Every horse that races on our tracks. Every horse that lives in our barns. Every horse that grows up on our farms - matters to us.
It’s easy to talk about them as numbers. They’re the foal crop, the racehorse population, or the broodmare band. On spreadsheets, they fill races and drive economic activity. They have hip numbers at yearling sales, and their saddle cloth numbers fill the nation’s betting slips.
But we all know better.
We know better because we get to look into their eyes. We see strength, fear, affection and curiosity. We understand that every horse is an individual, with quirks and traits that are truly unique and special. We see weakness and vulnerability when they are in need. We see strength and courage when they are confident and ready to take on the world - encouraging us to do the same.
We might wonder if we were put on this Earth to care for our horses, or if our horses were put here to care for us. We might spend more time with the horses in our lives than with the people in our lives. And because of what they mean to us, we might never wish for that to change.
We might shed tears when they are hurt. We might feel lost when we are torn apart from them.
If given the choice between feeling the loss, or not ever having had the opportunity to be in their presence, we’d choose the pain. We’d choose the bond. We’d choose the relationship. We’d choose the bumpy road we’ve experienced together.
After the extremely tragic fire at Classy Lane Farms that claimed the lives of far too many of our beautiful horses, we struggle with front page stories and Internet comments that attempt to quantify the whole thing. Earnings and dollar figures may nicely compartmentalize the loss for those outside of the horse world, but for those most closely affected, the pain won’t wash away.
The horses in this wonderful industry will never owe us anything.
Today, we mourn the lives we so sadly lost.
Today, we hug those horses that we are blessed to still have with us.
Today, we appreciate what many in the rest of the world may never appreciate - that numbers can’t provide unconditional love. And that our horses are not numbers.
Tomorrow, we wake up and determine what our future will look like.
Tomorrow, we take a little of what our horses have taught us.
Tomorrow, we bravely take on the world.
Darryl Kaplan
[email protected]
Anyone that has participated
Anyone that has participated in Harness Racing is aware of many ups and many downs. We have all experienced losses , shattered dreams and tiring times. There is, however something almost magical that comes from being around Horses . People that work with them understand that. If you choose to be in such a challenging sport with such majestic yet very fragile animals you will experience those ups and downs. I experienced my share of tragedy in the Horse business , but I also gained much more. Racing and working with Horses has a way of defining who we become. Although I don't Race anymore ,I have many unforgettable memories. So to add to your thoughts of these great animals, I for one wouldn't have missed it for the world.
Mr. Kaplan You Are Such A
Mr. Kaplan You Are Such A Credit To The Harness Racing Industry. The Road To Becoming A Champion Racehorse Is Never Easy. I Go To The Barn Every Morning Hoping That I Can Look Into The Eyes Of Champion... But If That Day Never Comes... I Will Still Have The Love Of The Harness Racing And The Horses I Care For Everyday. Today I Do Appreciate What Many In The World May Never Appreciate And Tomorrow We Will Bravely Take On The World.
Well said, Mr. Kaplan. Well
Well said, Mr. Kaplan. Well said.