Just Horse Talk

The Dentist Cometh

Posted on June 5, 2018 by CopperCoat

The dentist came last weekend and floated everyone’s teeth which just means that our molars were filed down in order to make the chewing surfaces relatively smooth or flat. The tool used is called a float, therefore the term “floating teeth”. Why did my teeth need floating? Well, according to Ziggy (she’s the smart one) my teeth continuously grow throughout my lifetime. Chewing and grinding wears them down unevenly so that sharp ridges are formed which end up pinching the insides of the cheek, often times creating painful sores. So that’s why my mouth hurt! She also said that the dentist would check to make sure I had no rotten teeth which would then need to be pulled. Good grief! Rotten teeth? Pulled? Ziggy got me so worked up that by the time it was my turn, I was a nervous wreck. Fortunately, the dentist gave me a shot of something that made me really sleepy so I wasn’t completely aware of what was going on. I do remember him putting a big metal apparatus in my mouth which kept my mouth open while he filed away at my teeth. I was surprised that it didn’t hurt, just felt weird and uncomfortable. I was happy when it was all said and done, and even happier that evening when I was able to chew my food without my teeth pinching my cheeks. Sneaky was happy, too. Seems he was having a worse time than I was. No wonder he looked a little thin, in spite of our mistress giving him an extra portion of feed. Anyway, so long Doc! See you next year.

Memorial Day Tribute

Posted on May 24, 2018 by CopperCoat

On Memorial Day all humans supposedly remember those who have fallen in past and current wars. However, humans are not the only ones to have fought and died in human conflicts. Although dogs, cats and pigeons and all been recognized for their valiant efforts and sacrifices, many of them having received the Dickin Medal, being a horse I want to pay tribute to some equidae who also served.

SGT RECKLESS:

Image result for sgt reckless

Sgt. Reckless was a little mare with a big heart and immense courage. Bought for $250 from a young Korean boy, she endeared herself to the Marines by her crazy antics and indomitable personality.

What set this little chestnut mare apart came during the Battle of Outpost Vegas in March of 1953 when, in one day, she carried 386 rounds of ammunition (over 9,000 pounds) up and down a steep 45-degree mountain side trail that led from the Ammunition Supply Point up to the firing sites, most of the time by herself, under heavy enemy fire. Although wounded twice, she did not allow that to stop or slow her down. This incredible act of courage earned her the respect of the Marines who served with her and the promotion to Sergeant.

Sgt Reckless’s Military Decorations include two Purple Hearts, Good Conduct Medal, Presidential Unit Citation with star, National Defense Service Medal, Korean Service Medal, United Nations Service Medal, Navy Unit Commendation, and Republic of Korea Presidential Unit Citation. These medals were proudly worn by her on her red and gold blanket. On July 27^th, 2016 she was awarded the PDSA Dickin Medal, also known as the Victoria Cross for Animals.

WARRIOR:

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Warrior was a thoroughbred born on the Isle of Wright in 1908 going to war on the Western front during WWI with General Jack Seely of the Canadian Cavalry, braving bullets and shell fire, narrowly escaping death many times over, actively participating in the battle at the Somme and Ypres, dubbed “The War Horse the Germans couldn’t kill”. He was awarded the PDSA Dickin Medal in September of 2014. Steven Spielberg’s movie “War Horse” is based on his life.

SEFTON:

Image result for sefton the horse

Sefton was a British Army horse, critically injured in the Hyde Park and Regent’s Park London bombings where seven other horses and four soldiers died. Critically injured, he recovered sufficiently to return to active duty, was awarded “Horse of the Year” and was placed in the British Horse Society’s Equestrian Hall f Fame.

I could go on and on but choose to stop here. Don’t want to bore anyone with too much prattle. My true purpose here is to raise everyone’s awareness that for every fallen human soldier, there have been many many more horses (8 million in WWI) who have sacrificed their lives in human conflicts.

Preakness Stakes 2018

Posted on May 21, 2018 by CopperCoat

The Preakness Stakes has come and gone and Justify did win, but only by 1/2 length. Had the race been any longer I’m almost sure Bravazo and Tenfold would have overtaken him, they were coming on so strongly. Will Justify have enough gas in the tank to win the Belmont? Who knows? The Preakness was a half a furlong shorter than the Derby at 1 3/16 miles, while the Belmont is a full 2 furlongs longer at 1 ½ miles. American Pharoah won the Preakness by seven lengths on a sloppy track in 1:58.46. Yes, Justify’s time was 3 seconds faster at 1:55.93; however, American Pharoah was so far ahead, his jockey, Victor Espinoza, just allowed him to breeze to the finish line whereas Mike Smith really had to push Justify to get him across the finish line in first place. Will we see Bravazo and Tenfold in the Belmont? Maybe. Will Justify be the next Triple Crown winner? Ziggy doesn’t think he can do it. I asked her: “Why not?” “Mare intuition,” she replied with a snort, walking off to check the feed trough for any crumbs the heifers may have left. Okie and I watched her go. “Mares,” he said. “She may be my buddy, but she can be quite opinionated.” All I could do was sigh in agreement. Oh well. See you June 9^th at Belmont.