Little Kentucky Farm Thoroughbreds

Stella's Prophet's Mark

The Five Mares of Mohammed
by Ilil Arbel, Ph.D.

The hot desert wind blew against the tent, driving the dust inside. Fatima walked softly in, carrying an earthenware jug full of cold water, and handed it to the Prophet. “Please, stop tormenting yourself, Mohammed,” she said, “drink some water!”
“I will drink when the test is over, and the horses can drink, too. I cannot drink knowing they are thirsty,” said the Prophet to his daughter.
“I do not understand this test, nor do I like it,” said Fatima angrily. “Depriving the horses from drinking for three full days is cruel. I cannot believe you would do it, a man who loves animals better than himself!”
“I must. Allah commanded me — would you have me disobey God? The spread of Islam depends greatly on the loyalty and strength of our horses. The best of these horses, said Allah, will be honored till the end of time… But it is the evening of the third day now, so let us go to the horses and conduct the test.”
He took a horn that hung at the tent’s entrance, and walked toward an enclosure where about a hundred horses were confined, a little distance from the water hole of the oasis. The horses looked reproachfully at their beloved master as he quickly opened the gate. Tormented by thirst, the horses galloped to the water hole, but before they could reach it, Mohammed raised the horn to his lips and sounded the call for war.
The horses ignored it. They were so thirsty that perhaps they couldn’t even hear it, and went on galloping toward the water. But not all of them. Five mares stopped. Without hesitation, they turned around and returned to Mohammed, ready to do whatever was required of them.
The Prophet stroked their silky manes, tears in his eyes. He led them to the water and envisioned the glorious future as they drank. He knew that these mares would foal the finest of Arab horses, the only horses of pure blood, the horses that would help bring Islam to every corner of the Earth.

While at the Poplar Place Trials this past weekend with Ray and Dominic, my truck decided to die on me. I won’t go through the details simply because I haven’t recovered from the mental trauma yet, but it started at 4:00 pm on Saturday and finally ended on Sunday after the trials finished up.

I must say that there are still good people out there walking around on Earth, who won’t give it a second’s thought to help a stranger (ME).

Dennis Jones (under truck), Jerry Plaut (back turned with cell phone), Jerry (at the battery), Brian (in blue)

Thank you to Dennis Jones of Poplar Place, Jerry of Poplar Place, Brian – Farrier and Jerry Plaut (Client and friend) for the many hours and expertise in fact finding, getting muddy, driving back and forth to the auto place a half dozen times, on the phone forever with auto parts folks, and keeping me sane with their smiles.

Sale horse On Wings of Glory will be heading to Poplar Place Farm February Horse Trials. He and his owner will be starting the season at Preliminary. Brochures will be posted and you can also stop by stabling to meet “Dominic”.

The benefits of investing in a green prospect as your next Eventing partner

3 year old Thoroughbred gelding

For some, the only direction they want to go is to look at a ‘made’ horse who has mileage and a competition history.  For others, taking a young green horse (sometimes straight out of a field) and molding them into a talented teammate is one of personal accomplishment.  While this topic is always up for debate, there are obvious reasons why a person should consider purchasing a green prospect.

Cost.  The amount of money to invest in a horse can sometimes place a person into a particular market.  On average the cost of a green prospect can range from $0 – $15K.  Those who are priced on the higher end may already be confidently working at all gaits and jumping small courses and even doing low-level competitions.  What can be attractive about a green horse can be the price, where it allows a larger number of the public to purchase quality young stock at an affordable price.

4 year old experiencing the tarp

Clean Slate/No Baggage.  Buying a green horse gives an owner the chance to start the horse’s training from a clean slate.  It’s at this stage where the horse can work on building a solid foundation of the basics such as walking, trotting, cantering and halting.  If done properly with sometimes the assistance of a professional trainer, then the natural progression of training a prospect is footwork over poles and small obstacles.  Gradually the obstacles should increase in their technical questions as training progresses.  Working from a clean slate can mean zero baggage, where the horse hasn’t had the chance to learn something incorrectly or develop negative behavior or vices.

3 year old Jimmy Legs first time through water

Soundness.  Prospect Eventers can be a mixed bag of breeds ranging from Draft crosses, Warmbloods, Arab crosses, Appendix Quarter Horses to traditional Thoroughbreds.  Prospects will generally be young and have less physical wear and tear on their bodies, and physical soundness combined with correct conformation is important when purchasing a green prospect. The basics to pay attention to is to start with good solid feet, then on to clean legs, up towards a large shoulder, over to a big kind eye, down the neck to a short coupled back and correct hip angle.

Horsemanship.  Buying ‘made’ horses does have its benefits, but so does owning a green horse. It’s here that an owner commits themselves to the training and management of their prospect, sometimes learning things as they go along, sometimes having the guidance of an expert and sometimes relying upon their own personal horsemanship skills to successfully take a horse up the levels.  As with any horse hands-on, there will most certainly be good days and bad days in training.  But what riders can admit about the experience of working with a green horse, is that they’ve not only become better riders, but better horsemen all around.  It’s a trait that seems to be disappearing throughout the equine community.  And maybe the fact of never having experienced what it’s like to bring a green horse out from a pasture and back it for the first time, is somehow connected to the lack of riding skills.

Beecher's Brook schooling the ditch at home

While recently talking to artist Paul Daniel Gold of Triple Crown Studio, what became apparent to me is that he truly loves his work. That’s a rare quality to find. He wouldn’t call what he does a ‘job’,  simply because of the passion he has for his creations. It’s important to him that his clients fall in love with the pieces and have an emotional awakening as he does each time. . . .

“I’d like to be recognized as the photographer/artist who can be counted on to create a lasting tribute . . . a celebration of the bond and trust between horse and rider. I enjoy changing the way equestrians look at their photos and will not settle for anything less.”   - Paul Daniel Gold

Olympian and Race Horse Trainer Michael Matz holding a portrait by Triple Crown Studio

Q: Where did you get your start and how long have you been an artist?

A: I would have to say 1985 during the National Fencing Championships was the launch date. I was capturing video of the fencers on my team and thought, if I could freeze frame of some images and use video special effects equipment to enhance the pictures, they would make a great gift idea or competition award.

Q: Have you worked with any well known names in the horse community that we would recognize?

A: I had the pleasure of meeting Michael Matz a few years ago when I captured an iconic image of Nicanor (Barbaro’s little brother) before his maiden race at Gulf Stream Park & Casino.  When he returned to Florida many months later I presented him with the portrait and came away so impressed with not only what a kind gentleman he is, but how happy everybody was at his barn. I’ve also done work for  Showjumping instructors, Frank Madden and Carl Bassette who own one of my digitally mastered watercolor paintings, created from photographs taken during their clinics.

Q: What materials/equipment do you work with and what makes your portraits special?

A: I use a Nikon camera, and import the images into my computer utilizing various digital painting techniques I have developed over the years. My most popular “look”, is what I refer to as the War Horse effect. I admire the way Steven Spielberg gives his motion pictures a warm, tonal quality that captures your imagination. In fact, that is how I conduct a photo session, as if I was filming a motion picture.

Q: Being a horseman yourself, do you think that it helps you capture particular moments on your canvas?

A: Absolutely! Before I start taking pictures I spend at least a half an hour getting to know the horse. The riders really appreciate the fact that I do not look at their horse as just a prop, and sense the passion I have for my craft.  After a proper warm period, I pretty much know at what angle I am going to capture the action to create the effect that the horse is Pegasus reborn.

Q: If someone out-of-state wants a portrait made from a photo they own, what are the steps to get the ball rolling?

A: All they have to do is email me the very best quality possible. i.e. the same as the file they downloaded from their camera that was set at the highest resolution. Once I receive and approve the quality of the file, I will speak to my clients on the phone to discuss all the design options and finishes available. A museum quality fine art plaque is my favorite way to exhibit my creations because they can be hung directly out of the box and there is no need for expensive frames. There is more detailed information in my website at www.triplecrownstudio.com .

The portraits I create are one of a kind and will not be offered for sale to anyone other than the client. If they do not own the rights to the photograph I will require written permission to enhance the picture from the photographer that took the photograph.

Q: Do you work only with equine models and subject matter?

A: No, as a matter of fact I just recently created three fine art plaques for a client who wanted to pay tribute to her dog that recently passed away. What makes my portraits special is when I receive letters from the owners, knowing how happy they are:

  Thank you, Paul, for doing such a beautiful job on this oil for my parents. It is just as beautiful as the other. Maggie was here in spirit with us.  Losing her, my child, companion, and best friend, has left a canyon in my chest; and this first Christmas without her has been very emotional (no sweet face and gentle paws to beg for her own part of Christmas dinner). However, we have your beautiful oils to gaze at and smile at that sweet Cocker face and stare into her soulful eyes. God bless you, Paul! 

I would say at least half of my commissions have to do with beloved companions that have crossed over the Rainbow Bridge. It really does help me during the creative process to learn as much as I can about them.

Q: Has there been a particular portrait that meant a lot to you?

A: I would have to say three…”The Princess”, that was featured on CNN.com from 2006-09, to help raise awareness about retired racehorses that can lead productive lives after their racing days are over. The other ones are ” Friends Forever”, which shows the bond between this exercise rider and his favorite horse, and “Palm Meadows”, which shows the tranquility projected by these amazing athletes after they are done breezing.

Q: What is the average turn-around time for a portrait to be made?

A: Upon notification of payment via Paypal and approval of the image file the average turn-around is 3 to 4 weeks. I have shipped by artwork as far away as Australia.

Q: How can someone learn more about you and your work?

A:  Visit my website at: www.triplecrownstudio.com  triplecrownstudio@yahoo.com  305-305-1232

***When placing an order with Paul, tell him that you read this story off of Little Kentucky Farm web site, and he will donate 30% proceeds towards CANTER!***

To be an athlete at the top of the game, how does one become a ‘winner’? What does it take to get there? Some may say it’s an athlete’s natural ability, that they were born to be a winner, and some say its hard work, practice and determination. But what if there is one more piece of the puzzle that could be a part of the winning ingredients?

I never have given much thought about it until I started watching this season’s professional football games with Tim Tebow of the Denver Broncos. The game seems to have gained a momentum and following of this 24-year-old starting quarterback. He’s known to be adept at rushing and passing the football, while making down-to-the-wire breath-taking scores for the Broncos.

He draws attention to himself on the sidelines where he is seen kneeling and praying during the games. He points to the heavens after every score, looks upward and smiles.

Could this be the winning ingredient?

In the horse world, especially at the track, it’s not uncommon for Jockeys to be spiritually motivated. Rather than being ridiculed and mocked (as Tim Tebow is), riders are understood and respected.

Jockey Pat Day, who was inducted in the National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame, has ridden winners of all the Triple Crown races and earned $298 million from 8,804 winning rides.

He became a born again Christian in the 1980′s and always wore an embroidered cross on his collar under his jockey silks. Could looking up, waving his whip to the heavens have anything to do with his incredible success as a rider?

The same could be said for jockey Mike Smith – best known as being Zenyatta’s rider for 16 straight wins of a 19-for-20 career. She was the only horse to win 2 Breeders’ Cup races and the richest female racehorse to retire with over $7 million in earnings. But how did that happen? How did Smith get there and how does he continue to stay on top of his game?

Sure, we can go back in saying that Smith has raw talent, experience and horse sense. He is also another athlete who is very spiritual and devoted to his faith. In the jocks’ room his locker is filled with personal reminders as he is in the habit of praying before each race and making the sign of the cross. The same image is caught on camera after Smith wins a race. He takes off his helmet, kisses the back of it, holds it up in the air while looking upward, then crosses himself as he trots off into the Winner’s Circle.

Interesting enough, I’ve never heard anyone say or write anything negative about Day or Smith’s openly devoted faith. And there are many other jockey’s who are openly spiritual. Kentucky Derby winner Calvin Borel comes to mind.

Going back to my original thought – Does faith and spirituality have anything to do with winning? Is there a connection and do the faith devoted athletes know something that many people on this planet overlook or deny?

Champion Quarter Horse Tebowing with his owner

Photo by Leslie Threlkeld Photography

Yes, you read the title correctly. Dominic’s owner is heading to farrier school and is motivated in selling Dominic to his perfect partner. He is ready to go Preliminary tomorrow. Call the farm at 404-202-4935 for serious inquiries.