Flying Filly - Equine and Thoroughbred Horse Racing Art, Information, and Memorabilia

I went to the woods because I wished to live deliberately, to front only the essential facts of life, and see if I could not learn what it had to teach, and not, when I came to die, discover that I had not lived. I did not wish to live what was not life, living is so dear; nor did I wish to practise resignation, unless it was quite necessary. I wanted to live deep and suck out all the marrow of life, to live so sturdily and Spartan- like as to put to rout all that was not life, to cut a broad swath and shave close, to drive life into a corner, and reduce it to its lowest terms, and, if it proved to be mean, why then to get the whole and genuine meanness of it, and publish its meanness to the world; or if it were sublime, to know it by experience, and be able to give a true account of it in my next excursion. For most men, it appears to me, are in a strange uncertainty about it, whether it is of the devil or of God, and have somewhat hastily concluded that it is the chief end of man here to "glorify God and enjoy him forever."

~ Henry David Thoreau, Walden

It is in the spirit of beauty, truth, and knowledge that FlyingFilly presents this site.

The past week, in the aftermath of the tragic breakdown of Eight Belles, has brought out the best and the worst in people. Accusations have flown at the connections of the filly by groups that are such casual observers that they do not have the necessary information to pass judgment. There is no owner, no trainer, no jockey that sends a horse out with the intention of injury. Jockeys do not frivolously continue to run a horse with a suspected problem for the simple fact that when the horse goes down, they go with it, risking catastrophic injury for not only the horse, but themselves as well. The Thoroughbred industry is working with ever increasing effort to make conditions safer for horses.

On a daily basis, I hear a lot of "they should, you should" but see little action on the part of the accusers themselves beyond the pointing fingers. There are only so many letters and phone calls that can be made with nothing offered beyond criticism. Have they made a difference? In some cases, yes. In many cases, not in the long run. Perhaps a constructive alternative would be to, next time, rather than banding together with the accusations, pick up the phone, type that email, but address it to the organization or individual that is the focus of the discussion. Ask one question, "What can I do to help?" Sign your name.

Positive remembrances of Eight Belles that you can participate in:

Thoroughbred Charities of America - The Eight Belles Memorial Fund, donations specifically targeted for the retraining of Thoroughbreds for second careers and research into catastrophic breakdowns.
8 Bells for Eight Belles - petition for the ringing of 8 bells in her memory before the 135th running of the Kentucky Derby.

Accept differences

Be kind

Count your blessings

Dream

Express thanks

Forgive

Give freely

Harm no one

Imagine more

Jettison anger

Keep confidences

Love truly

Master something

Nurture hope

Open your mind

Pack lightly

Quell rumors

Reciprocate

Seek wisdom

Touch hearts

Understand

Value truth

Win graciously

Xeriscape

Yearn for peace

Zealously support a worthy cause

~ Announcements ~

Triple Crown Races - Entries/Results
The Jockey Club Belmont Bash, Thursday, June 5th, Westbury, NY. Dinner, entertainment to benefit the Grayson-Jockey Club Research Foundation & Belmont Child Care Association.
The Thoroughbred Retirement Foundation celebrates 25th Anniversary and Saratoga Gala 8/3/08. Dinner, dancing, auction. Contact TRF for more info.
Reaction to HBO Real Sports "Hidden Horses" segment.

Click the talking horse at right for Quick Guide to web site. The Site Map will open in a new window.

Play the Racing Games!

Each year a number of contests herald the spring racing season. Fun and free. Saddle up and pick your stables!

Darby Dan's Fantasy Triple Crown Challange
Godolphin Seven Stars
Steeplechase Times Pick 6 Game

Ten Commandments for Horses

My life is likely to last 20 or more years. Any separation from you will be painful for me. Remember that before you take me home.
Give me time to understand what you want from me.
Place your trust in me. It is crucial to my well being.
Don’t be angry with me for long. Don’t lock me up as punishment. You have your work, your entertainment and your friends. I have only you.
Talk to me sometimes. Even if I don’t understand your words, I do understand your voice when it is speaking to me.
Be aware that however you treat me, I’ll never forget it.
Remember before you hit me that I am powerful enough to hurt you, but chose not to.
Before you scold me for being uncooperative, obstinate, or lazy, ask yourself if something might be bothering me. Perhaps I have a problem that you are not yet aware of.
Take care of me when I am old. You too will be old one day.
Go with me on the last journey. Never say “I can’t bear to watch” or “Let it happen in my absence.” Everything is easier for me if you are there.

Remember that I love you.

Is the horse the most frequently portrayed animal on the new state quarters? The states of Delaware, Kentucky, Nevada, and Wyoming each include an image of the horse on their quarters.

URGENT ACTION REQUESTED!

Shop at Derby Memorabilia,

the Internet Horse Racing Shopping Mall.

HEADLINES

Kentucky Horse Park to host major international art exhibit A Gift from the Desert, the Arabian Horse, from July through mid October 2010, to coincide with the Olympic Equestrian Games held there. Exhibition will be underwritten by the Saudi Arabian Equestrian Federation.

The Truth About the Animal ID Plan - Who is behind animal ID?

Homestretch, a documentary featuring the Thoroughbred Retirement Foundation's work with horses and inmates is the Official Selection of the Sonoma Valley Film Festival 2007.

Absolutely amazing and beautiful! Lorenzo the Flying French Man and his Lusitano geldings perform in the style of the Roman riders.

Meet Thumbelina, the world's smallest horse.

The 2008 Jockey Club Online Fact Book is available.

ABC News - Horse Heaven in Kentucky (beautiful video segment on Lexington) - click on Video to the left under "Related Stories" - Horse Heaven in Kentucky

The letters CAN are never followed by T. This is the very definition of heart. Click on the film cell for the incredible story of a father and son.

Hurricane & Disaster Preparedness

for Horse Owners

Hurricane/Tropical Storm Alerts

No matter what time of year, it pays to have a plan in place for your horses.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION regarding the 2007 hurricane season. Ruling in Texas and Louisiana has made it mandatory for non profit organizations responding to disasters to be certified. Check your individual state for requirements. Courses for certification are online and are free of charge.

Disaster Preparedness

shopping list from United Animal Nations

Emergency Management Links

Pet Friendly Motels, Emergency Equine Shelters, Preparedness links and information

Horse Evacuation Kit

Hurricane, Fire, Emergency Equine Evacuation Info

Emergency resources and information.

AVMA Disaster Preparedness - animal disaster plans and resources by state

AVMA Disaster Preparedness and Response Guide - comprehensive guide by topic, may be downloaded as .pdf files.

AAEP Emergency and Disaster Preparadness - Hurricane Equine Evacuation, resources for equine practitioners and owners.

Hurricane Preparedness for Horse Farms

Preparing for the Category 3