“Every day you may make progress. Every step may be fruitful. Yet there will stretch out before you an ever-lengthening, ever ascending, ever-improving path. You know you will never get to the end of the journey. But this, so far from discouraging, only adds to the joy and glory of the climb.” —Sir Winston Churchill (1874-1965); British Statesman, Prime Minister, Author, Nobel Prize Winner

The values we live by are worth more when we pass them on.

Enjoy every moment my friends -- we are all in this together.
And always remember, Every Horse Is A Blessing,  Susan.

Belmont puts Mott back on top in June -- That's Life in the world of thoroughbred racing

Bill Mott revealed the long and arduous process of winning his first Triple Crown race in a recent NYRA Live Chat, "The preparation that goes into a win starts six months or a year before the horse actually runs and wins. The preparation is a gradual. It takes a long time to get them up to the level of winning a race like the Belmont Stakes." Click here to read the full transcript on NYRA site.

While filming the first few seasons of Unbridled I galloped horses at Saratoga for Bill Mott. Of all the horsemen I have worked for he was by far the most particular about how his horse's were ridden -- the stride, the rhythm, the timing, the cadence. His perception from the ground as to what a rider feels atop a horse is exquisitely accurate. I learned more from Bill in the handful of tutorials he gave me on galloping than in many previous years going round-and-round the historic oval on Union Avenue. 

In my unbridledTV interview with Bill Mott he shared his goal to win Triple Crown races. For a deeper look inside the Mott Racing Stable and the guiding philosophy to this trainer's success -- click here to watch Bill Mott on YouTube.

Congratulations to WinStar and all of the Drosselmeyer connections.

New Foals, New Silks & A New Day at the Races for UR Stable

As a hands-on horse owner and manager, my time has been fully occupied this year in the stable yard, especially assisting mares with the delivery of their new foals. We were blessed with a perfect season; 15 foals due--now, 15 live, healthy mares and babies. In retrospect, I should have been blogging on those sleepless nights. I received many emails this winter and spring with the heading, “Where are you?!?!?”. So to recap this exciting time, the foaling barn opened with a double header on February 2nd and came to close with the same on April 30th. Interestingly, both mares in each case are the very best of friends--a great example of how horses’ emotions are strongly connected to their physiological state. Altogether, the 2010 crop consists of 9 spectacular fillies and 6 outstanding colts; sired by Wild Desert (12), Big Brown (1), Aragorn (IRE) (1), and Suave (1), respectively. Each baby has a distinct personality, incredible racing conformation, and a bright NY-Bred future!

On Saturday, May 8th, jockey Rosemary Homeister debuted UR new silks at beautiful Belmont Park. We were blessed with pristine weather and several of UR partners on location. The collective energy was really thrilling, and seeing our horse go off the favorite had us on the edges of our seats.

Desenfrenado came into the 4th race well shod, fit, and focused. He warmed-up well, and stood like a seasoned performer when the horse next to him bolted from the starting gate before the race. Rosemary gave our boy an excellent ride and most importantly, kept him out of trouble, despite a few hard bumps from the eventual winner. We finished 3rd in the mile and 1/16th race, and galloped out on top. Had the distance been a little longer we knew he would have taken the purse -- next time! To learn more about why Rosemary is our favorite rider, visit her at http://www.jockeyrose.com/.

Earlier in the day, we enjoyed a winning connection when Bridge To Nowhere crossed the wire ahead of the rest in the first race. He is out of our beloved mare, Motel Malibu, who had a huge, solid filly by Wild Desert in February at Unbridled Stable.

Belmont Park is a jewel on the NY Racing Circuit -- do yourself a favor and make a trip to the track established in 1905 -- or win a trip! We spent most of Saturday on the ground level patio overlooking the paddock, studying the physiques of thoroughbreds and watching handlers and the myriad of last minute preparations in an effort to finish first. To the observant fan, this is a great place of education, given the living, side-by-side comparisons. To watch the races, monitors and seats are everywhere, and the same goes for wagering windows. An added bonus to the handicapper or owner looking to make a claim, or simply follow a horse into its next race, horses visibly exit the same way as they enter.

Unfortunately, as I write, the cold weather has returned! Brrrrrrr…. Stay warm my friends. Till next time, Susan.

and SNOW it goes...SNOW JOB....36 inches and counting!

Our little hamlet is getting snowed on again. We've had about 4 feet of snow and intermittent electric power. The horses think they are back at a show barn with daily exercise taking place in the indoor arena. We have had 6 beautiful foals so far and 10 to go, thank goodness we are on hiatus this week with all the crazy weather.

And of course, as breeding season begins we've had a flurry of owners and agents trekking through the storm to evaluate our handsome stallion Wild Desert. Friends, why didn't you come when the roads were clear!

To all my partners in Florida....enjoy! What a time it is in Westerlo -- perhaps I should rename this post, the real cost of breeding NY-Breds (LOL)!

From the rooftop ~ Susan.

The Timeless Miracle of Life

Here at UR Stable in Greenville, we've had a flurry of activity over the past few weeks--2010 started with several new arrivals into the broodmare barn, the relocation of stallion WILD DESERT to our stable yard, construction of new shed-rows, and preparing the foaling barn with heat lamps, towels, cameras, and extra straw. All of these considerations, married with the day-to-day demands of running a business and caring for horses, made the short January days seem endless in an already cold New York winter.

Yet this season, despite its desolation, brings with it the anticipation of new life and beautiful new faces to accompany us on our journey towards Spring.

Even after many years of delivering babies, each one holds such unique promise. The sight of a new baby standing for the first time both warms the soul and gives meaning to the work we trudge through in the ice and snow. To witness the miracle of birth, to watch a life enter this world in total wonderment and see firsthand the god-given instincts inherent in mare and foal is amazing. It refreshes our gratitude by reminding us of our most basic and still astounding privileges--to breathe and be sustained by the universe surrounding us.

Everyone has a passion, and mine is unquestionably horses.To me, it is so rewarding to take part in this process, and with my participation comes the awesome responsibility of ensuring a healthy life for this animal. At UR Stable, horses are part of our extended family! Here are two of the newest members, both born on February 2nd:

What a difference a day makes!

24 hours later Appro's little girl looks more

like her big daddy WILD DESERT!

Appro (Stuka) affectionately kisses her new little girl

by Wild Desert born at 12:30AM on Feb. 2nd.

24 hours later at play ready to rock and roll!

Wild Desert - You be Nice (Jade Hunter) filly

born at 3:45 AM on February 2, 2010

Remember ... Every horse is a Blessing, Susan.

NY-Breds & VLTs --- a very good thing!

Aqueduct Entertainment Group’s (AEG) VLT strategy could make NY-Breds the most sought after state-breds in the country... the plan is good for New York breeders, good for horsemen, good for owners and good for racing....

AEG is projecting that NY Racing will receive $67 Million in 2010 and within a few years these payments will exceed $100 million per annum. By then, on an annual basis, NY Thoroughbred Breeders will receiving nearly $10 million and Racing Purses will be receiving nearly $50 million in Racing Support Payments.

Total Racing Support Payments between 2010 and 2023 areprojected to be over $1.5 billion.

http://www.aqueductentertainment.com/index.php

To get UR share of NY purses with a Wild Girl call 1.877.WINS.BIG

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)