of generating this profit, they are abused. They endure unspeakable pain, suffering, and cruelty. It’s just that simple, and the time of exploiting animals for profit needs to end.
It is common knowledge in the racing industry that when a trainer/owner passes on, gives or sells a horse when it has finished racing to whoever, THE VENDOR (and in the case of this horse it was Ruben Stable, a racehorse owner) is AWARE that the horse is very highly likely to end up in the slaughterhouse and therefore the racing industry IS TO BLAME for the horrific death of Kevin Silverlaspia in the slaughterhouse.
Carolyn…my heart breaks for the broodmares. (I wonder how many women would choose to be constantly pregnant!) Why add more horses to an industry that has such a “surplus” already?…and then that same industry uses the slaughterhouses to dispose of those “excess” horses! Those poor broodmares whose lives are stolen from them, then exactly like you said, no one wants them when their productive years are over. Their entire lives, industry members take and take and take from them. It’s so damn selfish.
A no slaughter clause in a contract for sale of a horse means nothing to me. Not worth the paper it’s written on. Anyone can state that a horse did not go to slaughter and went to a good home, there’s no proof of evidence. Impossible to police. If a seller suspects his horse went to slaughter, then how is he going to prove it? No, it doesn’t wash with me. What are they going to do for example with a mare that has foaled and within 3-6 weeks is served again and in foal again and this goes on for many years. Some slip (miscarry), some fail to fall pregnant, some produce dead foals, some foals die, some mares suffer swollen legs from being constantly in foal and often with a foal at foot to nurture as well. In the end that mare is “finished with” what are they going to do with her if they’re not going to send her to slaughter? What good is she to anyone else? She’s been used as a foal factory and her health has suffered. They’re certainly not going to keep her, feed her and pay vet bills for her. I’ve seen it for myself. One very valuable mare had been producing foals for over 10 years, she became ill with her last pregnancy and the vets did everything to keep her alive PURELY so this last foal of hers could be born which would highly likely sell as a yearling for $1million plus. Yes, the foal was born and then the breeder announces “so terribly sad to inform that…….. has died after producing her last foal just several days ago”. Yes, they claim to have loved her like a member of the family. They kept her alive for one reason only MONEY! (and I hate to think of her suffering despite medical assistance – if she died so soon after the birth then her adverse condition must’ve been very serious and I suspect that if she had not been in foal she would’ve been euthanased).
You are very credible Joy and you display such integrity in your comments/statements substantiated with tangible evidence and FACTS.
Joy, thank you for mentioning Donna Keen and two of Remember Me Rescue’s horses…Norway and Trophy Case. It is my understanding that NEITHER horse went with a contract yet Keen, and her colleagues, stated that they would go to the end of the earth and back to “save” those horses. What a joke! Contracts can’t prevent a horse from ending up in a bad situation but they are better than nothing. At least they give the rescue legal recourse to go after the perpetrator.
I have two of Remember Me Rescue’s horses and Keen sold both horses without a contract. Notice I do NOT use the word “adopt” but I use the word “sold”. I know of another horse that was “sold” without a contract and then we have Trophy Case and Norway so that is a total of five. Shameful that a so called rescue sells horses without any legal protection, but perhaps it isn’t about the horses’ welfare. Perhaps it is about the MONEY.
Ms. Moss…you blocked me on FB so why you would want my e-mail is interesting. You also never responded to my urgent request to you regarding Bojan…in fact, I needed to correspond with Deb Jones about him because you didn’t. Only after I asked you to help your horse, Bojan, was it done (I’ve got the messages with Jones about him saved, as well…she mentioned your annoyance regarding the situation, and that you felt Bojan didn’t need to be rescued from Palumbo…really?). Please point out to everyone here what is incorrect in everything I stated in my post and in my comments. Your “truths” should be told to all reading here. I look forward to what is not fact.
Does one need to be immersed in the puppy mill industry to address the horrific abuses in it?…or in the Big Lick industry to oust those who sore?…or in circuses or marine parks?…or in the racing industry which seems to be your excuse for remaining in it?…in order to change it? PLEASE read Patrick’s excellent piece on the inevitability of racehorse abuse and death…horses will always be exploited and will always lose out when viewed as objects to be used for the purpose of entertainment for some and livelihood for others. ANIMALS VS MONEY WILL ALWAYS CAUSE ANIMAL SUFFERING.
What difference does it make that you weren’t born with a “silver spoon”? Nor was I. So what? If you want to take part in this gambling industry that uses horses, then you need to be responsible for the horses you use. Yes, USE. I need to be responsible for mine…I don’t dump them on some rescue when I’m “finished” with them…what gives you, or anyone else in this industry, the right to use them up and dump them? It’s funny how you stated it was easier to purchase a 6-figure yearling than buy FD….and 6-figure yearling. No sympathy here, Ms. Moss.
You were going to offer horses, two I was told, to Chad Skelton in order to get FD. That was your intent. I don’t care where those horses were going to come from…horses were going to be offered to him. Their lives didn’t matter?
I could go on…but one last question for you…regarding the people that are “truly abusive”…good god, you don’t need to introduce me to anymore of them…I’ve met enough. Amazing how you can continue to throw your hard-earned money (or that hard-earned money off your horses’ backs) into an industry with so many abusers. Why do I need to save the horses of those “truly abusive” folks?…I’m not supporting this industry, you are! And just an FYI…most everyone here that supports HW has put their money and time and hearts and souls into saving horses that your industry cripples and kills every single day. We are dancing our fastest to save them…one, two, three at a time. And it never ends. And it never will as long as this industry exists.
Thank you for the comments, Ms. Moss, but may I suggest that staying within to fight the ills is not the right course at all – imagine how powerful it would be to have someone like you turn and fully expose. This industry is wholly based on animal exploitation. (Really, how is it any different from the evil puppy-mill trade?) It is wrong from the start. Sure, I may be a bit idealistic here, but I do believe it can be toppled. Please consider walking with us.
bellesforeverr…you might want to have Ms. Moss get busy rescuing one of her former horses she willingly sold to a scammer. The horse, Tricolette, is with Jeff Radosevich…at least as of 2-18-15 when Tricolette finished over 24 lengths behind in a 5K claiming race at Mahoning. Here’s what Radosevich has to say about horses like Tricolette; Radosevich says a horse won’t be in his stable for long if it isn’t a winner, and that he has no favorites.
And Tricolette is certainly not a winner…and not a favorite of Radosevich’s OR Moss’…
http://www.cleveland.com/horseracing/index.ssf/2009/04/thistledowns_opening_week_rado.html
Many thanks for this article Joy which exposed more of what the public has a right to know and then make up their own minds about horseracing.
Ms Moss is a typical example of most racehorse owners. Once they’ve got that money in their greedy little hands they don’t give a damn, they couldn’t care if they never saw the horse again and what its likely future is (slaughter) – they’re far too obsessed in the $$$ with the next horse that has come into their stable. No more thought now for the horses that have served them so well, winning lucrative prizemoney for them, let alone the punt. These noble animals just give their all, put a halter on and lead them out of the stable, stop with you when you need to let another horse walk past, lead them to the track for training, leading them onto a truck to get to a race meeting, they get excited when the feed bins are noisy knowing that their hungry stomachs will soon feel a bit better, confined for about 22 hours each day, suffer boredom and depression, their bodies suffer from lack of movement only being able to move a few steps here and there, suffer respiratory problems due to the stale air, cruelly abused with drugs like Cobalt and then flogged to win. These animals are smart and intelligent for which they are given no credit whilst being at the mercy of these callous, hideous owners.
Just look at his eye – FEAR! Proud of yourselves CALUMET FARM (he didn’t ask to be born), RUBEN STABLE and GEOFFREY A DIXON? It’s you curs who deserve to be sent to slaughter and suffer a horrific death not this voiceless, defenceless, innocent horse!
You know you creeps didn’t even have the decency to euthanase him. Couldn’t part with just a few hundred dollars when he earned $76,797 for you?
I once helped out an old timer trainer who had nowhere to live but in the stable with his horses and he genuinely loved them. When it was time for any of his horses to retire from racing he would get the vet in and have it euthanased and buried on the racetrack premises. He wouldn’t even take the risk of a horse going to equestrian because most of the time a racehorse just doesn’t come up to expectations and ends up being sent to slaughter. He wouldn’t sell to another trainer because horse might end up in low grade races and end up in the slaughterhouse. He would go without, purely to have the money for the vet (who never gave him a discount) whereas, the likes of you have the money to do the decent thing. This trainer had a clear conscience but one cannot say the same for you.
Thanks Kathleen for all of this research – hard to read and hard to watch the footage but facts are FACTS!
Susan, I know Moss never gave Skelton the two horses…and if you read my words again, you’ll see that I said she was ready to offer up a couple of sacrificial horses…I did not say she did in the end. INTENT.
EVERYTHING I said in my post I have the evidence for…racing publication articles where Moss is quoted and personal communication regarding Bojan and Fuhrever Dancing.
Example: “It wasn’t any of her horses [the horses she was going to offer Skelton in order to acquire FD]. She had a couple trainers she knew that was (sic) going to work with him to find a couple. She found out over the last couple of days what a scum bag he was. Don’t get mad at her. She was doing everything she could to get on the good side of him to get FD.”
Wow…so find a couple of horses to give to the SCUM BAG in order to get the horse that SHE sold in a claiming race in April of 2009. Yea, that’s an example of a fine upstanding owner. So what about the poor horses the SCUM BAG gets?…what happens to them? Guess they’re not important…
And how about this, a “Thoroughbred Racing Commentary” by Daniel Ross from 2-18-2015..the title, “Moss: Get rid of people who cheat and hurt horses.” (the photo is So Many Ways, the mare she loved so much that she sold as a broodmare to a Japanese farm);
Moss: “I’ve followed two of my horses in the past two years that have ended up in Pennsylvania, for example. Consequently, I knew that one of them [a horse called Danger Storm] was in trouble. Big trouble. I located him and he was in a kill pen. But I bailed him out…”
And a little further into the interview, Moss: “But I suppose the story of the horse [Danger Storm] almost in the hands of the slaughter buyer is the most meaningful because it involved sheer luck getting the call from this girl telling me about my horse in the nick of time. If I hadn’t PayPal-ed $500 in the middle of the night, he’d be dead.”
So what was it, Ms. Moss?…was it like in the first paragraph where YOU followed him and YOU located him in the kill pen?…or the second paragraph where it was SHEER LUCK and SOME GIRL FINDING HIM in the nick of time? And your “If I hadn’t PayPal-ed $500 IN THE MIDDLE OF THE NIGHT…”…sanctimony at its best.
https://www.thoroughbredracing.com/articles/moss-get-rid-people-who-cheat-and-hurt-horses
Silver Nat, another example of the hypocrisy of Moss. In a nutshell…Moss and her trainer Asmussen claim Silver Nat on Oct 30, 2008, for 25K. They run him in the Starter Stakes on Dec 13 where he’s “no real threat”. On Dec 31, they DROP him into a 5K claiming race where he BROKE DOWN. 25K to stakes to 5K, all in the span of two months. And Silver Nat breaks down. Not rocket science to figure that one out.
Allow me to introduce myself to this group, I am, in fact, the real Maggi Moss; I read this site and about everything else that has to do with horses. Perhaps, there is a misconception that I was born into royalty, or perhaps married money, or someone left me the resources to be in this “sport of kings”. I was not. Perhaps, only those with unlimited resources should be in racing, but , unfortunately, those are the folks that put their heads down when i talk as to slaughter and as to rescue. OR, better, the breeders that flood our market with unwanted horses and than also turn their heads.
I have worked my entire life for animals, all animals, including puppy mills, and opened the first retirement facility for racehorses in Iowa. Furthermore, I do not tout myself or anything about me, and perhaps, I do not belong in racing, a thought that i THINK about alot lately. However, Do i do more good in or just get out and let everyone else try and fix a broken industry in many ways?
First of all, I would love to have Joys email if she would please give it to me to atleast try and get the facts right which they are not. Have at me all you choose but atleast have some regard for the truth.
1. I have worked my entire life, mostly as a lawyer who only took on victims, women causes and am extremely proud of the work I did for victims that could not afford representation. My law career reeped no financial benefits but did get many laws changed as to how women are treated and emphasis on puppy mills.
2. I do run my horse operation as a business, and over the years, have taken any profit, including from so many ways to use to rescue as many tbs as I can. Unfortunately, I was not born with a golden spoon in a monied family and lost most of my family in a plane crash.
3. as to Furhever dancing, the money to retire him was put up by me and 5000 was extorted from me to ensure his retirement, when any good person simply would have let us have him. No horses were exchanged for him
4. As to SO MANY WAYS, she is not where Ill have another is, but is with Mr. Yosida , one of the finest farms in the world and far better than the “breeding factories ” in this country. She is taken better care of than any horse i have ever owned, and yes, I have a clause that she would come back to me
5. As to my trainers, take whatever shot you choose at me, but i have been through many trainers, including many women, and I know my horses are impeccably cared for, and sleep very well at nght knowing that.
6. As to mistakes, I am confident I have made many, but my horses , 15 of them right now, are turned out for no other reason, that they deserve it . Many horses I own are retired and living great lives. Many others in this industry, I have saved from death and do not talk about them or print their names.
as to racing, you all hate it, and at times, so do I. I question the choice daily, stay in and try and make a difference or get out ,and walk away. As with many endeavors that are abusive, such as puppy mills, middlemen carrying horses straight to Mexico, I can continue to fight those ills or walk away.
I choose to continue to try and save horses and lead by example, to do something, in lieu of damning something that will continue on despite this site. If I had the monies that people thought, I would do more, but feel education is the key – If i had one wish, it would be that I had the money to buy a 1000 acres and save as many as I could. Words are a dangerous tool, and only alienate those that try and do the right things/ This site has great usefullness, but it will not make racing disappear, but pointing out those that trade horses like monopoly pieces every week, those that will do anything to a horse to win, and those readily discard them to middleman at tracks to go straight to mexico might be a better start.
I am not self processing to be anybody or righteous, but from someone that spends every day of their life following horses , abuse, and doing what I can with limited resources to do the best I can allows me to sleep quite well at night. Hate racing and hate all of us in it, but words will not save the horses. Why dont you all feel free to email me and I can give you a very long list of needs and people that are truly abusive and perhaps you all can put up the money to try and save them- one at a time.
bellesforeverr, I’m not going after anyone…I’m simply laying out the facts. In addition, I KNOW I don’t know everything…anyone who THINKS they know everything is dangerous. What an absolute shame that the facts, the truths, must be kept under wraps in order for people to “stick their necks out for racing”. That’s right…keep everything hidden so as not to offend or expose….or you might p*** people off and then they quit helping the horses they SHOULD be helping anyway. I know exactly what you are talking about, bellesforeverr…happened at Great Lakes Downs when a hidden camera investigative report that exposed racing abuses was aired on a Detroit station. Racing breeders/owners/trainers were FURIOUS they were exposed, and do you know what they did?…they CRIED to Michigan’s racing commissioner…so CANTER’s volunteers were denied licenses to the backside the next racing meet! TRUE COLORS SHOWN!…deny the horses waiting in their stalls for help by not allowing the rescue’s volunteers on the backside…but GRANT a license to Jaroslav Gold…a racing O/T AND the Midwest’s largest supplier of horses to a Canadian slaughterhouse. Yea, racing really loves their athletes…all the way to the damn slaughterhouse.
Why wouldn’t she sell her mare?…and just so you know, selling her to a Japanese breeder is not my biggest issue with seeing her as no different than any other owner who is in this gambling industry for the money. And that’s it…she sold her FOR THE MONEY. What other term would you like to use other than EXPLOIT? When Moss claims she cares about her horses I could vomit…she values her bank account over her horses. It’s in black and white for you…what more do you need than the words right from her mouth? So to answer your question, why wouldn’t she sell her mare…that would be simply because she cares more about the mare than the money. Obviously, she doesn’t.
IN ADDITION…selling her to an overseas farm makes it incredibly difficult to make certain she stays safe. Moss can’t even ensure the horses she unloaded in claiming races here in the states stay safe! (more about that later). I saw mention of a contract…a contract is NOT going to ensure the safety of horses one sends away. Donna Keen adopted out two horses in her own STATE (Norway and Trophy Case) and THEY’RE gone!…presumed sent to slaughter! Look how much her contract for those two poor horses helped!
It continues to astound me how people choose to bury their heads ten feet in the sand. It has become very obvious, the folks that do it just want to hang on to their support of the racing industry..for whatever reason.
Gina,
I would like to Tweet Maggie Moss and see if she protected her horse she just sold from being slaughtered.
Patrick,
I have been researching what is going on In japan. From what I have read, 90% of their racehorses are slaughtered.
Rays attitude towards those posting on his blog was arrogant, condescending and cold.
Many people posting were really concerned about this horse as they should be.
Ray should have been encouraging people to fight for the horses they care about instead he was defending Japan even though as a culture they eat horses for dinner. Maybe Ray would eat horses for dinner, too.
Clearly he is not against horse slaughter or he would have said so.
Ray revealed himself to me in his responses to the posts as not caring about horses at all.
Ray could easily have called Paul Reddam and asked him if the horse was protected by the Ferdinand clause but he did not care even though many people posting to his blog did.
When I asked Ray (because on his blog it says “Ask Ray”) , he said “I did not see the contact” A true journalist would pick up the phone and find out what the contract said if he really cared about the horse, which clearly he does not.
I do not see Ray as a true journalist. I See him as a Major tool of darkness and propaganda for the racing world and all the corrupt evil people that are a part of it.
“Paul Reddam bought I’LL HAVE ANOTHER for $35,000, or what he called the “equivalent of a ham sandwich.”
That remark kind of shows his state of mind. Reddam has not visited him in Japan and I have not been able to find out if I’LL HAVE ANOTHER is protected by the Ferdinand clause.
The horse has a facebook page so I hope that they will not be killing him if he stops performing his stud duties. They are getting 3.2 million for stud services so I am sure they have their money back by now. I also put in an inquiry to Three Horse Farms that is supposedly watching what happens to him.
Shigeyuki Okada, the farm’s owner, paid $10 million for I’LL HAVE ANOTHER after the horse’s career ended abruptly in 2012. (from an injury)
He was the 22nd horse to win the first two Triple Crown races and fail to capture the third.
They should abolish the Triple Crown. that is a terrible series of races and a lot of horses have gotten hurt because of it.
Big Red Farm say that he is their best horse out of 240 horses they have. If Reddam did not protect him from slaughter, that to me is pure evil.
To make 10 million off a horse and then not protect him is just pure evil.
http://www.nytimes.com/2014/06/01/sports/ill-have-another-former-triple-crown-contender-settles-in-at-a-japanese-farm.html?_r=0
Amanda…please share it. Expose…don’t let anyone shut you up. For the horses.
Hi Mary:
Yes.I couldn’t agree with you more that the frequent and non-regulation of the changing hands of TBs after they leave the track is deplorable and leads to many untimely deaths. The lack of accountability of the owners, breeders and trainers for horses that change hands after their Grade I racing days is the loci of the problem. . Almost every horse that I and many other advocates and ad hoc groups have rescued from auction have been TBs who have been reduced in class as they’ve aged through the system. They get reduced to the hell of low-level claiming and their breeders don’t know where they are.Some care when contacted, others not. The breeder or original trainer are very often then let off the hook,but ignorance should be no excuse for not providing for the life-ling welfare of the horse,
Some breeders have return policies if a horse is ever found to be in reduced circumstances, but the paperwork often fails to change hands.
It’s heartbreaking and happens as frequently to abandoned broodmares who theoretically should be easier to track.
The story of Toque was a horrendous example of how this system goes incredibly wrong. Of course the trainer in this case, is notorious for abusing his horses.
On a better note, but one that came within an inch of heartbreak and pain was the story of Boston Baked Bean, who was returned to his east coast breeder after being dumped at Mike’s Auction directly after his last race at Los Als. Auction Horse Rescue worked dilligently with a very sick and disturbed horse and didn’t give up on him.
As a shout out to an organization that works diligently to save as many “lost” TBs and other horses, please acknowledge Auction Horse Rescue in the state of California. They are on the front lines everyday making the hardest choices that nobody should have to make..
Joy-
As a note: no horses were ever given to the owner/trainer in exchange for Fuhrever Dancing and Ms. Moss did not negotiate the final deal for Fuhrever’s retirement. Her deal was not accepted by the owner/trainer of FD. I was very glad that it wasn’t. It was negotiated by a trainer at Mountaineer who helped the interested parties obtain FD’s retirement. I know this because I worked on some of the PR to try and get FD retired. It was a sound resolution to FD’s ability to retire and just be a horse. FD is in fine health at the present time.
This group follows Horse racing wrongs
Horses slaughtered in Canada and sent to various countries including live horses being sent to Japan
https://canadianhorsedefencecoalition.files.wordpress.com/2015/02/2014-stats-cda-us2.png
https://canadianhorsedefencecoalition.files.wordpress.com/2015/02/2014_statistics_r.pdf
I have no idea how many horses are slaughtered in the Japan slaughterhouses
as of 2009, more than 20,000 horses, many of them racehorses, were being slaughtered each year in Japan for human consumption and pet food.
They said that 90% of the racehorses were being slaughtered for food.
Kathleen, Ray Paulick is as much exploiter as the trainers and owners he fawns over. In his little tantrum, he unwittingly exposes his precious industry for what it is: animal slavery.
More on Japan and their policy of slaughtering horses
So sorry.
I posted the wrong video by mistake.
I believe that any owner that sells their horse to Japan without the Ferdinand clause is heartless and cruel.
This is the video of horses being sent to Japan to be slaughtered. they are draft horses known as “Gentle Giants”
They are jammed loose 3 or more into small crates for the very long journey to Japan which can be well over the allowable 36 horses.
This is breaking Canadian laws but the Canadian govt. does not stop this nor does Japan govt stop this horrific abuse
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ji5n8siQGAw
These Canadian draft horses are routinely live shipped to Japan for slaughter from the Calgary and Winnipeg International Airports. On arrival in Japan, horses are transported to a feedlot; once they reach desired weight they are slaughtered for meat.
Horse Slaughter and the Horsemeat Trade in Japan
Since 2009, Japan has imported almost 9,000 tons of horsemeat from North America, the majority of which originates from U.S. horses slaughtered in Canada. In addition, during the same period, nearly 15,000 live horses have been shipped to Japan from North America, making the long, often overcrowded flight under sedation only to be fattened up and ultimately slaughtered.
Horsemeat consumption in Japan
Japan remains one of the leading importers of both horsemeat and live horses for consumption. While some may argue that the consumption of horsemeat in Japan is a tradition, it was not until the post-war era that horses were ever raised for slaughter in the country, so this is a weak justification for killing and eating these beloved companion animals.
http://www.hsi.org/issues/horse_slaughter/facts/horse_slaughter_japan.html
Meat Trade: Live Horse Transport from Canada to Japan
Canadian draft horses are routinely live shipped to Japan for slaughter from the Calgary and Winnipeg International Airports. On arrival in Japan, horses are transported to a feedlot; once they reach desired weight they are slaughtered for meat.
2012 footage taken of Alberta horses being shipped live to Japan for slaughter shows horses in a feedlot being loaded with electric prods into transport trucks, transported to the Calgary International Airport and being crated in wooden crates so small they cannot stand in their natural position, in violation of Section 142 of the Health of Animals Regulations
Horses slaughtered in Japan –
no wonder people are concerned about racehorses they care about being sent over to Japan
this is all i could find.
Live Exports for Slaughter
Japan is the only country that live ships horses for slaughter from Canada.
Japan was #2 for horsemeat exports for 2013 and has moved up to #1 in 2014 (to November).
Japan has increased their live exports by 286% for 2012 over 2013, and up another 11% to November 2014. The number of horses was 1179 in 2012, then 6635 horses in 2013 – up 562%. To November 2014, it’s 6,976, up another 5% over 2013. Japan is the only country that live ships horses for slaughter from Canada. (The UK is noted as shipping one horse in 2014).
https://canadianhorsedefencecoalition.wordpress.com/2015/02/13/canadas-80-million-horse-slaughter-industry-statistics-and-analysis-what-you-can-do/
What You Can Do
Reading these statistics, it’s difficult to fathom all the individual lives that were taken violently in Canada’s 5 slaughter plants. Here’s how you can voice your concern.
Japan has become Canada’s #1 country for horse meat exports, as well is the only country shipping live horses for slaughter, with alarming increased shipments in recent years. The CHDC has reported several times on live shipments of horses out of Calgary International Airport. Find our videos on Youtube. Find our blog postings on live shipments to Japan here.
https://canadianhorsedefencecoalition.wordpress.com/?s=Japan
The same 6 countries remain in the top 6 spots for horse meat exports in 2013 and 14. Their positions have changed year over year: 1. Japan (non EU – was 2. In 2013); 2. France (3. In 2013); 3. Switzerland (non EU – was 1. In 2013); 4. Belgium (4. In 2013); Kazakhstan (non EU – 5. In 2013); and 6. USA (6. In 2013).
https://www.youtube.com/user/defendhorsescanada/videos
I was researching the Japan farm where Maggi sent her horse.
While doing so I found an unbelievable exchange by Ray Paulick on the Ray Paulick website about I’LL HAVE ANOTHER who was sold to same Japan farm that Maggi sent her horse to.
Based on what I have read by Ray including his remarks below, Ray Paulick does not care if race horses are slaughtered or not.
a lot of these people that commented were upset about this horse going to Japan. i would tell them about this horse racing wrongs website but the last time I did Ray deleted my post.
Clearly, Patrick is far more tolerable of differing points of view than Ray Paulick is.
A lot of people were upset on his forum and he actually deleted posts and then attacked other people posting that were simply concerned about the horse.
_______________________________
I’LL HAVE ANOTHER SOLD, WILL STAND STUD IN JAPAN
6/22/2012
Rays comments are at bottom of article. THere were a lot of heated exchanges. Here are two with Ray showing his state of mind on the subject of slaughter.
Comments by Ray Paulick that I personally found shockingly insensitive to horses.
He is basically saying that we should not care if this horse is slaughtered because we do not “own” this horse.
Rays post
“I am embarrassed by the number of insulting and ignorant comments being hurled in the direction of Mr. Shigeyuki Okada, the owner of Big Red Farm that purchased I’ll Have Another. He is a respected, experienced, and successful horse owner and breeder in Japan.
Derogatory comments that paint an entire country of people with the same brush will be deleted and you will be blocked from further commenting. Please think twice before making such insulting and insensitive comments.
Along the same lines, please understand that the sale of I’ll Have Another is a business decision, and it is the business of the person who owns the horse. ”
Ray Paulick answers one persons concerns with this:
Rob, I don’t understand. Why would the Japan breeding industry be well served to reassure racing fans here?
“In all honesty, once you sell something it is no longer yours. And if it bothers people that the horse was sold to Japan, don’t blame Japan. Blame the person who sold the horse to Japan. It is HIS business and his alone if he is concerned about what happens if the horse is unsuccessful. Just because a person chooses to feel one way about a subject (i.e. slaughter) doesn’t necessarily mean that is the right way. Remember, the saying about opinions. . . If Reddam isn’t concerned why is anybody? He is the one to hold accountable for the fate of the horse. And to be honest, I’m not surprised that this camp has made the decisions that they have and it has all stunk from the moment they scratched the horse, if not before.”
Robs answer To Ray Paulick
“The reason, PWK, is the casual racing fan like myself. I don’t know nearly as much about the history or the inner workings of the sport as people like you, but what I do know is that the future of your sport depends on more money than what is spent by the seasoned rail bird. The horses are the stars of the sport and a sport that treats its stars poorly (especially when they are animals, arguably much more likable than their human counterparts in baseball, football, basketball, etc..) is not likely to attract new fans. I live in a major city where there is huge competition for my entertainment dollar. Before reading about IHA heading to Japan I was unaware of the fact that the Japanese slaughtered a Kentucky Derby winner. That is absolutely unconscionable. It would behoove this industry to realize that they, like all others, have gone global and that the perception of the sport, for most people, will be largely based on how the horses are treated while racing and in retirement. “
Kathleen, I know the story of Kevin Silverlaspia well. In fact, one of my contacts at Mountaineer in West Virginia, knew this horse. The owner/trainer of record, “gave/sold” the horse to someone who then “gave/sold” the horse to someone else. It was this last person who sent Kevin to the Sugarcreek auction. In fact, I have the name of the first person who took possession of Kevin after he was done racing. I despise racing from the bottom of my heart but, in this case, racing is NOT to blame for this horse’s death in the slaughterhouse. However, it just goes to prove that many horses move from one person to the other and often end up in a precarious situation. No horse is truly safe unless they are in your backyard.
Bellesforeverr, the anti-racing folks hear, ad nauseam, that there are “many” good people in racing and that the pro-racing folks consider their horses “family”. Really? Even the “good” people in racing choose MONEY over the welfare of the horse. Would you sell your family member to the Japanese? I know I wouldn’t yet that is exactly what Ms. Moss did and she did it for the MONEY. So Many Ways will be bred over and over and over in order to produce as many foals as possible and the breeding will be done for the MONEY. Again, anyone with minimal intelligence should be able to figure that out.
Also, just to clear up any confusion on your part, Joy did NOT go after Ms. Moss. Joy quoted Moss in order to refute what we continually hear about the “many good people” in racing. I personally believe that Moss is one of the better people in racing yet she stills puts MONEY over the welfare of the horses that have crossed her path. I do believe that Moss is an advocate FOR the industry and I am an advocate AGAINST the industry. However, she is considered to be racing royalty so what she says carries a great deal of weight. I know she has spoken out against drugs and slaughter, but how has she helped to eliminate those atrocities? Not much, in my opinion. Even Moss states that racing is a “business”. There you have it…straight from the horse’s mouth…racing is a “business” and I couldn’t agree more. As I have stated a hundred times before, whenever you mix money and animals, the animals always end up losing.
By the way, I remember Moss telling me, about a year ago, that there were hundreds of trainers worse than ASSmussen when it came to drugging horses. Wow! Why would anyone, who truly loves their horses, participate in an industry where ASSmussen is one of the “better” trainers? One of her current trainers, Tom Amoss, has been caught with a drug overage for a muscle relaxant. Why in the hell is ANY horse running if it needs a muscle relaxant? I believe I asked someone else that question but she didn’t respond (surprise, surprise). I really don’t care if it is minuscule overage or an enormous overage…cheating is cheating…. but most in the racing industry quicly forgive those that break the rules, especially if the rule breaker can make them MONEY!
Finally, as I have stated hundreds of times, this blog is called Horseracing Wrongs, not Other Breeds Found At Killer Auctions. I am against sending any horse to an auction. It doesn’t matter if that horse is a TB, QH, or a grade horse. However, this blog is about the TB racehorse. Got it?
Thank you Joy for posting this. It seems that the “good folks” in racing aren’t that great either.
Gina,
Excellent post
I would add just one more word.
Breed, Breed , Breed,
Claim, Claim , Claim,
Kill, Kill, Kill
Amanda,
We would love to hear it.
the more that these “good folk” horse trainers and owners that are allowing horses to be raced as babies can be exposed, the better.
they all should know better.
Kevin Silverlaspia – May he rest in Peace
He was only five when he died. Five and injured from racing.
These people are dispictable for what they have done to this horse.
he was injured and they sent him to die a horrific death.
I forgot to mention his trainer
Trainer: Geoffrey A. Dixon
Kevin Silverlaspia
CH , G, foaled March 13, 2009
Owner: Ruben Stable
Breeder: Calumet Farm
Earnings: $76,797
http://wcmh.images.worldnow.com/images/5866206_G.jpg
Here are the Owners responsible for letting him be sent to slaughter after he was injured..
Kevin Silverlaspia
CH , G, foaled March 13, 2009
Owner: Ruben Stable
Breeder: Calumet Farm
Earnings: $76,797
After winning nearly $77,000 on the track, the champion horse was alone and broken. Waiting for what would be his final journey from track to table.
He had 2 first places
9 second places
5 third places
then he was injured and sent to brutally die a horrific death.
http://www.equibase.com/profiles/Results.cfm?type=Horse&refno=8572938®istry=T
http://wcmh.images.worldnow.com/images/5866205_G.jpg
He is a direct descendant of the last two Triple Crown winners, Seattle Slew and Secretariat.
He’s also related to California Chrome, this year’s Kentucky Derby winner.
Thank you Joy. I was almost a believer in Maggi Moss at one time. But when she sold So Many Ways to Japan I was disgusted. In racing the horse is the means to MONEY and feeding the ego, nothing more.
Actually, the “good people” are worse because they are deliberately misrepresenting themselves through the publicity of “saving” a horse here and there. Perhaps some do believe they care about the horse. However, when one watches what they do rather than listening to what they say it is obvious what they really care about !
I wonder if there is a return clause for So Many Ways ?
Bellesforeverr
Many horses in Japan are still being slaughtered.
Did Maggi add the Ferdinand clause when she sold the horse to insure that it would not be slaughtered ? If she did not, then the horse could still be slaughtered.
Horses’ fate: Racing or death
By Benazir Wehelie, Special to CNN
Updated 1:38 PM ET, Thu February 12, 2015
http://www.cnn.com/2015/02/05/world/cnnphotos-horse-tracks-hokkaido/
But, if born with any kind of defect, the pony will instead tumble down a much darker path, slaughtered for both animal and human food consumption.
NBC4 Investigates: Champion Horses Sent To Slaughter
Posted: Nov 18, 2014 11:57 AM MST
The horses will soon be meat for sale in Quebec, Europe, and Japan.
http://www.nbc4i.com/story/27417951/nbc4-investigates-champion-horses-sent-to-slaughter
Thank You Joy. That was an excellent summary.
What stands out to me the most is these horses are babies at 2 years so it is horrifying to me that Any of these babies are being forced to run with or without drugs.
what is also horrifying to me is that many of these babies are killed at 2 and three years old.
A.P. Slew was one of the horses with bleeding problems.
“Often he suddenly lost momentum, perhaps from the lung congestion (bleeding) that hampered him later in his career. Eventually, he sank into the claiming ranks. While some claiming horses get good care, he did not long remain one of the lucky ones. He had some hard years. Earning less the older he got, he was slated for a slaughter auction in the spring of 2008.
A. P. Slew is grandson to triple crown winner Seattle Slew and to turf champion Theatrical, and great-grandson to Hall of Fame filly Silver Spoon.
He was rescued and ended up at Old Friends but died in 2014. He died at 15. Far too young to die.
http://www.oldfriendsequine.org/horses/a-p-slew-570.html
I have a “good folk” story for you. Its deplorable
Thank you Joy for this excellent post. Let’s not forget some other facts about Ms. Maggi Moss: the majority of Trainers she uses are male despite her claim that women in the sport need more representation. She does little to increase that representation by using male Trainers. I don’t think she has ever used a female Trainer although she used female jockey Rosie Napravnik consistently. Second, the majority of her Trainers (if not all) have multiple drug violations many of which are (to me) serious. Yet, she uses her law degree and legal finesse to get these Trainers a slap on the wrist while winning the race. So much for drug free racing right? Just last month she was the main article on the Bloodhorse website ranting and raving about how this business needs to clean up her act. Many comments called her a hypocrite. Third, many of her cheap claims are suspiciously and repeatedly upgraded. The horse makes her a tidy profit and then gets dropped down again to probably DUMP her. It usually gets claimed due to its PP’s, and doesn’t seem to ever get its performance back again mostly. So much for her big heart and saving racehorses. This is the claiming game, and it’s not only Ms. Moss. Claiming picks up a horse, probably dopes it up with something they are not testing for, and then dumps it back into Claiming when the horse is spent usually. This is the mantra of horse racing: BREED BREED BREED, CLAIM CLAIM CLAIM, DUMP DUMP DUMP. I just want to be clear that Maggie Moss is not an isolated incident. It’s just that she’s a high profile Owner who happens to be an attorney that fights hard on behalf of her Trainers when they get drug positives. Many have alleged that she has a strong connection to TVG wagering. In what capacity – nobody knows. I sent a few Tweets to Maggi Moss last year when her Trainer was caught with a string of drug positives in, I believe, Idaho? However, she Tweeted me back and said something like: “get off my back.” In other words, stop Tweeting facts to her. She didn’t want to hear the facts, and felt that I was singling her out. It was shortly after this that I began to be intimidated, harrassed, and followed by the Police. Now, I have NO EVIDENCE to prove that there was a connection between my outspoken Tweets, opinions towards Maggie Moss and the police suddenly harassing a law abiding citizen, but whoever is probably paying the police with off-duty money to make my life miserable is proven, and I acquire evidence, I will hire my own attorney and sue them from here to Kingdom Come. Back to Maggie Moss. In my opinion, these types of Owners who defend their drug positive Trainers are the very Owners that this business needs to get rid of. It is the collective outcome of their actions that put a bad name on this business, and decreases people who think about investing in this business. I often had my Owners say to me that they simply didn’t want to invest their money to compete against multiple drug violating Owner/Trainers who never seem to be dismissed from this business. Maggie Moss has been a very outspoken advocate for racehorse retirement – this I know. We all know that we could use any help we can get when it comes to finding homes for thoroughbreds when their career is over. However, it seems to me that there is some sort of disconnect between all racehorse owners when it comes to talking the talk, and walking the walk. Many times these Owners are well-off financially, they are in the position to take care of their horses, but choose not to. So she made a decision to sell her mares off after they did right by her, but that’s her decision. Sadly, it reflects a business that not only exploits the racehorse for profit, but it also exemplifies their inability to control what happens to racehorse when their careers are finished.
Unfortunately you are going after the wrong person here..Maggi has done a world of good and you may think you know everything about I can tell you that you don’t.I don’t hate racing the way that you do but going after one of the few real advocates that really does help many horses you will never even know about is not the way to help horses..I guess you’re damned if you do and damned if you don’t and this above read is why fewer are willing to stick their necks out for racing.No you don’t know the full story.Why wouldn’t she sell So Many Ways to Japanese breeders?They have become a much different place since Ferdinand..no place is perfect but they are trying.You want to eliminate racing I want to save it and hope to see all of our horses thrive.Do you look to see how many other breeds are at killer auctions Or are just left on their own because their owners decided they don’t want them anymore?Maggi has my full support.
Alright, Joy. Names and what they did. Ifd tthe ethical constraints do not control these peopole who handle horses – then maybe the truth revealed will. Thank you, I know what it means to watch unethical and immoral business practices go unhindered. I will share this article. I looik forward to more.