Friday, December 13, 2013

HRN: Ponies of the Track - Mr. Meso: The War Horse

Each time I post a new article on my Horse Racing Nation blog, I post a notice on this blogThese notices include an excerpt from the beginning of that article and a link to the piece. My latest Horse Racing Nation article is. . .

Ponies of the Track - Mr. Meso: The War Horse

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There are many forgotten heroes at the racetrack of the human variety: grooms, hotwalkers, EMTs, veterinarians, and jockey valets among them. But there are also equine heroes outside of the obvious racehorses: the outrider horses and lead ponies. They are kicked, they are bit, they are slammed into, and they are pushed around. They tolerate the immature two-year-old, the testy mare, and the lazy gelding. Their riders often endure the same difficulties. But these horses also provide guidance and comfort for many racehorses, as well as a best friend for many young children and loyal racetrackers that visit the track.

For racing enthusiasts that frequently watch racing on television or visit the track regularly, a pony horse may become familiar in appearance, but it is rather unusual for a pony horse’s name to be known. The name of the racehorse alongside the pony is in the program, on the television monitor, and in pedigree databases, but the pony is largely anonymous. But for hours upon hours – whether it be in the morning or afternoon – the pony works tirelessly, often encountering unruly racehorses and unpredictable weather. It is time to shine a light upon these hard workers.

Please enjoy my fifth installment of a new series featuring these horses, called “Ponies of the Track.”

Mr. Meso: The War Horse

There are few things in horse racing as disappointing as the early retirement of a star. Just as fans begin to develop an attachment to a racehorse, it is whisked off to the breeding shed, with only about fifteen starts under its belt – if that. But then there are geldings.

American horse racing has enjoyed its fair share of spectacular geldings in recent years and continues to do so, including Funny Cide, Game On Dude, Lava Man, and Wise Dan. But beyond the grade one level, there is an even greater abundance of fantastic geldings – competing at any level of racing – that have captivated fans throughout the many years that their careers last. Among them is Mr. Meso. . ."

Click here to read the rest of my newest Horse Racing Nation article.

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