March 2023 Equine Times

Don't want to sound like a Kentucky Derby

newbie? Here's

how to sound like a true insider

The Kentucky Derby has 149 years of history and tradition around it.

If this is your first Derby or it's been awhile since you've enjoyed the pageantry of it all, it's important to play the part.

The trick is knowing how to

talk, even if Churchill Downs isn't exactly your home away from home.

So let's review, shall we? Here are the top things to know to sound like a true Churchill Downs insider.

Complain about tourists clogging the streets with no place to park

Derby attendees crowd the infield at Churchill Downs.

Every year on Kentucky Derby Day, Louisville welcomes so many people to the track that Churchill Downs becomes the third largest city in Kentucky for a single day, dubbed "Derbyville."

That's a lot of tourists and it is our right to complain

Maggie Menderski

Derby attendees crowd the infield at Churchill Downs. Michael Clubb

about them.

If you really want to sound like an insider, bemoan how every year it's more and more difficult to get around the city or get a table at a restaurant. Then lean in and conspiratorially whisper about how you've got a friend nearby who lets you park in their driveway or how you took a pedicab to Churchill Downs to avoid the mess on the streets.

Reminisce about Secretariat and Citation's famous Kentucky Derby runs

If you don't know these two venerable horses and key

information about their races, you don't know the Kentucky Derby.

Not knowing these two icons is the equivalent of not knowing who Babe Ruth is in terms of baseball.

Secretariat, the 99th Derby winner, who won in 1973, was the first Triple Crown winner in 25 years. Secretariat's time of 1:59 2/5 remains the record for the Kentucky Derby and for Churchill Downs to this day. Come on, a Disney movie was made about this horse.

Citation is also arguably one of the best racehorses in history. In 1948, he became

the eighth Triple Crown winner and has a modern-era record of 16 straight victories.

Make sure to drop both these horses' names liberally in conversations at Churchill Downs. And don't make the mistake of dropping the names of Seabiscuit or Man o' War — neither of those legendary horses ever ran in the Kentucky Derby (although Man o' War's son War Admiral did run — and win — the Kentucky Derby in 1937 and later the Triple Crown).

Consider eschewing the mint julep and opt for an alternate

Jockey Ron Turcotte guides Secretariat toward the finish line to win the

1973 Kentucky Derby. Rich Nugent

cocktail

Yes, the mint julep is synonymous with the Kentucky Derby. No one will judge you if you have one — or a few. But some locals tend to skip these sugary drinks at Churchill Downs and opt instead for other refreshments.

Consider using a Hunter S. Thompson reference and ordering a double Old Fitz on ice.

Or pick some other bourbon cocktail. A few years ago, Churchill Downs introduced the Woodford Spire, made with Woodford Reserve bourbon, lemonade, cranberry juice and a lemon twist for garnish. Not only is this cock-

tail slightly less sugary-sweet than the julep, but just knowing it exists will score you points with the locals.

Comment on the Churchill Downs track conditions

The weather can affect the dirt track at Churchill Downs. Show off your knowledge of racing by simply looking outside. If it's warm and sunny out, talk about how fast the track is; if it's wet out, talk about how sloppy the track is and how that will help the front-runners.

Take it one step further and talk about how a sloppy track will bode well for mudders, which could change the entire

outcome of a race.

Be on poop patrol in the Paddock before the Kentucky Derby races

This is almost certainly a horseracing superstition, but many bettors swear that the horse that, ahem, relieves himself right before the race will be the winner. Makes sense, right? That horse is a little lighter and a lot more comfortable right before the race. So when you're hanging out in the Paddock trying to catch a glimpse of the Kentucky Derby thoroughbreds, pay close attention to what the horses leave behind.

Tim Laird, America's CEO, or chief entertaining officer, shows how to make the Woodford Spire. Courier Journal

At a loss? Repeat this phrase: "I don't know if he can get the distance."

The Kentucky Derby race is a 1 1/4 mile race, longer than any prep race leading up to the Kentucky Derby. So these horses are generally untested for this length of racing, meaning this key phrase could work for any of these horses and make you sound like you really know what you're talking about.

If the people around you have gotten into an in-depth discussion about the merits of different horses and you're feeling out of your depth, toss out this key phrase. Repeat it as often as necessary and smile while sipping your Woodford Spire.

Rich Strike, ridden by Sonny Leon, won the 148th Kentucky Derby race with Epicenter, ridden by Joel Rosario, coming in second on May 7, 2022. Scott Utterback

Race horses make their way down a muddy track following race five at opening night at Churchill Downs on April 30, 2016. Alton Strupp/The CJ

Patrick Ryan

This awards season, donkeys appear in three Oscar-nominated films. Best picture nominees "The Banshees of Inisherin" and "Triangle of Sadness" both feature beleaguered burros in memorable scenes, while best international film contender "Eo" follows an affable donkey on his travels.

Why can't filmmakers get enough of these adorable equines? Put simply, "their whole appearance is friendly, comical and ultimately sympathetic," says "Triangle" director Ruben Östlund. "To me, the donkey is the court jester of the animal kingdom."

Here's your guide to the braykout stars of this year's Oscarnominated movies:

Jenny the Donkey stars in 'The Banshees of Inisherin'

In "Banshees," an Irish tragicomedy vying for nine Oscars, a sweet little donkey named Jenny gets caught in the crosshairs of a rift between former best friends Pádraic (Colin Farrell) and Colm (Brendan Gleeson). Pádraic, Jenny's owner, turns to his fourlegged companion for comfort: taking long walks together through the countryside and letting her sleep in his house.

The diminutive donkey makes a big impression – so much so that Farrell thanked his animal co-star, also named Jenny, in his best actor Golden Globes speech last month. Martin McDonagh, who wrote and directed the movie, says she was part of the story from its inception.

"Part of it is as silly and simple as I like cute animals on

screen, and I always hope nothing bad happens to them," McDonagh says. But also, donkeys "represent innocence. By the end, we almost start seeing (the story) through their eyes: how they observe the violence and craziness of this conflict between the two men."

The gentle creature is a mirror of sorts for Pádraic, whose blissful, easygoing nature is destroyed by the end of the film when –major spoiler alert! – Jenny dies. "It's the death of Pádraic's innocence. Jenny represents that," Farrell says. "(He's) lost too much at that point. The heart is closed off from then on."

Six donkeys play 'Eo' in the Oscar-nominated Polish film

"Eo" traces the sometimes treacherous journey of a soulful, melancholy mammal. After his circus is shut down by animal

Pádraic (Colin Farrell, right) and his pet donkey, Jenny, in "The Banshees of Inisherin." Jonathan Hession, Searchlight Pictures

rights activists, Eo sets off wandering through Italy and Poland, meeting the very best and worst of humankind along the way. Inspired by Robert Bresson's 1966 donkey drama "Au Hasard Balthazar," the movie aims to change people's attitudes about meat consumption and animals –reminding moviegoers that they're not just objects but living creatures.

"The opinion about donkeys is that they are stubborn and stupid," director Jerzy Skolimowski says. "Stubborn? Yes. Stupid? Not at all. They are very clever, very sensitive, and if one finds the way to collaborate with them in a friendly manner, then they are willing to do whatever one wants them to do."

Eo is portrayed by six different donkeys, although one particular burro, Tako, has roughly 60% of the screen time. The key to "acting" with donkeys is to always be shooting and observing them, Skolimowski says, trying to

capture moments that can later be edited together to "express a certain feeling." Food also comes in handy to help coax out performances.

On the set, "carrots were ubiquitous," says Ewa Piaskowska, Skolimowski's wife and the film's co-writer. "But there was one Italian donkey, Marietta, who wasn't a big fan of carrots at all. She liked cornetti, which is a croissant, so she was actually fed croissants. We tried giving her carrots and she'd be like, 'What is this?' "

'Triangle of Sadness' has a squeamishly silly donkey scene

In "Triangle," a class satire up for three Oscars, a group of hapless tycoons are left to fend for themselves on a deserted island after their luxury cruise is attacked by pirates. In a comically uncomfortable three-minute sequence, tech billionaire Jorma (Henrik Dorsin) is forced to kill a donkey with a rock in order to

feed his fellow castaways, who all look on in horror.

"It takes great effort and is quite traumatizing to kill another living creature, especially if it’s the size of a donkey," Östlund says. "The first version of the scene was probably seven minutes long, but in test screenings, the audience was terrified and I had to cut it down."

The film's donkey was created using a combination of computer-generated imagery and a puppet, which was maneuvered by two puppet masters hiding in bushes. The agonizing moment was inspired by an episode of Bear Grylls' reality series "The Island," where contestants struggled with their fear of killing an alligator.

In this movie, "it felt more interesting to me if the group was faced with a more domesticated animal," Östlund says. "Something about donkeys felt exactly right.”

Contributing: Brian Truitt

Jarmo (Henrik Dorsin, left), Yaya (Charlbi Dean), Paula (Vicki Berlin), Nelson (Jean-Christophe Folly) and Dimitry (Zlatko Burić) hunt down a donkey in "Triangle of Sadness." Neon

Dirty Horse Shoes? The newly renovated Kentucky Derby Museum Store has gift ideas for you

While the Kentucky Derby Museum gift shop has all the usual T-shirts, keychains and ballcaps, it is also a gold mine for oneof-a-kind gifts that you can’t find anywhere else. Or at least all under one roof.

On Saturday February 4, the gift store celebrated a grand reopening after a monthlong renovation and the first 50 shoppers received a free 149th Kentucky Derby glass.

"We have so many unique items in the

store that it's not only museum visitors who shop here," said Kristina Gerard, director of retail operations. "We have a lot of shoppers throughout the year who live right here in Louisville and come to buy gifts, pick up items for Derby themed parties or items for themselves."

The store has seen significant growth over the last couple of years. Sales are up nearly 17% from 2021 to 2022 with 48% of the merchandise now coming from Kentucky vendors, Jerad said.

"I find a lot of wonderful products by

Kirby Adams

Kristina Gerard holds a popular item at the Kentucky Derby Museum Store. The Dirty Horse Shoe is an $8 horse shoe with dirt from Churchill Downs Racetrack embedded in the grooves. Kirby Adams

visiting art shows and craft fairs around the state; I also keep an eye out for interesting items when I am shopping in local shops and boutiques in the Louisville area," Gerard said.

The well-dressed horse racing fan can find a large variety of hats, for both men and women in the shop. Plus equine jewelry, men's neckwear, home décor, party supplies and even locally made horse themed games.

The gift shop also carries a solid offering of local bourbons, bourbon balls and other Kentucky made food items, along with more usual items like brightly colored drink koozies decorated with numbers from the starting gate.

"One customer bought one of every number for a Derby party and used the koozies

for a party game," Gerard said. "We had the mother of a bride buy Derby glasses for guests to drink from at the wedding reception."

According to Jerad, when it comes to Derby glasses, customers purchase specific glasses for one of three reasons: "They buy it to commemorate the year they attended the Kentucky Derby or because it's the year they were born or the year that Secretariat won the Derby," she said.

For those who prefer to shop from home, 70% of the Kentucky Derby Museum gift store's inventory is available on the website. That includes one of the most popular items in the gift store —The Dirty Horse Shoe.

"It's an actual horse shoe with dirt from

Kentucky Derby Museum's renovated gift shop, 704 Central Ave. Kirby Adams

the Churchill Downs racetrack embedded in the grooves," Gerard said." It costs $8 and is one of those items that is super unusual and easy to throw into a suitcase to take home as a memento."

The Kentucky Derby Museum Store is located just inside the front door of the

Kentucky Derby Museum, 704 Central Ave. The store is open during regular museum hours and museum admission is not required to visit the store. The Kentucky Derby Museum is open Monday - Saturday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Sunday, 12 p.m. to 5 p.m.

Colorful numbered starting gate koozies are available at the Kentucky Derby Museum Store at the Kentucky Derby Museum. Kirby Adams

Jog, bit, breeze? Horse racing terms to keep you in the know for Kentucky Derby 2023

Bit

If you're not sure what it means for a horse to "drop in for a tag" after a "bullet workout," you’re not alone.

Like all sports, thoroughbred racing has its fair share of jargon. If you’re a first-timer at Churchill Downs during Kentucky Derby Week 2023, or you just need to brush up on your horse racing knowledge, here is a Kentucky Derby glossary of a few terms and phrases you might hear:

A stainless-steel, rubber or aluminum bar that is attached to the bridle, fits in the horse’s mouth and is used by the jockey to exert guidance and control. A horse said to be "on the bit" is eager to run. “Spit the bit” indicates a horse has become fatigued.

Blinkers

These are cup-shaped objects worn around the eyes to limit a horse’s vision, meant to prevent the horse from swerving from objects or other horses. These come in a variety of

Jason Frakes

Horses collide the last turn of the Kentucky Derby leading to the disqualification of Maximum Security and the win for Country House. May 4, 2019. Pat McDonogh

shapes and sizes.

Blowout

A timed workout that is shorter than a breeze — usually two to three furlongs — and usually done two to three days before a race as a final tune up.

Bounce

A poor race coming right after a career-best or near-best performance.

Breeze

A timed workout, meant to put an edge on a horse and build speed. These can be any distance but usually are four to six furlongs. A general rule is that 12 seconds for each furlong is a solid speed. So, a four-furlong breeze in 48 seconds usually would be considered a good workout. A horse is given a “bullet workout” if it’s the fastest of the day at its distance.

Disqualification

Fans learned all about this one during the 2019 Kentucky Derby when Maximum Security — first across the finish line — was disqualified. Stewards ruled Maximum Security interfered with two horses on the second turn and dropped him from first place to 17th place. Country House, who crossed the finish line second, was moved up to first place.

Furlong

One-eighth of a mile.

Gallop

These are more focused workouts than a jog, but they’re still not timed. Usually one and a half to two miles, these workouts are meant to build foundation and endurance.

Horseshoes

Made of steel or aluminum, there are several different types of horseshoes. Bar shoes include a rear bar and often are worn to protect quarter cracks or bruised feet. California Chrome, the 2014 Derby winner, used “glueon” shoes that actually were affixed with nails. Jog

Horses generally will take one or two days off from the track after a timed workout. On their first day back, they usually will jog as a form of light exercise. These are not timed workouts.

Mudder

A horse who races well on a muddy track.

Objection

A claim of foul by a rider, trainer or owner. An objection is filed immediately after a race before the race is declared official. Stewards then review the claim and decide whether it's valid.

Shadow roll

Equipment — usually made of sheepskin or synthetic material — that is attached to the noseband of a horse’s bridle to keep the horse from seeing shadows on the track and shying away from them or jumping them.

Steward

Stewards oversee race meetings and enforce the rules of racing. They are tasked with investigating possible infractions, conducting hearings and taking disciplinary action (fines or suspensions) upon those found guilty of violations.

Washed out

A term used to describe a horse that has become nervous and is sweating profusely.

Michigan Fox Trotter Association

Michigan Fox Trotter Association

Michigan Foxtrotting Horse Association

Hello December! Time is sure flying!!

Marilyn Mannino

is nothing like the expectation of a well-bred foal!

Marilyn Mannino

Hello April! Spring is upon us! People are out Fox Trotting and enjoying the weather. Many are accumulating points in the Versatility Challenges that we are offering.

At our November meeting we elected some new officers for 2021. Congratulations go out to Bob Howell elected as the new MFTA President, Kathy Kruch is now VP, Marilyn is still Secretary/Treasurer, Char Ostrom is the new 2-year Director and Miranda Mannino is now the 1-year Director.

We did it!!! Our application for federal 501c3 designation was approved!!! We are formally a non-profit now! Thank you to all who helped make this happen.

Camp or come just for the day.

We have resources and people available for you to learn from and breeders to refer you to if you want to buy a young one to train or if you want to further the training with your present horse.

June 25 is the natural trail and obstacle clinic at the beautiful Holland

We are accepting membership renewals and new memberships for 2021 now. Youth are encouraged to join too! Go to www.michiganfox trotters.com to print off the form. You will learn alot from our members about the history of Fox Trotters,their uses and availability and be able to network with those of us who camp,train and show them. Our association is blessed to have skilled trainers,breeders and a farrier to learn from. We love promoting this breed as they have great personalities,are so versatile and come in many sizes and different coat colors. A benefit to joining is that we can offer clinics at a reduced price to our members. Due to Covid we are meeting remotely each month. Michigan is a big state and this is a good way to easily see and talk with each other within and outside of MI. Come join the fun!

Are you ready for a season of fun? You have a number of activities to choose from. Become a member and get into these clinics for a reduced price. Go to michiganfoxtrottinghorse.com for the membership form, then to the activities page for the list of clinics, etc. and the associated regis tration form.

Don't forget to transfer your newly-bought horse's registration papers into your name with the MFTHBA,too. We are growing! New member welcomes go out to Naomi Haas, equine dentist Kris Modreske and Harry Struble all of MI. Naomi rides a sorrel sabino gelding (Dexter) and a black mare (Hank's Serenity Liberty Bell B). Kris rides a black and white gelding (Radar's Spotted Prior). And congratulations go out to Harry Struble on his purchase of Joe's Golden Chip, a handsome buckskin gelding, from Chuck Fanslow. All these members are riding quality Fox Trotters!!!

Registration is still open for all three Versatility Challenges (Under Saddle Challenge, Not Under Saddle Challenge and Ultimate Horseman Challenge). This program is designed to show how versatile the Missouri Fox Trotter is. Registered and grade MFTs are allowed. All handicapped and regular youth through adults are welcome. Every imaginable activity and category is included from in hand work to Dressage, short distance trail riding to endurance competitions and everything in-between (cow work, driving, extreme trail, 4H and open showing, parades, reining, trail maintenance and more!). We also included a competition for the most ambitious member who demonstrates their horsemanship skills in a wide variety of categories. Quarterly and year-end awards will be given. Go to www.michiganfoxtrotters.com to read the rules and print off the forms to join in on the friendly competition and fun.

There might still be room in the March 18 and March 19 trail and obstacle clinic at Morning View Farm in Ionia, Michigan. Clinician Susan Williams will teach you and your horse how to work together to safely negotiate various obstacles that will build trust out on the trail. This is a must attend clinic. Also, March 25 is the groundwork and showmanship clinic at Goodell's Equestrian Center in Wales, Michigan with clinician Gabby Oddo of Go Performance Horses. You will learn how to create a better connection, properly and safely move your horse on the ground using specific exercises useful every day and in shows. This is a great clinic on the east side of the state for all ages and disciplines.

Sign up now for the popular Versatility Challenge for 2021. Print off the enrollment form from our website. There are may areas in which you can accumulate points-even in the non-rideable months.

More Fox Trotters are slowly becoming available to purchase but they are selling fast. There is a good video on the correct Fox Trot gait posted on our Face Book site to refer to when you are considering an MFT to buy. Be sure to bring a knowledgeable person with you,too, when you narrow down your search. Breeders, Chuck Fanslow (riverflatranch.com) and Gale Gunders (989-534-1207), have well-gaited young stock available. They also have quality studs to breed to if you have a mare you want bred. Chuck has a Buckskin stallion and a palomino stallion(both sons of Cotton Eyed Joe). Gale has a spotted stallion who will throw color to your foal. Both are located in Gladwin,MI. Contact them if you want to have your mare bred. There

The April 1 introduction to cows clinic at Slippery F Ranch in Nashville, Michigan with Clinician Greg Flower will fill fast. Get your registration form submitted right away. This safe and psychological clinic is a favorite and will expose your horse to cows and give them confidence on how to move them. The April 15 and April 16 Levi Beechy horsemanship clinic at Morning View Farm in Ionia, Michigan is one you surely should attend. You don't have to haul way up north that weekend to learn from him. Levi will teach you how to connect with your horse so that you will have a better ride. He has helped so many riders succeed! His clinics fill fast so don't hesitate to submit your registration form.

Recreation Area in Ionia, Michigan near the day staging area. Come test your skills and safely expose your horse or pony to things they might encounter on the trail. There will be prizes and ribbons for the youngsters and money payback for ages 18 and up.

The MFTHBA needs registered members to fill their committees for 2021. I just agreed to help out on the Trail Committee again. Surely you can,too! Various committees need members(younger ones too) for their input and advice to increase affiliate numbers,think of ways to make the shows better,to improve and okay National Trail Ride applications,give ideas on clinics (let's get more closer to our state),getting more versatility riders interested,give ideas on training and picking judges, plus more. Many positions can be supported remotely. Also, this is a great way to meet those from other areas of the USA who raise,train and ride MFTs. I have made new friends this way who I would not have otherwise. Contact the MO Fox Trotting Horse Breeding Association via www.mfthba.com to become a member and for more information

Western Horse Park in Holland, Michigan with Clinician Susan Williams. You will be instructed on how to safely work out a way to deal with actual trail obstacles. Make your clinic and camping reservations via www.hollandwestern.com.

New members are always welcome! Go to www.michiganfoxtrotters.com to print off the membership form. We meet virtually so all members are able to meet without having to drive long distances.

Also, PLEASE send in your MFTA dues and your MFTHBA dues

Wishing everyone a blessed and safe Christmas!

July 7 through July 9 is the second annual Great Lakes national trail ride at the Horseman's Camp at Waterloo State Recreation Area in Chelsea, Michigan. Earn a point on your Fox Trotter toward your MFTHBA award. Make your camping reservations via midnrreservations.com or park in the day

Respectfully submitted, Marilyn Mannino

ing. A potluck will happen Saturday night so come with something to share. Last year the weather was perfect

Our Event Committee is busy planning the next clinic. It will be a Gaited Western Dressage Clinic at the end of May. More details will be available next month. The clinician is top-notch!

Are you interested in learning how versatile your horse is? The versatility challenge program will help make your mount a more valuable horse citizen. This program will help you document all of the things you can accomplish with your horse. These include training, camping, showing and LOTS more. We have sections for horses not under saddle, under saddle or in harness and lenge which focuses on all of the things that the human accomplishes. There are quarterly and year end prizes for youth and adults. Enroll for the over 1,000-point club too to earn the special sticker for your vehicle or tration forms are on the activities page. Get started

A little history on our breed: The present-day Missouri Fox Trotter evolved from Morgans in New England being crossed with Arabians, Plantation Horses, American Saddlebreds, TWHs and pacing Standardbreds. The genetic mix of square-trotting horses and pacing horses created the comfortable fox trot gait! Missouri Fox Trotting horses have been used by farmers in Missouri and surrounding states to ride long distances to check their fencing and work cows, pull buggies, by US Forest Service workers, by mounted police and now people across the United States and Europe use them for recreation (showing, trail riding, Dressage,reining, 4H and Equestrian Team, Hippotherapy,etc.). They are truly versatile and also can be found in all colors and sizes! Try one out and find out why everyone loves them so!

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Remember to send in your MFTHBA membership too. Go to mfthba.com to see all of their programs and benefits, then renew or become a member. We are the Michigan affiliate of the Missouri Fox Trotter Horse Breed Association (mfthba.com) based in Ava, Missouri.

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Our mission is to promote Missouri Fox Trotters and to encourage the breeding and training of them as well as to help their owners learn to enjoy their horses more

“Hay Huts save and preserve the hay They keep the hay weather protected and are horse friendly.” -CHRIS COX

PROTECT YOUR LARGE BALE

How to bet the 2023 Kentucky Derby: Complete guide to horse futures and betting odds

There are less than 100 days until the 2023 Kentucky Derby.

And while the 20-horse field will not be set until the first week of May — the 149th running of the race at Churchill Downs will be held Saturday, May 6 — it's not too early to get your bets in for the Run for the Roses.

A few sportsbooks already have futures odds out for this year's Derby and will be updating the odds leading up to the first Saturday in May as trainers prepare their horses to try to win the 1 1/4-mile dirt track race. Can another historic longshot, like Rich Strike in 2022, steal the show?

Here are the latest betting odds. Be sure to check back regularly for updated odds.

2023 Kentucky Derby odds, horse futures on Caesars Sportsbook

Here are the latest horse futures for the 149th Kentucky Derby, according to Horse Racing Nation and Caesars Sportsbook. This list includes the top 25 horses currently on the list. You can see the full list at https://www.horseracingnation.com/news/Kentucky_

Jake Adams

Derby_odds_197_are_keeping_up_with_the_ Bafferts_123.

The paddock at Churchill Downs sits empty on Saturday, May 2, 2020. Michael Clevenger