The Empire Strikes Back -- NY Stallion Show a Success

What is now Empire Stud has long been one of my favorite equine properties in upstate New York. Located in Hudson, the picturesque farm is set atop a hill that shows off its bluegrass-style barns and elegant paddock design.

I remember visiting the farm as little girl, and it made an indelible impression on me -- the big stalls, high ceilings, miles of fencing, and the long tree-lined drive leading up to the stables were remarkable; it set a standard in my mind, which I have appreciatively held onto as a professional.

On this past Saturday, January 16th, Empire Stud held an Open House to show off their 2010 roster of stallions, and give an opportunity for clients and associates to mingle. It was a bright, beautiful day as the lauded horses paraded by, each one standing for observation and photos. The atmosphere overall was fun and relaxed, including a projector screen running video clips of the in-house studs’ memorable wins, tasteful catering, and plenty of available staff for conversation and questions.

The occasion displayed a successful break with the past; over the previous 25 years, many different outfits have tried their hand at NY breeding on the property, but none could get a foothold--even with the support of the state’s lucrative incentive program. Year after year, driving past the farm at the intersection of routes 9H and 23, the name on the entranceway would rotate like a billboard on the Northway.

Since Jamie LaMonica took over the estate, the facility has consistently been improved and a solid management team is in place, led by farm manager Bertrand deBrevedent.

I began doing business with Empire in 2007, when we sent UR mare Austin Runner to the farm to deliver her Catienus baby, now known as Desenfrenado. We then bred back to Midas Eyes, whose fiery temperament was in play for the crowds yesterday, when during his walk outside he reared onto his back feet with impatience. Truly her sire’s daughter, our girl Goldie is a mischievous, blazing Chestnut filly, who seemed ready to race the moment she was born.

A man with a vision, LaMonica has now stocked the farm with both proven sires and hot young prospects, a mix that certainly drew a large turnout for this week’s event. The vibrant spirit among NY Breeders suggested optimism for the future, and an eagerness to take advantage of the pro-business climate in racing; the imminent VLT program, high purses, and small foal crop are all excellent reasons to get involved in NY thoroughbred ownership at this time.

Unbridled Racing is proud to recommend Empire Stud, and wishes them a victorious 2010.

Frost Giant ~ Regally bred G1 Winner by Giant's Causeway

Posse ~ Champion Sire of Eclipse contender Kodiak Kowboy (G1)

Unbridled Expansion

UR Stable is fast out of the gate in 2010 prompting the construction of a dozen new stalls to house our young NY-Bred horses by Wild Desert, Ten Most Wanted, Hook and Ladder, Mustanfar and Midas Eyes. For those of you trying to reach me, I suggest the cell number this weekend! The pictures tell the story along with a few of my favorite quotes -- I hope you too will draw inspiration from them...

A journey of a thousand miles starts with a single step....

This is kind of work that makes the gym seem easy.

“Vision without action is merely a dream. Action without vision just passes the time.

Vision with action can change the world.” Joel A. Barker

My husband and best friend Andrew.

“The key elements in the art of working together are how to deal with change, how to deal with conflict, and how to reach our potential...the needs of the team are best met when we meet the needs of individuals persons.” Max De Pree (1924-); Author, Former Ceo Of Herman Miller, Inc.



“Integrity is what we say, what we do, and what we say we do.” Don Galer

Motel Malibu and Appro listen to the contruction.

“In life you can never be too kind or too fair; everyone you meet is carrying a heavy load. When you go through your day expressing kindness and courtesy to all you meet, you leave behind a feeling of warmth and good cheer, and you help alleviate the burdens everyone is struggling with.” Brian Tracy (1944-); Motivational Author

Tired from a long day's work, covered in dirt and just plain cold --, my daughter Rachel, the photographer, cheered me up with a mural on the wall.

“If you're trying to achieve, there will be road blocks. I've had them; everybody has had them. But obstacles don't have to stop you. If you run into a wall, don't turn around and give up. Figure out how to climb it, go through it, or work around it.”

Michael Jordan (1963-); Retired Professional Basketball Player, Businessman

The Real Cost of Boarding Horses in 2010

As the new year beckons us to consider all aspects of our lives, the issue of finances comes up for many people, and horse-owners are no exception. For those of you who board your horses, do you really know exactly what you are paying for? Not every stable offers a breakdown of the expenses covered by your monthly check, and while day-to-day necessities are typically priced the same regionally, board costs from stable to stable certainly are not -- nor should they be.

To better understand what your money goes to, first consider the most obvious costs: grain, hay, bedding, and labor. The average price of a 50-pound bag of quality grain is $15, and an average size horse, around 1200 pounds, eats between 12 to 24lbs per day, depending on activity level. Horses in training and pregnant, lactating mares consume the most grain. The typical price of a bale of hay is $5, a horse will eat between 1/2 to 3/4 of a bale in 24 hours. Shavings average approximately $6 per bag, and a horse will require 5 bags per week for maintaining a clean stall. An increased bedding cost will be incurred for mares and foals, who need to bedded on both straw and shavings. While they need the comfort and cushion of a shavings-base, the direct inhalation of shaving dust is a serious, potentially fatal risk for babies while lying down. Given that consideration, straw needs to cover the area of the stall over the shavings, protecting foals from dust. A mare and foal will go through 4 bags of shavings and 2 bales of straw per week; straw is generally priced at $5 per bale. The cost of labor, which can be estimated at $10 per hour for an experienced, knowledgeable farmhand, will vary according to how much time is spent care-taking for the horses, the barn, and the land, but for proper supervision of all elements, at least 8 hours per day can be expected. Other, more hidden costs are often related to the facility itself, and to as-needed aspects of equine care. For the barn, items such as camera systems ($500+), stall guards ($50 each), feed tubs ($30 each), water buckets ($10) each, and other necessities such as fans, heat lamps, tools and hardware, etc, can go unnoticed by the boarder, but certainly not to the property owner! The same goes for the miscellaneous use of medications, topical treatments, tack items, halters and blankets, etc. Tractors to seed, mow and maintain the pastures, repairs to the facility and fencing, snow plowing, as well as manure management and removal all require supplies and labor, and all of these can be also considered safety costs for your horse. The cost of electricity and heating, even used conservatively, has a significant impact, in addition. Yet, even beyond those sometimes forgotten expenses, one of the largest unseen costs is for insurance--a liability policy for care, custody, and control of horses can be quoted over $6-7,000 per year.

With those figures in mind, you will generally find that for a single horse, you are vastly underpaying the expense of boarding! This is only more true when you factor in the priceless expertise of a good caretaker, whose value is considerable. The cost of experience is ultimately the cost of prevention from illness, injury, or other trauma. So while the daily expenses stay the same, analyze what are you truly paying for with labor--a famous name, an attitude, or a facility that truly cares for your horse? If you are not already confident in and happy with your situation, reviewing these costs and factors can empower you to make a better choice.

If you have a moment please share your comments, thoughts and experiences boarding horses ~ I'd greatly value your feedback. With thanks ~ Susan.

HAPPY HOLIDAYS & BLESSINGS

Get unbridled with a Wild Girl this Holiday Season

Give yourself the best gift -- take 5 minutes and watch

THE INTERVIEW WITH GOD

UR Horses Enjoy Holiday Snow!

The first weekend in December covered the fields with a sparkling array of perfectly white snow. UR young horses played as if the universe delivered a new toy just to brighten their day…

Above: 2008 Midas Eyes - Austin Runner Filly

"The Wild Girls" UR 2009 Fillies by millionaire Wild Desert

Get a piece of a wild Girl for the Holidays

Show Horse vs. Racehorse | BloodHorse.com

Show Horse vs. Racehorse | BloodHorse.com

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A CALL TO ACTION -- Support the disclosure of horses' medical records.

Dear Friends,

I was outraged when I learned in Joe Drape's NY Times article that members of our industry who are making their living looking after the welfare of horses have risen in opposition of the most positive proactive step racing officials have taken to ensure the future of racing......

I have therefore created an online petition to support the New York State Racing and Wagering Board’s proposed rule requiring disclosure of racehorses' medical records for 45 days prior to their race-day. As a lifelong thoroughbred owner and breeder, I fully endorse this rule. It is a safety measure for horses and jockeys, and an assurance of integrity for the betting public, prospective owners, and other new arrivals to the sport.

If you are involved in horseracing in any capacity, this rule change is designed to improve the quality of racing, by separating unhealthy horses from those ready to race. Full disclosure is the only way to move horseracing forward.Ultimately, it is the abusive practice of drugs that results in unfit horses running on the track, and making poor contributions to the thoroughbred bloodline. Drugs compensate for crooked legs, poor shoeing jobs, lack of conditioning, and an inability to breathe, among a host of other problems. Concealing these realities has created numerous problems for both people and horses; overpopulation with few humane plans for equine retirement and rising veterinary costs for overtaxed, unhealthy horses are serious issues.

Honesty, transparency, and a genuine love and respect of the horse is the only way racing will thrive. This new rule is the first step in answering the question, "What's wrong with racing, how do we fix it, and how do we market it?". The more available information becomes on horses and their health, the better decisions we can make about what will benefit everyone-- humans and horses. The only people who will not benefit are those that would manipulate, deceive, and actively practice animal cruelty through the secret use of drugs to push horses on the track who do not belong there--all in the name of profit.

Veterinarians who oppose this suggested rule should examine their own motives. Stephen Selway‘s claim in the NY Times that time and paperwork would be wasted on the measure, as well as the AAEPs statement that what medications are administered to racehorses is privileged information are both highly absurd!

Personally, I am disappointed that those who supposedly have dedicated their lives to the care of animals are more concerned about protecting private revenue streams than improving conditions for the horses that make their jobs possible. How many drugs are being administered, and in what possible combination and frequency, that it will take "hundreds of thousands of hours" to record by veterinarians? Just because the state isn’t testing for a drug yet, doesn’t mean that its use is ethical, in the best interest of the horses, their caretakers, or the public, let alone that it isn't in their right to know. Personally, I have 30 years of detailed medical bills that veterinarians were never too short on time to send.

The implementation of this new rule will make life better for racehorses and the people who work with them. If you really care about the future of racing and the welfare of horses I encourage you to sign this petition. Click here to read and sign.