>I sure hope they can save his life so he can at least be a stud horse. >Oh, WHY??????????????
That's simple. They breed these horses to be fast -- to the exclusion of all other qualities, such as good bones and feet. And they work them too hard, too young. Do you know that most ex-racehorses are permanently lame by the time they are six or so, and have limited usefulness for the rest of their lives? If they're not breeding stock, they're frequently on European dinner plates in no time. Contrast that to the Lippizan horses of Europe. They aren't started in their work until four years of age. Frequently aren't backed (ridden) until they are six. Their useful life extends well into their twenties. Our American Thoroughbreds are under saddle by the time they are yearlings, and running races such as this by the time they are two. What's amazing is that more don't break down. Using this horse as a stud only propogates his now obvious weakness -- he shouldn't be bred. All of that aside, I was sick to hear the news. He was spectacular in the Derby. I hope they can save his life. MA
