Dressage horses in competition

An Overview Of Thoroughbred Horse Racing

Thoroughbred horse racing is the most popular form of horse racing the whole world. It is so popular that some people do not know of any other form of horse racing. Thoroughbred horse racing is also known by some people as the "sport of kings". Usually, a thoroughbred horse owner would hire a trainer to condition the horse for only one type of race. This is because a good trainer knows that there is a best training regimen for every type of race. The owner may also opt to enter the horse in races that are somewhat similar to what it is in training for.


Thoroughbred horse racing comes in various forms. Here are some of them:

1) Maiden races - this type of thoroughbred horse racing pits untested horses against each other. This event is the debut of all race horses. Some people find this type of thoroughbred horse racing more exciting because of the fact that all of the horses involved are untried. The maiden race often determines the whole career of a race horse. This event will show the world just what a race horse is capable of.

Often, thoroughbreds of varying ages participate in maiden races. In this type of thoroughbred horse racing, the horses carry similar weights in order to even the odds. There are also no handicapped penalties involved in this type of thoroughbred horse racing.

2) Allowance racing - this type of thoroughbred horse racing involves horses which have already participated in a maiden race but are not yet ready for the grand stakes race. Usually, this type of thoroughbred horse racing involves running for a purse that is slightly above the purse involved in maiden races. Some horse owners use these races to actually train their horses.

3) Grand stakes racing - this type of thoroughbred horse racing is the most popular with people since it often involves a lot of cash. People who go to this type of thoroughbred horse racing do so in order to bet their cash on their favorite horse. The "grand stakes" in this race refer not only to the money involved but also the reputation of the horse. A grand stakes race winner usually goes on to become a celebrity among horses.

The dreams of countless people are also at stake in this type of thoroughbred horse racing. This is because betting in this type of thoroughbred horse racing can cost a lot. People pin their hopes and dreams on one horse. This is the reason why this thoroughbred horse racing remains to be supported by people all over the world today.

4) Handicap race - this type of thoroughbred horse racing is, theoretically, the most even of all races. This is because all of the horses participating in such an event have been appropriately handicapped according to their performance in other races. More people bet at this type of thoroughbred horse racing because all of the odds are even. Theoretically, any horse can win in a handicap race.

Although thoroughbred horse racing gains popularity because of the cash, there are those people who see it as a test of spirit. There are horses which have the potential to be the best. However, if that horse did not have the will to win, then the potential would forever be useless. Thoroughbred horse racing is not just a game, it is a reflection of life.

By: Jonas Glass

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Dietary Changes Help Prevent and Manage Tying Up Disease in Horses

Winston Churchill said, "No hour of life is wasted that is spent in the saddle." It's unlikely, though, that Churchill ever experienced a horse with polysaccharide storage myopathy (PSSM), one of the causes of tying-up disease. PSSM is an incredibly painful, inherited muscle condition most commonly found in quarter horses, draft horses, warmbloods and some other breeds. With help from Morris Animal Foundation, Dr. Stephanie J. Valberg of the University of Minnesota has been studying the disorder for more than 20 years, and she's learned a lot about managing it.
"We discovered that horses with PSSM are very sensitive to diets that increase their blood sugar and insulin concentrations," Dr. Valberg says. "They develop notable muscle pain and cramping while on high-grain diets and have deficient energy when they exercise."
In horses with PSSM, glucose builds up in the muscles, making it unavailable when it's needed for energy. The disorder comes in two forms: type 1 is caused by a genetic mutation, which can be diagnosed through a DNA test of hair roots or blood. Type 2 is diagnosed by muscle biopsy, but a genetic basis has not yet been determined. Dr. Valberg's research has focused on diagnosing the disorder and managing it through specific diet and training regimens. Horses with PSSM respond favorably to a lower-starch diet supplemented with fat. However, Dr. Valberg notes, the added fat must be in balance with the horse's activity level and should never be excessive.
"Scientific evidence proves that it is not necessary to feed a horse 1 pound of fat a day as you may see recommended on the Internet," she says.
Consistent exercise is also a crucial component in treating horses with PSSM. Horses should be turned out daily, and the amount of time they spend in a stall should be reduced as much as possible. Gentle exercise should begin after the horse has been on the new diet for two weeks. If you suspect your horse has PSSM, contact your equine veterinarian and discuss appropriate diagnostic tests, because tying up can occur for reasons other than PSSM. If PSSM is confirmed, implement a diet that reduces starches and sugars and begin a gentle exercise program.
Although PSSM doesn't go away-and there are no FDA- approved drugs to treat the disorder-it can become more sporadic than chronic. With the right maintenance program and a dose of patience, both you and your horse will have more happy trails in your future.

About the Author

Morris Animal Foundation, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit established in 1948, is dedicated to funding animal health research that protects, treats and cures companion animals, horses and wildlife. MAF has been at the forefront of funding breakthrough research studies benefiting animals on all seven continents. MAF has its headquarters in Denver. For more information, call 800.243.2345 or visit MorrisAnimalFoundation.org.

Careers with Horses

If you are anything like Robert Botine Cunningham-Graham, Scottish horseman, writer, and adventurers, then you know that there is no heaven without horses. If you eat, sleep, and breathe horses, then why not parlay all your time and effort into a career in the horse industry? Can you imagine a better way to spend your days?

Surveys done over the last several years show that there are 7 million horses in the United States today. And according to American Horse Council figures, the horse industry supports more than 1.4 million full-time jobs. There are a variety of careers in the horse industry, from hands-on jobs like large-animal veterinarian to jobs that support the industry, like feed and supplement distributor. There are jobs in breeding, showing, health, education, product manufacturing, research, recreation, and service industries to name just a few that come to mind. And one of these areas is most likely just right for you!

So, how do you find a job in the horse industry that is right for you? Well, before you start randomly sending out resumes to every horse-related employer you know of, you need to spend some time considering the type of career you want. In many cases, you'll have to come up with a plan that will lead you to that career. As wonderful as it is that you want to be a large animal veterinary technician, no one is going to hire you without the right credentials. In other words, like most worthwhile pursuits in life, you are going to have to spend a little time and effort to reach your goals.

So, are you ready? Answer these few simple questions and you'll be on your way to finding an equine career that is right for you:

* What do I want out of a horse career? Do you want daily contact with horses, or are you interested in working in a supporting field without daily contact? There are pros and cons to both. A supporting role may offer you a higher income, regular hours, more job stability, and better benefits, but a hands-on career gives you flexibility and the ability to work around your favorite animals every day. What is more important to you? Think very seriously about your own interests, abilities, and personality. It won't hurt to spend a few minutes writing down why you want to work with horses.

* What experience and education do I currently have? There is no teacher like experience, but is it more important than education in the horse industry? That depends on the job. For those seeking skilled hands-on positions like trainers, barn managers, and riding instructors, the more time you've spent around horses the better. Other choices, such as equine vet, writer, public relations expert, or lawyer require a college education and additional training.

* What experience and education am I willing to get to achieve my career goals? If you require experience and education to break into a career in the horse industry, you need to have a good understanding of how much time and money it is going to cost to reach your goals. Do you have the time and money to spare, and are you willing to do so?

* What income do I need? Most people work in the horse industry because their love of horses supercedes their love of money. Many hands-on jobs provide minimal pay and benefits just for the pleasure of being around horses. Salaries improve with higher-level hands on jobs, and support jobs often pay the most and offer the best benefits. Before you make a commitment to a career, know how much money you need to live. Then do some research to find out if your career can realistically support you.

* Where should I enter the industry in order to have a good chance of meeting my goal? Whatever career track you are pursuing, enter the industry in a job that you can handle with your present skills and experience. Getting in over your head may not only prevent you from advancing, it is dangerous! Once you've figured out your entry level, you can work your way up as you gain experience.



About The Author
Ron Petracek is the founder of Equine Internets vast 15 site classified and social network. You can view its amazing size here Http://www.equineinternet.com/network.php or to further your equine habit please visit our forum by clicking here http://www.horsechitchat.com/equineforums and start posting Need to sell a horse or tack? place a free ad here http://www.click4equine.com and always the barn door in left open on purpose.

Equestrian Rider - The Things an Inexperienced Horse Rider Should Do

The though of riding a horse terrifies some people and excites others. To get up and seat yourself on this great animal, and maintain your balance while going on a ride justifiably invokes such emotions. You could probably compare it to a new fairground ride - some people will be terrified at the thought of getting on a certain, while others can't hand over their money quickly enough to get on board the ride. The good news is that you can learn to be an equestrian rider.
So where do you start? Well like learning to operate a piece of machinery, you should first do a bit of background research.
The first step is to understand about horse physiology and movement. Learn how they move, how to mount and dismount a horse. How to balance yourself.
You should learn the basics about horse riding safety. You need to understand the things that can typically go wrong, and what to do to minimise the possibility of those things occurring or learn what you should do if they do occur.
You need to learn about what type of clothing and accessories like high quality horse riding hats that an equestrian rider should wear for safety and comfort, and similarly, what type of accessories should be worn by the horse for similar reasons.
You also need to learn how horses behave and think, especially if the horse needs training. The horse may need to take some initial time to get used to you. You may need to be very patient with the horse while you get used to each other. And again this is all a standard part of horse riding safety.
So essentially before riding a horse, you need to do a little bit of reading to find out more about horse physiology, horse riding clothing and equipment, horse riding safety, and have an understanding of horse behaviour. Always do your own research. Then you're better primed to become a thriving equestrian rider!

For horse riding hats, clothes, equipment, magazines and all your other horse riding requirements, visit Equestrian Rider.

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10 Ways Horses Build Character in Children

1. Learn Responsibility - Horses will teach your child responsibility very quickly. Make sure that your child does all the work involved in caring for the horse. Everything from feeding, cleaning stalls, grooming, saddling and riding. Children will want to ride but they may not always be eager to do the work. However children almost always fall in love with the horses that they handle and they will want to take as good care of them. Once they know that the horse depends on them and that in order to ride they have to take good care of the horses, they will learn to be more responsible in other aspects of there life.

2. Learn Trust - Horses must be able to trust their handlers. One of the first things that your child will learn about handling and riding horses is to be trustworthy and dependable, because if the horse doesn't trust its handler it will not obey him/her. This can be a very valuable life long lesson for your child.

3. Learn to be Open Minded - Every horse is different and will have to be handled differently. A good horseman never stops learning, even experts and trainers will admit that they learn something new everyday from their horses. Horses will make your child realize that learning is an on going process that never ends. This can transcend into other aspects, such as school and relationships.

4. Build Confidence - Horses are large and intimidating, so naturally it takes a lot of confidence to be able to control one. Letting a your child handle a gentle horse will do wonders for their confidence. Most people are naturally a little bit timid, especialy a child of horses because they are so big. By handling a gentle horse children will overcome their fear and learn that they can safely handle and control the same animal that they were once had great fear of. The better your child learns how to handle the horse, the more confident he/she will become. When children do well with the horses that they handle, their confidence goes up and their self esteem improves. They now realize that this huge creature they were once afraid of is a beautiful and loving animal.

5. Learn Patience - Horses are like children themselves, and training a horse is much like teaching a child. When your child has become a confident and skilled rider, letting them help train a horse will be an excellent experience for them. Horses require a lot of patience because training a young horse involves a lot of repetition and time. This is a lesson that will follow them in all aspects of life.

6. Self Discipline - Horses take a lot of time and work, so your child will have to be dedicated to learning how to ride and handle horses effectively. I have found that dedication is rarely something that children lacks when it comes to horses. People, especially young people, have a natural attraction to horses and enjoy spending time with them. However, because horses are a lot of work your child will soon learn self discipline. For example, instead of sleeping in in the morning, they will be up and out feeding and cleaning. Horses must be fed twice daily and have access to fresh water at all times. Their stalls must be cleaned regularly and they must receive regular exercise. This will take a lot of time, but most people find that it is worth it for the time they get to spend riding, or just being with horses.

7. Teaches Sensitivity - Horses can be very sensitive creatures. They have keen senses, and can sense if someone is afraid, angry, happy, etc. They communicate with body language and are very sensitive to their handler's body position. Because horses are so sensitive, the handler must be also. The handler must be able to tell how the horse is feeling and why it is behaving the way it is. The handler must learn to interpret the horses body language and to communicate effectively with the horse using its own language. When a horse misbehaves, the handler must decide whether or not the horse is doing so out of fear, stubbornness, anger, pain etc. and must respond appropriately.

8. How to Learn From Our Mistakes - When your child first starts learning to ride and handle horses they will make a lot of mistakes and will learn quickly not to make the same mistake twice. That is what horsemanship is all about. When a rider makes a mistake he/she cannot deny it. They must acknowledge the mistake and correct it. The rider must move on after correcting the mistake and not dwell on it. Handling and riding horses will teach your child to use their past mistakes to improve their future horsemanship skills and this will tanscend into other aspects of your childs life.

9. Learn Respect - Children will learn to respect their horses and themselves. Horses are large, dangerous creatures and they demand respect, yet in order to be handled safely they must also respect their handlers. By learning how to handle a horse, children will become more respectful of there horse and its nature. By being trustworthy, confident and responsible your child will earn the respect of there horse.

10. To Have Fun - Last but certainly no least, your child should have fun and enjoy being apart of the horse life style. You don't want to put too much demand on your child, you need to let them have fun with there horse as well as know when its time to be serious.

I hope the information provided here will help you realize how important it is for you to find a creative yet fulfilling way for you to teach your child all aspects of owning and caring for a horse.


About The Author

Sean Russell - Owner and Operator of MyEquineSource.com Horse Classifieds-http://www.myequinesource.com

Breeding and Raising Good Quality Riding Horses

Breeding good quality mares to good quality stallions produce that great foal we are all looking. No matter what breed of horse you plan on raising the importance of quality always comes first. Whether you are looking for raise a foal to become that great trail horse, show horse, family horse or pet you always need quality. When I think of quality I think of quiet, good minded, good conformation, strong bone and feet, kind eye, willing to please attitude and athletic ability. We believe you do need these qualities in both the sire and the dam to get that all around good foal. It's always nice to add a little color for instance if you prefer a buckskin, palomino, dun, black or nice paint horse.

When you have a mare and are looking for a stallion to cross with her you need to consider many things. One of our first is the conformation of the mare and what we want to improve. Then you look for a stud that has some of the same good qualities your mare has and then some of the qualities in the stud that are needed to make that great foal. For instance, if I had a mare that had a more common head I would try to find a stud that has a smaller more refined head. If I had a mare with a short neck maybe find a stud with a little longer neck if that is what you want to improve. Disposition is one of the main qualities to look for when breeding and should never be over looked. You will hear people say "I have a mare that is nasty or unfriendly so I don't enjoy riding her ...I'll just use her as a broodmare". This is wrong and if people would think about it why would you want to breed a bad disposition and have that horse produce foals that could carry on the same bad quality?

It's also very important to consider the facility you have when raising foals and whether or not you have the time to care for both the mare and foal. If you are breeding for an early foal you have to consider shelter and whether or not you can keep the foal warm enough in bad weather. Foals are healthy outside and if the timing is good for you it is always nice to have them foal in May when the grass is green and the foal can be outside or depending on what state you live in and the climate. Many breeders that show like to have the foals born as early as January and February so they have a head start for the showing season. Many have heated barns for the early foaling mares or foal blankets to keep them warm or of course if you are in the warmer climate areas this might not be a concern. Overall, there is a lot to consider when deciding to breed your mare.

Every breeder has their own way of worming, vaccinating etc. We like to worm the mares and give them a 4-way (Eastern,Western,Tetanus,Flu) shot a month before they foal and then worm the mare the day after she foals. We normally will worm the foal at day 7 and then every month until they are a year old. We recommend that you get with your veterinarian to get a worming and vaccinating schedule that works for you. It is very important to keep the foals wormed on a regular basis to avoid colic and to stay healthy and strong. Again please consult with your veterinarian for the correct vaccinations and wormers.

Imprinting the foal is very important. This consists of spending time with the foal and touching it all over will build trust and the foal will soon consider you a friend. Putting a halter on the foal and leading it around when it is young is much easier than when it is older and too big to handle. Touching the legs, ears and feet always helps to keep the foal tame and trusting people. The foal will rely on their dam for the first week or so but as the foal grows older will start to explore their surroundings. It's very important to keep things out of the stall and pasture that the foal can get caught up in or hurt on. It is best to have a safe fence or stall with not sharp edges or places where the foal get their head caught or hurt.

One of the most important things to remember is to not breed for quantity but for quality. There are too many unwanted horses in the world and when deciding to breed make sure you are aware of the responsibilities and care needed for these horses. Raising a foal is a joyful experience and can be very rewarding.

About The Author
J & J Paints and Quarter Horses offer Horses For Sale In Wisconsin. For more info visit: http://www.jjpaintsandquarterhorses.com/

Spectacular horse training episode

Desert Orchid Memorial Video

Famous Race Horses - Desert Orchid Part Three

his is the final article about one of the most famous race horses to grace our race courses around the UK and Ireland, Desert Orchid.
Dessie Retires And Shows Courage ... Yet Again
After that final race in 1991, Dessie went into a well deserved retirement, and no one could deny that he'd earned it.
He continued to show his bravery by surviving a potentially life threatening operation for colic in 1992. But in true Dessie style, he battled through it and he would go on to make many public appearances, raising money for charity through a variety of appearances, and through the selling of Dessie merchandise.
In fact, when his trainer David Elsworth relocated from Whitsbury, to Egerton House Stables in Newmarket, Dessie went with him as if he was part of the family. In fact, just after the move, Newmarket racecourse held their annual press day, which happened to fall on Dessie's 27th birthday in April 2006. He was greeted by a huge crowd and in typical fashion he acknowledged and appreciated the attention that he got.
As Dessie got older, naturally his public appearances became less and less, and he spent more and more time relaxing at his new home. In fact his last public appearance was on 1 October 2006 at his fan club open day. The great horse was determined not to let down his fans for one last appearance.
In the coming weeks, it appeared that Dessie was becoming more and more frail, but he never complained and his fighting spirit kept going and going. On 6 November 2006 he appeared to be losing coordination, and all around him feared the worst, but the great horse kept on fighting.
He was last seen by someone in the early hours of 13 November 2006, lying down nibbling on some hay, determined not to make a fuss. Just about one hour later, at around 6am this magnificent horse had passed away, as quietly and as gracefully as he had jumped fences for most of his career.
Always Remembered
Dessie's ashes were buried at Kempton racecourse in a private ceremony. Fittingly, they were buried near to his statue and now anyone that visits the racecourse can see the legend for themselves.
All in all I shall remember him for the fact that as a grey, he stood out amongst the other horses. But one shouldn't under estimate that if he had not had class and ability, then despite his striking colour he would not have stood out at all.
He was truly one of the greats, both on and off the race track. The appearances that he made in public to raise money are a testament to this most fabulous of horses.
Dessie, you're on in a million and will forever be remembered.

Cliff Thurston owns the successful Grosvenor Racing Club, and has been giving his members winning horse racing tips since 2003.
You can find out more about his service and read more articles on famous race horses by visiting his site.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Cliff_Thurston

Famous Race Horses - Desert Orchid Part Two

The first article in this series looked at the famous race horse Desert Orchid and the early part of his career. The following article, which is part two of a three-part series, looks at how he started the 1987 season through to his accomplishments into the 1990s.
Dessie Starts A Rich Vein Of Form
This impressive and consistent form would lead Dessie nicely into the 1987 season, with wins at Sandown and Wincanton in February, followed by a decent run at Cheltenham in the two mile chase, where he finished 3rd.
Dessie would then win three out of his next four runs, tasting success at Ascot again, Wincanton and Kempton, but he would miss out in the December, where he had been so successful the previous year, achieving two second places. This was a measure of the horse, as second places were now considered disappointments.
Over the course of the 1988 and 1989 season, Desert Orchid would run riot, producing a winning run that would begin to create the legendary status that he go on to enjoy.
From 7 April 1988 until 16 March 1989, the beautiful grey would win eight races on the spin (consecutively), starting with victory in the Chivas Regal Cup Chase at Liverpool over three miles and a furlong. This impressive run of wins would take Dessie through Sandown, Wincanton, Sandown (again), Kempton, Ascot and then Sandown (yet again!).
The run of eight wins culminated, perhaps fittingly, with Dessie's magnificent victory in the Cheltenham Gold Cup, infront of a packed crowd at Prestbury Park. In heavy conditions, Dessie would prevail by one and a half lengths, ahead of Yahoo, with Charter Party a further eight lengths back.
Dessie's Record
In all, Dessie's record was impressive, leading Time Form to rate him as the fourth best national hunt horse of all time.
He won almost half of his 70 races, achieving 34 victories whilst accumulating over half a million pounds of prize money - a lot of money in those days.
Dessie's last victory came on 2 February 1991, fittingly at Sandown, the venue for many of his successes.
His last two races were later that year. In November where he showed the kind of professional style that was his hallmark, finishing 3rd in the Peterbrough Chase at Huntingdon.
Dessie looked a tired horse in his final race on Boxing Day however, and after struggling throughout, he fell three fences out.
And so his career ended as it had started... with a fall. What had come in between however, was a spectacular, glittering and thoroughly entertaining career that spanned 8 years.
He had captured both the attention and the imagination of the horse racing public at large, with horse racing fans, horse racing experts, broadcasters and everyone involved directly in the industry, all seemingly hypnotised by this great horse.
But it didn't end there however. Desert Orchid, a great race horse in the arena of competing for prize money on the National Hunt stage, would also continue to be known for generating money, but this time for charity.
The final article in this series will look at how this gentleman of the race course contributed so much to those in need, as well as him demonstrating his bravery once again.

Cliff Thurston owns the successful Grosvenor Racing Club, and has been giving his members winning horse racing tips since 2003.
You can find out more about his service and read more articles on famous race horses by visiting his site.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Cliff_Thurston

Horse Grooming Tools

Every horse should have a grooming kit, his own personal kit stocked with the basic equipment. A basic grooming kit should not cost an arm and a leg however with that said the benefits far outweigh the cost.
Skin infections can be passed from one horse to another, especially with grooming kits, so make sure you have one per horse. So what should a grooming kit consist of?
Here is a list of the basics:

Grooming/body brush

Dandy brush

Hoof Pick

Curry Comb

Mane and Tail Comb

Sponges
Grooming/body brush used to smooth out the coat, removes dirt, sweat and dust

Dandy brush for cleaning mud and heavy dirt

Hoof Pick is used to clean the horses hooves.

Curry Comb used to remove mud and hair from the body.

Mane and Tail Comb used to remove tangles and snarls.

Sponges for the muzzle and dock, a separate sponge for each part!
There are always extras that benefit and belong in a horse grooming kit. Depending what you do with your horse and how often, you may want to invest in some other grooming tools.
If you ride regularly your horse no doubt works up a good sweat. Well take any horse on a long ride, especially an unfit horse and he'd be dripping with sweat. Sweat is no fun job to clean up. The best way is to use water. After you have ridden and unsaddled your horse, fill a bucket with water and using a sponge wash over the sweating area.
Great now you have a wet hairy horse right? You are in need of a sweat scraper; this tool is very useful to get rid of excess water. Trust me, this little procedure makes grooming so much easier once the coat has dried. I usually had no sweat to brush out of the coat.
Another wonderful grooming tool and tactic is the using a detangle spray when grooming your horses tail. Swishing flies all day is a tedious task and most horses will have knots and tangles in their tails which need to be worked out. A horse with a high quality job usually requires detangling spray and grooms fingers.
To cheat you can use the spray and a comb. The spray allows the surface to be coated, the comb slides through the hair and less hair is pulled out. You do not want to pull the tail hairs out! Use the detangling spray to make your job easier, keep it in your grooming kit always.
Lastly another good asset to any grooming kit is fly spray. Both you and your horse will be happier. A quick spray before you ride him keeps the biting, irritating pests at bay.
Grooming tools are forever on the market. Invest in good quality products that will last and spend as much or as little as you want. Only have a basic grooming kit at hand always and use it. Much can be said of a horse owner by the looks of his horse!

Horse Guide.
Get information on buying, owning and caring for your horse, learn about Horse Grooming Tools. Learn about your horses anatomy.

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Famous Race Horses - Desert Orchid Part One

This Weeks Specialised topic is DESERT ORCHID. Heres part one of Cliff Thurstons article........Enjoy!   

As far as famous race horses go, Desert Orchid was perhaps the most striking to look at because of his colour.
This article looks at his incredible career, in which he achieved a grand total of 34 victories, something that didn't seem possible when he fell during his very first National Hunt race.
This is the first part of a three-part article.
The People's Champion - Desert Orchid
Easily one of, if not the most popular racehorse in UK horse racing history, is undoubtedly the great grey, Desert Orchid, who was affectionately known as 'Dessie".
There's something about a grey horse that stands out amongst others. I suppose its that although not rare, they are not as popular as bay, chestnut etc, and so stand out as a white knight in a blur of dark horses. And Dessie was exactly that, a white knight.
How It All Started
Desert Orchid was born on 11 April 1979 to the aptly named Sire (father) Grey Mirage, and to Dame (mother) Flower Child.
His horse racing debut was in 1983, but did not exactly start as planned, as he fell at the first fence at a race at Kempton. The fall was a heavy one and many wondered whether he'd recover to race competitively again, but despite this early setback, Dessie was already showing the courage that would adorn him to millions of fans.
I must admit that I did not see his first race, but what would ensue was something that I did witness, and boy am I glad that I did.
Dessie Gets Off The Mark
At the start of the 1983/84 season, Dessie was up and running, winning his first race of the season by 20 lengths at Ascot. In fact the season proved to be a successful one for Dessie and got him the attention that he would keep for the remainder of his career, as he would rack up six wins from eight starts in that season.
But the following season saw him struggle once again. After the success of the previous season, he was no longer eligible for running in novice races and the step up in class showed.
He would go on and win only one of his eight starts that season, at Sandown in the February, but as many horses do when stepping up amongst a better class of horse, Dessie struggled to aclimatise.
A Change Worked Wonders
After that season, trainer David Elsworth decided to switch Dessie to the bigger obstacles, this time racing in steeplechasing races, rather than hurdles, and he immediately looked and felt more at home.
He would run up a sequence of four wins at Exeter, Sandown and twice at Ascot, and his famous front running style was proving hard to beat, but proving to be hugely popular with horse racing fans.
At the start of the 1986 season, he would feature regularly in the top three places, but failed to win a race until the November, when he would win at Sandown.
He would also taste success twice in December, winning a two mile handicap chase at Ascot, followed up by victory on Boxing Day at Kempton by a massive 15 lengths, against a hugely impressive field, that included Door Latch, Forgive 'n' Forget and Wayward Lad.
And so the 1986 season ends with Dessie winning his last two races before the end of the year. The racing experts expected more of the same for the 1987 season, and in Part Two of this article you can find out how he would get on.

Cliff Thurston owns the successful Grosvenor Racing Club, and has been giving his members winning horse racing tips since 2003.
You can find out more about his service and read more articles on famous race horses by visiting his site.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Cliff_Thurston