I spoke at TOBA's most recent Pedigree and Conformation Clinic yesterday at the Blood-Horse offices in Lexington. I enjoy these events, especially the question and answer segments, and the feedback I get from these sessions is always very positive.  People are eager to learn about pedigrees and breeding principles, and they are very receptive to someone like me who explains things clearly and objectively without flinging a lot of B.S..  They are quick to say that they're tired of being snowed by bloodstock agents who sell them on something just to get a commission, and they're tired of glib sales pitches.  I was surprised to hear how many of the participants at this seminar had dealings with agents or farm managers who didn't want to explain anything about the business, instead, sending the message "I'm the expert, don't ask stupid questions." 

I'm obviously an oddball, because I like talking with people about pedigrees and bloodstock...it's my passion.  And I even enjoy answering stupid questions.  I also find that people appreciate that I take the time to explain things candidly and don't hide behind mysterious theories, smoke and mirrors.  If I don't know the answer, I admit it and try to find the answer.  If something is a load of crap in my opinion, I'll say it, and give my reasons why.  I firmly believe that there is a place in this business for honest, objective advice-giving, and not just self-serving, commission chasing.  It's good for  everybody in the industry.  And I'm looking forward to the next seminar....

In the spring of 2004, I was living in Central Pennsylvania, but after 15 years, decided it was time to move back to Kentucky.  I contacted my friend Dan Rosenberg at Three Chimneys Farm, asking if he knew if anyone was looking for someone like me - a pedigree advisor.  He said that the farm's pedigree specialist had just given notice, and not to talk to anyone else.  I found my self hired - for the second time - by Three Chimneys Farm, and made the move back to Kentucky, reporting for work in early August of 2004.  By coincidence, a few days previously, another Pennsylvanian had arrived at the farm, a chestnut superstar named Smarty Jones, to start his second career. 

Three Chimneys just announced Smarty Jones' return to Pennsylvania yesterday, and today it's my turn. I'm going out on my own again as a freelance consultant and writer.  While Smarty's going back home, I'm not going anywhere.  Kentucky is where I want to be and need to be. 

Some might think it's crazy to choose to be self-employed with the horse industry and the economy as they are, but I see it differently.  In a high risk business, now is the time when mare owners need the best advice they can get to make better educated decisions.  I've watched the field of pedigree study expand dramatically with the use of computers and the internet but I've also seen a lot of potential pitfalls for breeders appearing as a result.  Breeding racehorses isn't something that should be done "by the numbers" or by using many of the mythologies out there that pass for breeding theories or ratings systems.  There's a need for good, common sense guidance in these affairs, to help mare owners find the information they need to make sound decisions with their breeding stock.  I love teaching people and providing good, grounded information that will help breed better horses. It's better for the mare owner, and it's better for the sport. and it's better for the horse. Wish me luck!

I remember when I first moved to Kentucky, driving the back roads one March day in 1980.  I stopped my car on Yarnallton Road and patted a dark bay mare who came over to see what I was doing.  Chipping the mud off  her halter revealed her name, which, to my astonishment, read "Desert Vixen."  Are you kidding me?  I dream about horses like this!   I was in horse heaven.

Fast forward to 2010.  The other day, I was talking with Shane Glass, Sandy Hatfield's #2 down at the Three Chimneys' stallion barn.  Leaning against a stall door,  I glanced to my left and noticed that Point Given, the 2001 Horse of the Year, was standing right there, I mean inches away, with his nose up against the door as if he was hanging on our every word.  We kept talking, and the horse stayed right there because I suppose, with no mares in sight, we were probably the most interesting things in his universe just then.  Now, I've been a Point Given fan for as long as I've known the horse existed, and to have this magnificent hunk of horseflesh - just elected to the Hall of Fame - standing beside me like a big happy dog, was almost surreal.  

Don't get me wrong, I've shown Point Given to hundreds of visitors and it still gives me a thrill to introduce him as one of the greatest racehorses of our lifetimes.  I'm a Thoroughbred junkie, you see.  I love these horses, and I love the history behind them.  I love the stories of their ancestors as I weave my way back through their pedigrees.  To me, there are few things as wonderful as a great racehorse. 

That's why it really irks me when I read the drivel churned out by most of the racing journalists out there, who do nothing but complain about what's bad about the sport and whine because another year has gone by without a Triple Crown winner.  If I hear one more brain dead writer moan that "we need a hero" I think I'll throw something. 

Every year this sport comes up with heroes, and that's what I love about it.  In fact, we breed our own heroes, generation after generation.   If Rachel Alexandra and Zenyatta aren't good enough for you, what about Curlin, or Big Brown, or Afleet Alex or Smarty Jones?  Every year we see amazing exhibitions from brave and brilliant runners that by far make up for the lack of a Triple Crown winner.  I frankly don't care if we ever see another one - a Triple Crown winner that is.  I'm too busy dreaming of what's going to come up in this year's crop of two-year-olds, because percolating out there among them is the next racing hero.  I can't wait to meet him, or her, and I hope someday to get to see them in the flesh so I can once again, be in the presence of greatness.

It's hard to believe it's 2010, but here we are.  It's a new year and I have things to say, so stay tuned.