Community Corner
Aristocrats of the Horse World
You might know Man o' War as a famous thoroughbred but my gelding, here in New Hampshire, knows him as "Grandpa."
On a recent road trip, husband Bruce and I stopped in Lexington to visit the Kentucky Horse Park, a 1,224-acre working horse farm and educational theme park. International horse competitions are held on the grounds as well as daily equine demonstrations. We were there to see the sculpture of racehorse Man o' War which stands life-like on a pedestal near the gift shop.
You might know Man o' War as a famous thoroughbred, but my gelding here in New Hampshire knows him as “Grandpa.” Well, more like great-great-great-grandpa. Born in 1917, “Big Red” (his nickname), was one of the greatest racehorses of all time. After he won 20 of 21 races in the 1920s, he became a leading sire whose off-spring included Triple Crown winner War Admiral and the much-celebrated Seabiscuit. My 14-year-old gelding, Snap, is a direct descendant of Man o' War, and while he has never raced, he has a lot in common with his ancestor.
Big Red had flawless legs and solid bone traits he passed on to his offspring, including my Snap.
He also passed on other, not-so-desirable traits. Snap is purebred, and just like purebred dogs, he has issues.
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Carole Soule is co-owner of Miles Smith Farm, where she raises and sells pastured pork, lamb, eggs and grassfed beef. She can be reached at cas@milessmithfarm.com.
