So God Made A Racehorse

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The 2015 Canadian Horse Racing Hall of Fame induction ceremony witnessed the premiere of 'So God Made a Racehorse,' the visualization of Darryl Kaplan's moving tribute to the equine athlete.

Produced by Standardbred Canada's Brittney Mayotte, the video and speech were inspired by Paul Harvey's 'So God Made A Farmer'.

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Featured below, Kaplan's take on Harvey's speech was originally published in the December issue of Trot Magazine.


And on the 8th day, God looked down on his planned paradise and said, “I need a hero.” So God made a racehorse.

God said, “I need somebody with a heart so big and a body so strong that she can inspire children through her eyes, adults with her strength, and everybody else by her breathtaking beauty.” So God made a racehorse.

“I need somebody with strong shoulders. Strong enough to carry grown men and women on her back, yet gentle enough to nurture and care, lovingly and warmly, for her own foal. Somebody who speaks with her actions, inspires through her gait and reassures with her glance that everything in your life will be alright if you trust in her and treat her with the respect she deserves - and mean it.” So God made a racehorse.

God said, “I need somebody that will gallop with abandon, pace with agility, and trot with such elegant precision that it will motivate her caretakers to put in 20 hour days, seven day weeks, 365 day years just to be in her presence. And somebody who will inspire those around her to give up everything they have, or want, for a life spent dedicated to her.” So God made a racehorse.

God had to have somebody to energize nations in the first Olympics, and be a true pioneer of sport before modern pursuits were fashionable. And then be strong enough to retire to a life defending our freedoms on the battlefield alongside our bravest soldiers. Inspiring. Leading. Fighting.

God said, “I need somebody fast enough to defy logic and yet gentle enough to heal man’s soul, soothe his woes, and make him realize why he was put on this earth, why he has meaning to us all. I need somebody, who through her warm glance and quiet confidence, will make those around her appreciate the grass, the trees and the fresh air they are blessed with.” So God made a racehorse.

God said, “I need a REAL champion who will deserve the roar of the crowd, the deafening cheers and the genuine adulation. In a world searching for integrity and honesty, she will live up to her heroic status, and unknowingly dedicate each moment on this earth to being a true role-model, striving to be the best and most respected. She will never ask for anything in return.” So God made a racehorse.

It had to be somebody who’d stand strong and straight, and not cut corners. Somebody who is on the bit, always fit, and will never, ever quit until she’s done what she came here to do. Down the stretch. Head to head. Noses apart.

Somebody who has the ability to move humankind to adore her, do anything for her, and look after her for all the glorious days of her mystical life. She is Pegasus, because she flies and lifts everyone around her. Her work is for others, her joy is for her, and her love is powerful and non negotiable.

“At the end of a long day, I need somebody to nuzzle up to her newborn foal, encourage him on to his feet, and nurse him off to sleep, with the knowledge that one day her little colt will be a champion like she was, a hero like she is, and make the world a better place, like she does, every day of her life.”

So God made a racehorse.

Comments

Brilliant

A very heartfelt peace Darryl, in which I believe is true, so it makes one believe that the other entity made the Ontario liberal government. Just saying.

People have always asked me why I am so obsessed with horses. I could never put it into words that they could understand until now. Thank you.

This piece was very nicely done and kudos are in order for Darryl and Brittney and for that matter anyone else involved with the production. Much credit is often given to the humans involved and too seldom we forget about the beloved horses. They are beautiful and intelligent animals with many wonderful qualities. Well done!!

This is a beautiful piece of work. It captures the true meaning of horse racing and it's many followers, whether they be owners, trainers, drivers, jockeys, grooms or fans. Great Job everyone involved. I venture to say that there wasn't a dry eye at the Hall of Fame Gala.

This is a very strong piece. It captures the passion we have for this industry which is so very hard to do. It is one of the most amazing productions I have seen. There are no words...just wow. Every thing was captured and timed to perfection. Thank you for this.

What a beautiful video! We lost our beloved trotter Saulsbrook Balance a few weeks ago, and he did all these things for us. He healed, soothed and inspired us each day that we were lucky enough to spend with him. Everyone says we look after our horses, but I truly believe he was sent to look after us. Thanks for putting into words what many of us feel.

A beautiful tribute to the racehorse! They are the reason for my passion. They are why I do - what I do and why I have done - what I have done for so many years now...

We at the Canadian Horse Racing Hall of Fame are so honoured that Darryl chose to allow us to debut this incredible piece at our recent Induction Gala. It deeply touched our audience and is the perfect reminder of why we are involved with racing, in whatever capacity that may be. Thank you again for sharing this beautiful piece of work.

Linda Rainey
Managing Director
Canadian Horse Racing Hall of Fame

Me trying to get away from horses and you do this too me Mr. Kaplan ! An absolutely WONDERFUL production in all aspects. Thank you for making me remember why I have loved them my whole life !!!

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