Somewhere in sunny Tampa, Florida, a reputable breeder sold two colts to a man. Thousands of dollars were paid to buy and care for these future athletes. One, a bay colt named Texas, was out of a champion racer, who held well over $800,000.00 in earnings and more than $1,000,000.00 in offspring earnings. On the track he went, running as fast as he could. Always first out of the gate, holding first until the last half of the track where he couldn't run anymore and would give way. The owner was frustrated; a little over $8,000.00 in earnings was not enough to cover the costs going into the four year old colt. He had no choice; the colt had to go.
Texas was sent to an auction house where a lady with more horses than she could care for (around 50) bought him and took him home that day. The gorgeous, muscley athlete turned to skin and bones within a year. A girl in Sarasota found him and another thoroughbred, a filly, and took them home. She tried to put weight on him, but he was beaten. He had learned to windsuck which was killing his teeth and his appetite. His fur was oily and falling out in clumps accompanying a bad case of rainrot. His hooves were in terrible condition, and his body a wreck. He could barely walk. His eyes were dull and you could tell he wasn't there.
I happened to be shopping on craigslist one day in search of a new horsey-parnter. My arabian mare is gallant and strong, but still not-arguably old. She may act 3, but she's not. Samone needed to retire, despite how much she may protest to that. So, with a heavy, yet some-what excited heart, I searched the site endlessly. I didn't want much; I didn't expect much. I only had $200.00 from a previous livestock sale I had made, and usually that amount only produces older "pasture pretties" or supposed "green-broke" horses that no one else wants to deal with. I happen to thrive on these project horses. However, I wasn't prepared for what I got myselft into....
We all see it on T.V; the ASPCA commercials with some sad song and black and white photos of diseased and distressed animals left in an irresponsible owners hands. However, when I went to the property to go see this horse, and she said he was skinny, I didn't expect this. My mare had been skinny due to a very, very bad case of diarrhea. She was older and was not an easy keeper anyway, but I brought her back around. I thought this would be no different. I paid her up front and went to see the horse, and at first I didn't think he was that bad....until I brought him home.....
This is the story of Northern Texas- a registered off-track thoroughbred related to the best- including Secretariat, Man O' War and yes, even Seabuiscuit. A could-have-been champion dropped into the hands of a 17 year old girl. This blog is my chance to reach out to people. None of the information I now have was given to me- I reasearched it all. This horse and his story is coming around through hard work, and I believe it's about time people work in this country and take care of things the way they are supposed to. This horse should have been something special. (He is to me....but that's different :P) This blog may not get followers, but at least I can say that I am making an effort to make a difference, not only in Tex's life, but in the lives of other horses and animals like him.
