#UnbridledThoroughbredFoundation

[thegreenhorseman]

February is a major month at my farm, and for Unbridled Thoroughbred Foundation these days.

February 13th: Zeno Bay was saved from Moore’s Killpen.

February 20th: Vai Via was saved from Moore’s Killpen.

February 21st: Someone celebrates a birthday!

Our very own Zeno Bay is celebrating 21 years of life today, a birthday he might not have seen if it weren’t for the generosity of the donors to Unbridled Thoroughbred Foundation.

I cannot account for this horse for his first twenty years but I can try to fill in the blanks.

According to Equibase Zeno Bay was born to Muirfield Ventures in Maryland on February 21st, 1998.  He was bred by Citidancer out of Guibilante (New to the horse terms?  “By” refers to the father, or sire,  and “out of” refers to the mother, or dam).

All of my research on Muirfield Ventures leads me to Muirfield Farm (in MD)  which was sold in 1999.  My guess (all I have to go on) is that this farm sold and liquidated through Muirfield Ventures.  He would have been a yearling at this point if still on premises during the sale.

His first owner appears as Jean B Morris (trainer Earl Begley) on the schedule for his first race, a cloudy Friday April 4, 2001 at Charles Town, West Virginia.  Then three year old Zeno Bay placed 3rd after a quick, dirty, 4.5 furlongs.

A month later Zeno ran his second race and broke his maiden.   Wednesday was another cloudy day at Charles Town and Zeno ate those 4.5 furlongs, pulling even farther ahead in the home stretch.

Zeno Bay ran his third and forth races coming in 3rd and 2nd, respectively.  He won his fifth race at Pimlico (Baltimore, MD) on the clear Saturday of July 7, 2001.  This track was 6 furlongs this time and it was this race that he had changed hands to Oswald H. Redman (trainer Jeff Runco).  He was claimed for $6500.

This was the last time Zeno Bay ran in the money.  For the first 5 races he placed in the money (1st, 2nd, or 3rd) but he struck out in 7th in his final two races.

In the first race since changing owners he was claimed yet again only two weeks later back at Charles Town Saturday July 21, 2001.  He only came in 7th but he was purchased for $7500 by James W. Shawyer (trainer Thomas E Mazerski).  His career ended August 4th with another 7th place run.  These are his last known traceable details.

Photo courtesy of Trish Bode

I can tell you he has poor feet, dental issues, arthritis, and a bowed tendon.  His circulatory system appears to be compromised, but I am no vet.

I cannot talk to what happened during or after his career at the track and I have only shared with you information that is readily available through a simple Google search.  I have been unsuccessful finding any details about the people and I will not criticize them without knowing the whole story.  They very well could have meant well and are completely clueless as to how Zeno Bay found himself next in line for slaughter last year.

From 2001 to 2018 spans seventeen years.  Zeno Bay had lived somewhere, been something, for SEVENTEEN YEARS.  Where?  Who knows.

I have ridden the handsome fellow and he is bombproof, I have yet to see him spook at anything.  He takes a lot of leg and encouragement so I carry a crop, but he is also very willing.  His gaits are extremely comfortable and his canter is a dream.  He knows how to carry himself and set his head and doesn’t require a heavy hand, but he’s not fussy at all either.

This leads me to wonder if he had been a lesson horse.  He rides like one, and he would have been a lovely hunter horse for children’s shows.  I wonder if children grew up with this horse.  I wonder what they would think if they found out about his fate.

Zeno Bay upon redemption from Moore’s killpen 02/16/2018

Unbridled found Zeno Bay in Moore’s killpen slightly more than a year ago.  Waiting among others to be hauled from Pennsylvania to Canada and killed for meat.  The angels of Unbridled rallied and bought him another chance at life.

He was redeemed February 13th, 2018.  After quarantine he went to live at Breezy Hills in Maryland.  Here, in the “care” of Breezy Hills his condition degraded immensely. He was emaciated, loaded with parasites, had dental issues, and had a quarter crack in his hoof to the coronet band.  Killpens hold horses in order to feed them and put weight on the before shipping for meat.  Zeno Bay had a better body score at the killpen than he did when I first met him in September 2018.  I visited him only days after his return to New York where Susan dewormed him, got him the dental care he needed, and provided ample hay and water.  Within a week he was in my care at home, and had already gained weight during the week he was in New York.

10/18/2018

11/16/2018

02/20/2019

  Since then Zeno Bay has blossomed.  He enjoys my company and leaves the other two boys to be with me.  If I take Blade out to have one on one time Zeno is there waiting at the gate for our return as if to say “my turn.”  He’s not waiting for Blade, he ignores Blade when we return.  It’s his person he waits for.  He’s always curious and wants to know about me and what I’m up to.  He often musses up my hair or tries to share his breakfast which he drops all over the place.  He tells me where his itchy spots are.  Some days I go out on the ATV, kill the engine, and just sit quietly with the boys.  Zeno Bay is always the first to come and position himself right where he wants to be touched.  Sometimes it’s his cheek, sometimes his neck, and he definitely loves a good chest rub.    He smiles from the depths of his big lovable heart.

I’ve been slowly putting weight on him, feeding an aged horse that was already thin and in lesser health during the winter is a struggle.  I have been addressing many of his issues and he keeps me on my toes.  We have de-wormed him with a Powerpack.  I have addressed his legs stocking up during a rainstorm when he didn’t get enough movement.  I exercised him (walked) in the frigid temperatures of January after his sheath had become swollen and painful from edema; I also suspect this is from not enough movement as it happened during a snow storm and he didn’t move around much.  I have been constantly addressing a stubborn case of thrush and white line in his feet (not to mention the issues in my own horse’s feet).  I have also successfully rid him of lice (EWW).  These scenarios are why I, a non-medical professional, might suspect cardiac/circulation issues.  Either way he is loved and cared for.

Today he is officially 21 years old! He is doing very well and living his best life thanks to Unbridled Thoroughbred Foundation.

If you’d like to make a donation to Unbridled in honor of Zeno Bay, please visit https://www.paypal.me/UnbridledTBF

https://www.facebook.com/UnbridledThoroughbredFoundation/

Happy Birthday To… February is a major month at my farm, and for Unbridled Thoroughbred Foundation these days. February 13th: Zeno Bay was saved from Moore's Killpen.

[thegreenhorseman]

The company I work for manufactures microprocessors in the semiconductor industry.  Because of the high demands and nature of our business the plant never shuts down, not even for holidays.  If the holiday falls on your regular schedule you are expected to report in unless you take vacation time.

Christmas is no exception.  This year, as with last, I worked both Christmas Eve and Christmas day.  Unfortunately that meant that I wasn’t able to visit my family and Zac was away at his mom’s.  Christmas outside of work was spent loving on Bardi, Kain, Miss, Blade, Zeno, and Vai. 

I still enjoy being festive, however, so we all wore ugly sweaters to work.  I broke out a medicine bottle and rigged my hair to emulate Cindy Lou Hoo from The Grinch.

Getting home Christmas morning to be greeted by my lovely fur kids was a wonderful Christmas.  Happy healthy animals!

Bardi, Kain, and Miss all enjoyed some shredded chicken with their food.

Warrior’s Blade, Vai Via, and Zeno Bay all enjoyed an extra serving of beet pulp/alfalfa mash and some carrots with their evening supper.  Blade and Zeno also greedily gobbled some peppermint candy canes while Vai Via snubbed his nose at them.  Instead, to make him feel loved, he was given some Stabul Nuggets that he enjoys.

The horses didn’t really know what to make of the Cindy Lou Hoo getup.  Serving breakfast they really didn’t want to get too close to me.  I managed to get Blade to take some selfies but as you might tell he’s not too into it.

Vai Via and Blade cantered around the paddock a little bit before heading up to hill to a less muddy area.  They enjoyed the sunny Christmas day and when I woke mid-afternoon I looked out the window to see Vai Via enjoying an afternoon nap in a big pile of hay.

After breakfast I came back inside to get shower and get ready for bed.  After my hair being up for nearly fourteen hours (twelve hour shifts, hour commute each way, plus feeding the horses) my hair took to resembling a cockatoo.

If you celebrate, I hope it was a most wonderful time.  What are some traditions that you get to enjoy on Christmas? Do you get to see friends and family?

Merry Christmas! 

Only one more post until the New Year so please check back Monday December 31st for this year’s final post.  Also, I am planning The Green Horseman for next year and I want to make it even better.  I have a semi-reliable computer now so I’m hoping I will be more consistent.

Will you help me by taking some time out to tell me what you liked (or or didn’t like) this year?

Want to see more educational posts? I’ve been toying with a few new ideas…

Occasional posts from the boy Blade himself, product reviews, interviews.

To make it easier for you I’ve included the contact form right here, or you can comment!

As always, THANK YOU for stopping by and THANK YOU for being the most vital part of The Green Horseman!

[contact-form]

Merry Christmas! The company I work for manufactures microprocessors in the semiconductor industry.  Because of the high demands and nature of our business the plant never shuts down, not even for holidays. 

[thegreenhorseman]

February 13th began a cloudy day in Jonestown, PA.  Just a typical Tuesday with temperatures in the mid 30s.  On Brian Moore’s property horses stood waiting.

…and waiting.

Waiting on what you ask?

Simple, my dear.

An angel.

If you’re at all familiar with the name Brian Moore you immediately know this is no fairy tale story.

You see, Brian Moore is a very well known name in the horse slaughter industry; a controversial and complex dark world that few people truly know about.  When a horse is deemed unwanted and cannot find a loving home it will often find itself at an auction.  Still unwanted this horse is scooped up by kill-buyers like Moore who bring them to kill pens where they await transportation to slaughter.

These horses were born with a purpose.  Maybe someone’s childhood pony that was outgrown, the horse didn’t meet performance or even appearance standards.  Some horses were “too wild” or “too lame,” “too old” or “too plain.”  One of them might have been your child’s summer camp horse.  Another one was a racehorse.  All of these horses were brought into the world with a purpose.

Somebody took time to breed and raise them.  Trained them. Loved them (hopefully).  But yet they find themselves in the kill pen.  Over 100,000 slaughter-bound horses are trucked across the United States border every year.  Together we can dissect every detail of this dark world and discuss “Why?” or “Why not” but this is not the time.  These are the facts right this moment.

February 13th began like any day but it was a special day for one thoroughbred horse named Zeno Bay.  Angels found him in Brian Moore’s corral and paid for his freedom.  Susan Kayne of Unbridled Thoroughbred Foundation and her supporters rescued him from a sure and horrific final ending; blessing him with another chance at life.

One week later Vai Via joined him.  Another bay thoroughbred gelding with angels fighting in his corner.

Throughout this year Unbridled Thoroughbred Foundation (UTF) has been showing these two, along with their fellow rescued com-padres, what it’s like to be loved.

In a parallel story Zac and I purchased our home in December and began making preparations to have horses in our backyard by May.  We successfully set up fencing so that Blade and Happy could come live with me.  From Bad News and Good News Squared you might remember that Happy is missed at her home.  That is where our two parallel story-lines intersect.

I was in a conundrum because I cannot afford to keep two horses all on my own.  The farrier and vet expenses are crushing.  My neighbor introduced me to Susan and the story unfolds from here.

After farm visits and some discussion we grew increasingly excited for the future of the two boys.

I work overnights so I woke up Tuesday afternoon.  Bardi had his annual exam and vaccinations.  I left to work my 12 hour overnight shift.  I arrived back home from work around 7am on Wednesday September 19th.  I fed Blade and Happy, picked paddocks, scrubbed water buckets, and loaded some hay nets.

By 8:45am Zeno Bay and Vai Via made their journey from Kinderhook, NY to my home.  They unloaded from the trailer while Blade and Happy eagerly looked on from their paddock.  They had a chance to stiff Blade over the gate and we turned them loose into their own paddock.  Right away the boys trotted around to investigate.  Ears were up, eyes were bright, tails were lifted, gaits were animated, and they were clearly very excited.  The boys each found a spot to roll, and they continued to explore their new home.

This is a situation that helps everyone involved.  The arrangement allows me to keep Blade in a small social group while providing the boys a safe and loving place to call home.  This helps with the stabling and labor costs at UTF.

Once I was satisfied that all horses were happy and relaxed I took a much needed rest.  In the afternoon when I woke I treated everyone to a full body groomdown.  Happy had her favorite shoulder scratches, Blade and his tummy scratches, and I had a chance to get to know Vai Via and Zeno Bay.

From the short time we’ve known each other Vai appears to be the dominant of the two boys.  He loves Zeno and shares well but likes to make a face every now and then to reassure himself that he’s higher on the totem pole.  Vai and I took a good 60 seconds to “introduce ourselves” nose to nose…By that I mean…

When horses first meet one another you will often see them putting their nostrils together.  As one breathes out the other in, and vice versa.  This is a form of greeting and is often believed to be a bonding time.  Vai expressed interest as I was brushing him so we stood in silence for a moment breathing.  I also spent a few moments to introduce him to myofascial release; within seconds he was already responding to the heat of my hands at his poll.

Zeno Bay seems to be the curious guy.  I brought my bucket of brushes to him along with the container of treats.  He proceeded to turn the treats container and get his lips into the opening in a failing but adorable attempt to reach the bottom.  So far he’s much more food motivated than Vai.

It’s just the first day so please stay tuned for more as I get to know these lovely souls.

And, if you want to learn more about Unbridled Thoroughbred Foundation you can do so by visiting www.susankayne.com/foundation.html.  If you feel so inclined there are many ways that you can help; even a small gift can make a big impact.

Day 1 for Two… February 13th began a cloudy day in Jonestown, PA.  Just a typical Tuesday with temperatures in the mid 30s. 

[thegreenhorseman]

Last year I published Holiday Gifts Under $50 for the Horse Lover and while it’s still relevant today I thought I’d add a few more great products to that list.  Shopping for the horse lover isn’t always easy especially if you’re on a budget.  Horse people don’t always want EVERYTHING horse in their everyday lives.  I don’t plaster my walls with horse pictures (though there are a couple classy pieces or art), I don’t do horse blankets, horse pillows, horse anything.  I definitely don’t want any shirts or sweaters with horses…and if I do it’s of my own discretion.  If you want to try getting something for a horse person for the actual horse you run the risk of getting useless products, the wrong size, redundant items, or spending way too much.  Some horse lovers don’t even have a horse and just take lessons so why buy horse equipment at all?  Gift cards can be impersonal so what on Earth is one to do?

In the following list I hope this will guide you to making some horse-themed decisions that are classy and affordable.

2019 Unbridled Thoroughbred Foundation Calendar

I began fostering Zeno Bay and Vai Via through Unbridled Thoroughbred Foundation in September so of course I’m going to ruthlessly plug the 2019 Calendar.  Not only do you get to see the gorgeous horses Unbridled has redeemed but you do a lot of good to help secure the future of the group.  Each month features horses that Unbridled Thoroughbred has rescued and your money from the calendar goes to help keep them healthy and happy.  The calendar is $35, with shipping it is $37.50.  Order yours now at https://www.facebook.com/UnbridledThoroughbredFoundation/

Dark Horse Chocolates

One of my favorite booths at Equine Affaire.  These are hand crafted equestrian themed chocolates and delicious too!  So far I have tried the Seabiscuits and the Peppermint Ponies.  You can choose from a variety of sizes and assortments.  There is an equestrian tote for just $26 that comes with chocolates.  You can also get Keepsake boxes ($100) and fabric box sets ($36).  There are options for party favors, business gifts, and holiday gifts including ornament boxes.  Overall I think my favorite item is the advent calendar.  The box comes with 26 fun chocolates to open each day leading up to Christmas and it’s only $33.  The shop is located in Peabody, MA but you can order online at https://www.harborsweets.com/category/dark-horse-chocolates

Mark Rashid Book Set

Trafalgar Square Books is a publisher in rural Vermont that has been publishing many horse and rider books since 1985.  They have many options to choose from.  Mark Rashid is one of the wonderful trainers I had a chance to watch at Equine Affaire.  The set I have listed includes Out of the Wild, The Journey of Softness, and Finding the Missed Path.  You can buy the set for $46 or find some other book your loved one (or you) may like at  https://www.horseandriderbooks.com/product/RASHIDSET.html

Fergus Horse Books

For your younger horse lover Mark Rashid may be too much so why not Fergus?  Fergus the cartoon horse came about in the 1990s through comic strips and became a hit in 2015 when author and illustrator Jean Abernethy released her book The Essential Fergus the Horse.  Since the first book’s major success the series now features four books including the latest Fergus and the Night Before Christmas.  You can buy one book, but your best bet is to grab all four for $50 right here at https://www.horseandriderbooks.com/product/FERG4SET.html 

Heart To Horse Box

I had this on last year’s list as well but it’s a great product that’s exciting to open. Each box contains several things most horse people can appreciate and they are selected seasonally for each month.  The value of these items far exceeds the price.  The best part is that 25% of each box goes to a horse rescue in need. You can grab yours at Horse.com 2018 Holiday Gift Guide

Noble Outfitters Perfect Fit Boot Socks

These socks may be the most comfortable socks I’ve ever worn.  They feel like a hug for the whole foot.  I have flat wide feet and a lot of foot pain so to find any footwear that I love is saying something.  These make great gifts!  You can find these also at Horse.com though this link: Horse.com 2018 Holiday Gift Guide

Grey Horse Candles

Another item from last year’s holiday list and still worthy today.  Choose from high end leather, sweet feed, or trail ride scents.  Grey Horse Candle Company has 16 horse-related scents you can choose from and they have packages where you may choose multiples at a discounted rate.  The scents are pleasing and are bound to bring up fond memories with your horse-lover.  Get yours now at http://greyhorsecandles.com/

Horse Treats

If there is one thing a horse lover loves is spoiling the horses they care about.  Sure you can go to Tractor Supply and buy what ever is on the shelf but most treats are packed with sugar.  My favorite horse treat to date is called Stabul Nuggets.  These are low sugar treats that are nutritionally balanced and they smell amazing.  I will buy a bag and it fills my car with the lovely scent for days.  My favorite part about these treats, other than the amazing smell, is that they are safe for some of the most restrictedw diet horses.  Horses with metabolic disorder, laminitis, and cushings are safe to eat these as they are less than 10% sugar.  There are several flavors to choose from including pina colada, banana, fenugreek, and peppermint.  You can purchase directly from the company or you can order online from Amazon or Tractor Supply.  I have been told that they are working with Tractor Supply to get them on the shelves but for now you still need to order online.  To get more information from the site visit http://stabul1.com/stabul-treats/  Blade’s favorite is pina colada because he loves his tropical fruits.  If you get some think about using smile.amazon.com and select Unbridled Thoroughbred Foundation in Kinderhook, NY.  The price is the same to you but Amazon will donate a small amount to Unbridled.

Again I hope this helps!

What are YOU hoping for this year?

The Green Horseman’s Recommended Gifts Under $50 Last year I published Holiday Gifts Under $50 for the Horse Lover and while it's still relevant today I thought I'd add a few more great products to that list. 

[thegreenhorseman]

So it’s been a full week since the boys arrived.  Want to know how things are going?

Happy was due to go home on Sunday so I spent a bit of time with her while Zac worked on the barn some more.  She enjoyed supervising the door build.  It was going so well she had time for a shoulder rub and an afternoon nap.

Knowing we only had a few days left I began to introduce Blade to the boys.

Friday morning after breakfast I put Blade in with Vai Via and Zeno Bay.  After a sip of water he meandered to the boys.  They all sniffed one another; it was pretty mild, but it was clear Zeno wanted nothing to do with Blade.  Blade took a romp around the paddock but Zeno wouldn’t really allow him to eat.  Blade gave me a look like “you put me in the wrong paddock, Ma, these guys are mean to me. Can I go back to Happy now?”

My initial reading of the boys was wrong.  Zeno Bay seems to be a lot more well adjusted and has confidence.  Zeno, with the crickety hips and “old soul” is in fact the big boss man.  Vai Via definitely seems to have a side that lacks self-confidence right now.  I had misread initially because Vai’s confidence is granted to him only through Zeno, who gladly lets Vai do whatever he pleases.   When it came to Blade, however, he wasn’t so lenient.

Blade spent most of Friday with the boys and went back to his lady at night.  Since Zeno was bullying Blade a bit I split the boys up for about two hours Saturday morning so everyone could see each other and Blade had a fair chance to connect.  Zeno had his own strip of paddock and settled right in to graze on grass.  Vai, who was in the paddock with Blade, looked off mournfully waiting for Zeno to come back.  I gave it a bit of time so the two could figure each other out on a one-on-one basis.  This time Blade had a chance to find some confidence.  When all three horses were happily settled and eating I put them back together; it seemed to do the trick.

Introducing horses can be tricky.  It takes time to establish “herd hierarchy” and they all need to figure it out on their own.  It was difficult to watch Blade being bullied in his own home.  I really didn’t need to intervene but in this case it ended up helping him and it helped me learn a bit more about the personalities of the boys.

Sunday morning Blade moved in with the boys permanently.  By the afternoon all three horses were eating from the haynets under the tree.  Dare I say that I saw Zeno grooming Blade!  At least until the trailer came…

Happy finally got on the trailer around 3pm and went home.  As I walked back to the paddock my eyes watered to see Blade heartbroken. For an hour he was galloping around the paddock screaming for her.  After the hour he had taken to walking, but still cried out for Happy.  He was still searching the perimeter two hours later when I left for work.

Monday morning he still had some voice left so after breakfast he paced the paddock some more in search of his Happy.

By Tuesday Blade seemed to figure out his new situation.  Both Zeno Bay and Vai Via must have taken pity on him and accepted him into the posse.  We now officially have the three bay amigos.

If I am nearby Blade takes the lead.  I seem to be his security blanket so he has some more confidence when I’m around.

“Yeah boys, this lady right here is MY mom!”

If I’m watching the posse from the house, however, Zeno is definitely the leader.  I imagine their herd dynamic will blossom from here but it is now finally certain that everyone can happily coexist.

You would never know they were brushed 5 hours ago!

It’s been raining pretty heavily for the last few days.  This week, pending the weather, my plan is to take Vai Via out and see what groundwork he knows and to see where we should begin.  I imagine this will be slow at first but it will be excellent for getting him to find his own confidence.  Doesn’t he know how handsome he is?  I believe “working” and having a non-demanding low stress “job” will really make his personality shine.

I may begin some groundwork with Zeno as well, however he came to us with a deep hoof crack.  It’s likely caused by a combination of a very dry summer, lots of bugs, and a deficiency in the diet.  Until the crack grows out a bit I’m doing my best to monitor the hoof and not over stress it with unnecessary activity.

I’m also still in search of any and all backstory I can find on the boys.  If you’re familiar with them please don’t hesitate to reach out to me.  Comment or email me with what you know because so far I only have a pedigree!  This will help me tell their story going forward.  For now I will look forward to updating you as we all learn more about each-other.

[contact-form] The Ups and Downs of the Weekend So it's been a full week since the boys arrived.  Want to know how things are going?