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A face Mindy Lovell could not pass up

Bleeding filly finds hope near end of the line

The deep gash oozing so darkly across the angelic pale face of the nameless filly, riveted Mindy Lovell’s attention the way a red flag might a bull. In the five years she’d spent rescuing Thoroughbreds from slaughter, Lovell had seen things, unimaginable things: She’d witnessed horses arriving dead in shipping trucks, trampled by other terrified horses; Pregnant mares laboring through spontaneous abortions in transport, and injuries so horrible that once regal Thoroughbreds hobbled like cripples. But on this day as she witnessed the dappled-gray filly with the bludgeoned face, it seemed to crystallize all that she’d seen before, chasing after […]

Dr. Laurie Metcalfe of Rood & Riddle Equine Hospital

Q&A: What to look for when OTTB shopping

In a Q&A interview with Off-TrackThoroughbreds.com, Dr. Laurie Metcalfe, DVM associate with Rood & Riddle, discusses a range of issues and medical conditions commonly found in ex-racehorse Thoroughbreds, as well as tips on what to look for when watching a Thoroughbred jog. In this story, which was a favorite among readers, and first published in September 2010, Metcalfe answers questions about ailments, pre-purchase exams, and also offers her own personal testament to the OTTB. Q: What is an osselet and how significant is it to the future career of an ex-racehorse? An “osselet” refers to the thickening/bony reaction that occurs at […]

Traffic Chief works with veterans participating in the Saratoga War Horse Project

Saratoga War Horse Project bonds vets, horses

This was originally published on Jan. 17, 2012 Out on the Saratoga turf track, Valerie Buck piloted an unwilling racehorse to turn and face the onrush of careening Thoroughbreds and jockeys. In a desperate bid to reignite Traffic Chief’s interest in racing, she had struggled to switch up his training, hoping she could motivate the once-successful runner to move out one more time. But instead of running, the tired animal with sore feet did the only thing he could.   He stopped. “We were all in danger when he did that. There were so many horses out there that day, buzzing […]