“Growing up in a harness racing family on the “B” circuit, Peter Puck Herbert and Senor Dupp were a few family favorites. I would scream as loud as I could during the races often asking my dad (who was a standardbred driver) if he could hear me. I took great pleasure when we would win races because my dad would let me sit in the bike for the photo. Those memories are so vivid and so wonderful.
It wasn’t until a few years ago when I met the horse that changed my life, Golani. He was a grouchy, sour, untrustworthy thoroughbred who frustrated his racing connections with his results on the track. Although 100 per cent sound, he just didn’t bother trying too hard. He won a few races at Fort Erie, but racing wasn’t his strong suit. To make a really long story short, Golani basically fell into my lap and through years of hard work and trust, that grouchy, angry horse became my one true love.
We were going through the same issues back then, we were broken, angry and frustrated, but we both wanted the same thing, someone to call our own, someone to listen and a new way to channel our energy. Throughout the last five years we have formed a mutual trust and a pretty awesome bond, one that I have never experienced with any other horse in my life. I had an animal communicator “talk” with him. He said that all he ever wanted was his own special person. He had had too many masters and all he wanted was one. I was it. He went on to explain that he didn’t like me paying attention to any other horses, I was his and that was that. Who needs a jealous boyfriend, right?
We show in the Hunter ring with Red Ribbon Stables and Leslie McCormick. Thanks to Leslie’s patience in providing us with her expertise and friendship, we have accomplished things I never thought I could. For me, it is simply a case of mind over matter. I never got nervous doing live TV and I was always confident at work, but in the show ring and during our lessons, it was a whole new experience.
I would say, ‘I can’t do this,’ and fear would get the best of me, my heart would pound out of my chest, but Golani never let me down. He’s determined to jump the jumps and he loves it. Today, I accept the new challenges that Leslie gives us and I say, ‘Okay, we’ll give it a try.’ I’ve gone from wanting to go last to wanting to go first.
We have created so many great memories together but some of the best have to be his performances at shows. Last year, we took a shot and tried the Trillium circuit. It was very overwhelming competing against so many accomplished riders and experienced horses. The first outdoor show of the season was at Fox Run, a beautiful facility. I was so nervous. I thought I was going to pass out. When our turn came to compete, Golani and I walked into the ring and I took a deep breath, gave Golani a pat on the neck, took one last look at the course and said to him, ‘Okay, Buddy, let’s see what we can do.’ The feeling was enormous. It was as if Golani said, ‘No problem, Mom, I’ll take it from here.’ He flew over the jumps and was as close to flawless as possible. If I could relive that feeling over and over again, I would.
It’s not all about winning for me. It’s about me and Golani, two racetrackers, learning a new skill, being proud of our accomplishments no matter how big or small because after all, we’ve come a long way.
When I think of him, the first thing that comes to mind is his stunningly handsome good looks. Everywhere we go, no matter who we meet, everyone says, ‘Hello, handsome,’ when they meet Golani. With those good looks comes a bit of an ego. He’s good looking and he knows it. Those people closest to us think he’s spoiled and I am proud to say that he is.”
By Elissa Blowe, for Ontario Racing
Photo courtesy of Reeds Photography.
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