Jackass says Boo!

Happy Halloween, All y'all!

Relaxed Stud Muffin with Boyfriend

Here's an April 2008 shot of my handsome Jackass in one of his favorite locations with his sweet boyfriend, sitting quietly nearby. Happy Joyful Scary Halloween!

Congress 2009! Elaborate Stable Fronts!

So, Congress has many show barns where the performance horses reside during this 3 week long event. And in some of the show barns for the bigger training, breeding and showing facilities, they have these elaborate over-the-top fronts decorated with flowers and many other extravagances -- some to look like entire Western towns or farms. They use these fronts as a way to keep visitors out from the back stage of preparing these wonderful show horses and letting them rest away from their fans!

My Pumpkin, Jackie

Here's my darling guy, checking out the fallen leaves during dusk before Halloween. Can you spot my little critter in the second photo?

Ren's Belly

Here's my boy's underline. I like this funny little photo because you can see by his expression that he is focusing on the task of life -- grazing in a relaxed fashion!

Congress 2009! Mini-Ponies!

So, Barbie and Tom were stationed close to a herd of miniature horses at Congress, so she showed us where they would take the horses near a tack shop in order to sell. Here is a small group of the many, many possible ponies, looking for new homes!

Breaking News! Sea the Stars Retires to Gilltown!

This week, the Daily Racing Form announced that Sea the Stars would retire to the Aga Khan's Gilltown Stud in Ireland. Again, I am just posting the news report itself directly, as it tickled me a great deal. The Tsui family and His Highness speak so highly of each other and their horses. And His Highness wants his 7 wins in 7 starts filly, Zarkava, to have a breeding with Sea the Stars. They will produce an amazing foal! Let's hope that Success breeds Success! Namaste. In the photos, you see Sea the Stars and his royal intended.

The Tsui family announced Tuesday morning that Sea the Stars (Ire) (c, 3, Cape Cross {Ire}--Urban Sea, by Miswaki) will enter stud in 2010 at His Highness the Aga Khan's Gilltown Stud in Co. Kildare, Ireland. The bay colt was retired following his win in the G1 Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe Oct. 4; it was his sixth straight Group 1 win of 2009. Racing Post reports that his stud fee will be €85,000. "After considering options we have decided to stand Sea the Stars in Ireland at Gilltown Stud, with His Highness the Aga Khan," said Ling Tsui, whose son Christopher raced the bay colt. "Gilltown is an ideal stud for Sea The Stars to thrive and develop as a stallion, and there is no more appropriate place for him to stand than in his homeland and close to Currabeg where he was trained by John Oxx. His Highness was kind enough to let us stand Sea The Stars at Gilltown while keeping ownership of him and we are most grateful. The staff and facilities at Gilltown are top class and Sea The Stars will enjoy his stay there." His Highness the Aga Khan added, "Mrs. Tsui and Christopher's decision to entrust the future career at stud of Sea the Stars to Gilltown Stud farm brings to everyone at the Aga Khan Studs, as well as to me personally, the greatest happiness. We are all proud to have such a remarkable athlete join the Aga Khan stallions at stud, and we are convinced that the Aga Khan mares, who have produced outstanding racehorses during the last 50 years, will breed very well indeed to Sea the Stars. Mrs Tsui and Christopher's decision is certainly one of the most important developments for my operation since I inherited it in 1960. I am also most pleased that Mrs Tsui and Christopher will be developing their own breeding operation with the help of their magnificent horse, Sea the Stars. This horse could also help develop relations to bring Chinese investment into the European bloodstock market." He continued, "In keeping with the motto of the Aga Khan Studs "success breeds success" I look forward to the earliest opportunity to send my unbeaten champion Zarkava (Ire) to Sea the Stars. I believe the last two Arc winners were made for each other both in terms of ability, temperament and conformation. The best needs to be bred to the best."

Breaking News! Laurel Wreath Farm Announces Top 6 TBs of 21st Century!

1. Velvet Tenderness by Groomstick out of Wining Effort.

2. Rags to Riches by A.P. Indy out of Better than Honour.

3. Zenyatta by Street Cry out of Vertigineux

4. Rachel Alexandra by Medaglia Doro out of Lotta Kim

5. Better than Honour by Deputy Minister out of Blush with Pride.

6. Indian Blessing by Indian Charlie out of Shameful.

Breaking News! A Wonderful Fall Morning

Last night I went to the barn after a busy day at work. I had the whole barn to myself and put out my little herd in the roundpen where you see Hailee standing in this photo. The sun was that wonderful late afternoon Fall muted sunlight that falls golden all over. Violet looked radiant against the seasonal leaves and the harvested corn field. Hailee was gorgeaus. And Renny adorable. I got the barn to myself and got to blanket, feed, and shut up the place. That's rare for me to have that treat -- and it was just right on this sunny muted Fall day! There is nothing like the sound of a barn full of horses eating. I am pretty sure He intended that noise as the sound of celestial contentment.

Anyway, I went back to the stable this morning early and it was a beautiful drive out. The fields look great in their post-harvest state and the leaves are changed and falling. And we had a fog that deepened the closer I got to Showgate. I visited with my herd, took Violet for a long-line drive around the farm and down by the road, had a nice quiet ride, chatted with Coy, and let my mare and yearling enjoy a morning in the roundpen. Coy and I talked about Doc Bar, War Admiral, Man o' War, Black Gold, Beggar Boy and Seabiscuit. He talked about his childhood and I prattled on about the Throughbred Training Center. I love talking horses with people and Coy is very knowledgeable about the Western side of my equine family. Turns out Doc Bar, a relative to Hailee, was a failed race horse, but was savage and tough and eager about running down cows! Vi is a very mouthy curious girl and so when I showed up this morning, she gave me her face so that I could see that she had cut and blistered her lip, poor girl. She probably hurt herself chewing some sharp object. Ugh. And I noticed that my little guy has gained a lot of weight since he switched from baby grain to regular. So, I am asking that he be cut back.

But here's what's funny. Coy went to bring Hailee in and she slipped away from him and took off blazing across the cut cornfield through the mist and sun. She looked so pleased with herself. She lifted her beautiful tail and held her head high. She was all that and a bag of chips. So, Violet and I and Coy and Barbie went after her. And I am super duper ear-to-ear proud that Hailee waited with quiet patience and trust for me to retrieve her. I know it's not nice to say, but one of the very nicest parts of my life is the fact that these three amazing wonderful equines love, trust and respect me. They really see me as an integral part of their herd life. Namaste!

Ren's Legs

You can see that my yearling pony has his mother's powerful stifle. He's such an attractive sport pony! And he is enjoying his youth with the Bowman's Band filly!

Congress 2009! Me, My Hat and Jacket!

So, I treated myself a little too well at Congress. I purchased a cowgirl hat from Shorty's out of Oklahoma City and then this beautiful jean jacket. I am working on releasing my inner cowgirl!

Ren's Yearling Patootie

Last year this time, Renny was a very small sweet little foal, running at his mama's side. I would go to Showgate and see him in the morning and be able to wrap my arms around his girth and touch my hands. He would love his grandma when she visited and hang out with her and be goofy and sweet and shy and obliging. Now he is a happy confident powerful boy who likes to boss and play and tease and bite at his grandma. He is a bit of a sport!

My Beautiful Coop in its First Autumn!

Namaste from Laurel Wreath Farm at the end of the harvest season!

Congress 2009! The Best Group!

Here we are at Congress, relaxing and enjoying a fun day -- cold and windy, yes, but filled with friendship, bourbon chicken, shopping, and beautiful horses. We had a really nice time.

Handsome Ren Again by Fence

Here's a June photo of my darling red pony. I love him. Look how handsome he is...he is fit and red and gorgeaus. He has a darling flaxen mane and cute white points. He has a kissing freckle and adorable blaze. And he is put together well. I wish I could keep him forever, but he deserves children. He deserves to see his part of the world.

Congress 2009! Cassy in Showmanship!

On Friday evening, Jessica and Dorene and I stayed in a luxury hotel room, watching a romantic comedy, eating treats and sleeping in a king-size bed. Then the next morning, we got up early and went quickly to Congress to watch Cassy show Sophie in showmanship. She did a lovely job and her mother had made her the most beautiful white show suit.

Thelma and Louise Say, "Hey! Whaddup?"

Here they are on an early October morning. They were so cute and agreeable and chatty that I just had to get some photos. I really like having these creatures in my life and I know that they enjoy their home by the squirrels and birds. They get to visit with their sister, Zelia.

Sadness

I am writing this entry on July 6th, Monday. The weather is perfection itself and my horses, cats, and dog are healthy. My mom is celebrating life with my sister and nieces and nephew. But I am feeling sort of sad. A few Fridays ago that Appaloosa who lived in the pasture in the final curve before Showgate passed away. An elderly woman was caring for her as she passed. And so I feel badly that I won't see her anymore. But in the strangeness that is life, Barbie spoke to that elderly woman and we may end up being able to borrow that pasture for Showgate horses who want to be out 24/7. Barbie and I will walk that pasture later this week.

And the other thing I am sad about is that my sister and I are broken, separated from each other. We are having a hard time. I am not part of her life right now. As I write this entry on July 6th, I pray that separation will pass, will repair itself.

Congress 2009! My New Hairstyle

So, my first entry about Congress will end with a story about my hair. I went to this year's Congress with Jessica and Dorene and we stayed in this really nice suite at a hotel just minutes from the Fairgrounds. It was such a fun girly evening. Jessica decided that I might benefit from a new hairstyle and Dorene thought it might be nice to set me up with a nice fellow. So, this is the hair that Jessica gave me just a short week after Congress and on the day that I went on a group blind date to BW3 with Dorene, Tim, Denise, her fiance and child, Jessica, Barbie, Roger, Carl and Jenny. It's been a really fun unusual week of horses, fashion, and new friends.

My Harvest Coop!

I love my ladies and love their coop. This week I decorated their coop with decorative corn and pumpkins. When I put up the corn, the girls just peeked around the door terribly interested in the proceedings. They still haven't made eggs yet, but I can tell they are thinking about it!

Breaking News! Indian Blessing Takes a Pass on the Breeders Cup

Here is a 2008 photo by Terence Dulay of the lovely Indian Blessing. She's a 4 year-old filly who has 10 wins and 5 places from 16 starts. Bob Baffert, her trainer, just announced that she would not run in this year's Breeders Cup because she doesn't like the Pro-Ride track at Santa Anita. The surface feels weird to her! So, she's likely to retire without any further races in order to be bred and become a mama next Spring. She'll have to settle with her $3 million in earnings! Go girl!

We Know We are Cool

So, here's a photo from earlier in June, but I'm writing this post in late June, on an incredibly beautiful Sunday. This morning, I let Jackie and Arcangelo outside to play in the catnip,and sure enough, Arcy just went demented in it. He rolled, grabbed, wrestled with it. He posed in it. He vogued. He showed his big fat belly in glee. He covered himself in purple flower petals. He was quite wanton. So, I saw that they were happy and drifted into the backyard (just for a moment) to put some weeds into my composter. Then I stopped (just for a moment) to look at my peas and beans and to chat with them about their poles. I praised the ones who had grabbed on and who were shooting up ties and encouraged the others who were just thinking about their first latch. And by the time I got back to the front yard, Jackie was gone. I couldn't find him in any of his usual spots and Arcy started getting worried. He would peek out down the driveway and across the lawns from his spot hidden in the catnip. I couldn't find him anywhere, but finally I heard an angry bird just trilling away and I knew that my little rat bastard was just casually walking through a garden one block over and driving a protective nesting brood family insane. Jackie was not sorry and he took forever to come home and by the time he returned, Arcy was gone. But he was more nervous. I found him under fronds in a house 3 doors down and he cricked and meowed and complained to me, but he definitely walked right toward me. He did not want to be punished for his adventure, he just wanted to come home. They were so grateful to walk through their front door and receive their hero's welcome. Big fat losers! ;)

Grazing Mamas

A Zen Moment with my Fat Buddhas

Namaste.

Taking a Stroll and then a Snack

Namaste.

The Starlets

Again, they are so beautiful, they should be in the horse movies.

Beautiful Girls in the Shade

Look at these gorgeaus girls, enjoying beautiful weather, green grass, and a bit of shade. I cannot believe that I get to share time with these glossy creatures. They are really so intelligent and funny and noble. I know people say that all the time, but it's true. And it's so funny because they just inspire you to treat them with dignity, respect and fairness. They just are so gracious and special.

My Main Man

Okay, so this photo and video are from June 18th and I'm writing this post on June 28th. Today is a beautiful Sunday and I am enjoying the breeze and various birds. I'm enjoying my leisurely Sunday. But for the past two days, I had a few hilarious, but quiet private moments with my main man here, little Renny. He's been put into the far pasture with his girlfriend, B, because they are smaller and presumably will be less hard on the pasture space as the big girls or geldings. But because they are babies, they miss the other herds, so they uniformly hang beneath the shade tree by the creek or walk along the bank, talking to the moms and babies across the way. I am sure little Renny misses being in the baby pasture where he ruled the world as the cutest foal on the face of the earth with the leggiest girlfriend.

Anyway, on Friday, I went to visit him in his pasture and he really milked it. He would kiss and nuzzle me and he and I shared my iced coffee. And each time I tried to leave, he would stand at the fence line and put his cute face over the top rail and just shoot darts of love at me with his beautiful saucy eyes. It took me forever to say my goodbyes that beautiful sunny morning. He was hilarious. And some gnats had bitten his chest, so he just kept rubbing against the fence with his little pushy baby body and then he was just so darn good and happy when I scratched his bites. We get each other. I love Renny. And he loves his grandma.

Then yesterday, he was out in the cool, but very sunny day from 8am to 3pm. So, when I brought him in along the road with his girlfriend, I could tell that they were both tired. Someone was on a tractor and Renny skittered a few beats, but he knew he had to be good for his grams. And so here's the funny part. He got into his stall and unwinded. He had a little snack and drank some water. And he gave greetings and pointed interest ears to all the other horses as they were brought in for the day. And then he listened patiently as Pat and I chatted about life. Until he drifted off in his spacious stall with the shade and cool breeze. So, I walked over and he looked at me with lidded eyes and just soaked up the love and attention and feather pets I gave him on his face and neck. You have not seen a happy pony like my little Ren. A day out in a beautiful pasture with a beautiful filly friend, a loving grandma with your ma and aunt in the stalls next door. All the food and water you could want. And someone to tell you that they love you, love you, love you, as you drift off for an afternoon pre-dinner nap. A happy summer pony.

The Far Pasture

Here are the four top mares, enjoying the far end of the far pasture. I have a feeling that if they found a gate or small opening, they would stroll through and continue on their adventures to the pasture beyond. They might even walk up the road to the abandoned school house and then head to town for a Rita's ice cream cone and a sit beneath a shade tree by the river. Such silly beautiful girls.

Beautiful Happy Grazing Girl!

This week, the third week in June, was wonderful with my Violet. She and I went driving several times and we chatted and enjoyed each other's company. Barbie rode her and worked on her skills. And in general, she just enjoyed time grazing with her mares and her sister, Hailee. She's my darling girl and I love her so.

Fat Hailee too Seeks Greener Pastures!

These photos are video are from June 8th, and I am sitting on June 28th, as I write this post, I am sitting on Aunt Ruth's little chair, in my study, with a cup of strong coffee and a cool breeze. Behind my shoulder is my beautiful garden, bird feeder, bird houses, butterfly house, and the rustling of the trees and kerplonk of someone's wooden wind chime and the busy day song of working birds. I'm telling you, I feel blessed.

Violet Looks for Greener Pastures

New Orleans Street Trash

Can you believe my blessings? I have two wonderful creatures from New Orleans living with me. My little Jacques Mamou Lagniappe and Zelia Orleana Cypress. They both are getting older and changing their shape, but they still rule my roost and my heart with velvet paws. Jackie is a happy cat who is proud of his family and his home. And Zelia's heart is so big and loving and sweet. They are intelligent sensitive creatures.

Breaking News! Violet Plays the Thoroughbred Card!

Here's a photo from 2007 of my beautiful energetic talented girl! See her sweet eye and happy ears? I am writing this entry two years later and the young Miss has become a super talent. She's learned to jump, basic dressage, drive a cart, long-line, lunge with side reins, hunter-under-saddle. She's just phenomenal. Yesterday morning I was out at the barn and Doug and I were chatting and he said that he felt that Violet would do anything you asked her. And this I firmly believe is true!

Anyway, this is the last day of Fall Break. I had a wonderful Fall Break. I cleaned my house, slept, read a novel, started a book by a sociologist about life at the track, and rode and drove Violet. Yesterday she was just terrific and responsive under saddle and today was unbelievably Cool with a capital C! She was fresh and ornery because they've been indoors for more than 2 weeks. Ugh. So, I took her and harnessed her up on a cold sunny breezy October morning. And her ears and head were up, up, up! She was up for adventure. And we drove past the chattering corn all lively and had a great time. She trotted with energy and bounce and vivaciousness and she was keen keen keen to canter. She proved she was a good girl by making many full loops at the canter, taking diagonals, and cantering as quiet and light and full-natured as you please. And each upward and downward transition she took with precision and relaxation and on the upwards, she always took her correct lead. We went around the grass lawn and up the driveway, she was just spectacular! I really do love this mare and just wish I could give her frequent regular grass lawned turnout!!

Big kisses from me and from the best Big Horse!

Breaking News! Sea the Stars Retires!

The following photograph was take from the Telegraph and the story is from today's Thoroughbred Daily News. I am including the story in its entirety because I really like how his trainer talks about him. His trainer is eloquent, reasoned and clearly passionate about his young talented colt -- and really there was no need to be so eloquent and fantasticaly well-spoken. After all, his horse won 6 G1 races this year, including the Epsom Derby, 2,000 Guineas and Arc de le Triomphe. I mean really, the accomplishments would leave anyone speechless! Happy baby-making SS!

Thoroughbred Daily News internet news item:

"Christopher Tsui's Sea the Stars (Ire) (Cape Cross {Ire}--Urban Sea, by Miswaki) will not race again. The bay colt recorded six straight Group 1 wins during his 2009 campaign, topped by victory in the G1 Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe last Sunday at Longchamp. "It has been decided after discussions with Mr Christopher Tsui (owner) that Sea The Stars will not take part in the Breeders' Cup at Santa Anita Nov. 7," trainer John Oxx said in a statement early today. "He's had a long season and has been in regular fast work from March 3, with his final workout on October 2. He's been in intensive training for seven months with only a three-week break after the Eclipse Stakes at the beginning of July. We feel it is unfair to keep him going any further given his unprecedented record of achievement in the last six months. He's come out of the Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe in his usual good form. He is fit and healthy and has been cantering since the race. He is now retiring from racing, but I have no information on stud career details, and an announcement will be made at a much later date when plans have been finalised." Oxx later paid further tribute when adding, "It is hard to say there was any highlight with a horse like that, as they were all major races in their own right. When you win a Guineas and a Derby, it became even more important for him to win and as the anxiety builds up as the year went on, every race brought tremendous relief when it was over. I suppose winning the Derby was marvelous--the way he ran his race there was a joy to watch, with how he handled the track and coasted down the hill before sauntering up the straight waiting to go and win. That was a great sight and it must be unusual for a trainer to watch his horse in the Derby and feel so comfortable with the way he is going right through the race. After that, he developed a great public following and everybody quickly realised they were watching something special. There has ben great excitement every time from Sandown onwards and he had a tremendous response from the racing public and also the wider public towards the end as they realised that there was something special happening. In the Arc, I wasn't as anxious as everyone else was, as although he ran along more strongly in the bridle than most people would like, he could do that and get away with it. I knew he had such a great turn of foot and he could get out of trouble. His success was down to a combination of everything, but mainly to his tremendous cruising speed. Ballydoyle tried their best to put in pacemakers and make it tough for him, but they could never get him off the bridle. He could just travel up behind any pace totally at ease--that's his big thing--and then quicken up off it. He could do that because he has great heart and lungs, but he's got this beautiful balance, lovely stride and a great length to him as a big strong horse. He's a close-coupled horse in one way, but very long in another and he has this tremendous athletic stride. He also has a great temperament and never worries about anything, was always the calmest horse at the races and it is courage and temperament at the end of the day that bring the best horses to a different level." The half-brother to leading sire Galileo (Ire) (Sadler's Wells) compiled a record of 9-8-0-0 while earning £4,417,163. His other trophies include the G1 Epsom Derby, G1 2000 Guineas, G1 Coral-Eclipse S., G1 Irish Champion S. and G1 Juddmonte International S."

My Peaceful June Garden

I took these photos on the morning of June 27th. I was so happy and quiet. The morning was cool and I was just sitting at my window, watching birds eating. I was happy because I had just finished watering the garden and the world was before me. I was going to lunch with I-Fen and Hsueh-Sheng. I was going to visit other friends who were busy working on their new home. A friend from the stable texted me to tell me something funny about Ziva, the little baby filly, who engaged in high jinks while all the horses were being put out. It was a wonderful day.

Dramatic Fence Line

Namaste.

Girl Coming for a Peek

On this beautiful early June day, I was sitting underneath shade trees on a fallen log, just relaxing. AndI saw my beautiful red girl just slowly swirling in for a peek and a kiss. Step by step, she worked her way toward me with love and a gleam of naughty happiness in her eye. And here you can see that gleam in this photo! What a girl!