Well, this SWEET. On Monday eve (August 1st), Thoroughbred trainer, Gary Contessa posted this request, for a loving, forever home for one of his horses, Jeremy’s Song:
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“Ok, I have the biggest, soundest, kindest, most expensive yearling (285,000), guaranteed to be an amazing riding horse, jumper, friend and lifetime partner for adoption to the right person. If you want him tell me about yourself. I am looking for the perfect person for a horse (gelding) I wish I could keep myself.” I (scribe of this news piece) grabbed Gary’s plea, and posted it all over my own Facebook pages; my LinkedIn and Google+ pages. Gary will not give or sell a horse to someone whom he believes will ultimately cause any harm to that horse–and I admire that strong effort, absolutely. If I may help in any way–however small–I’ll do it.
Like, cross-posting in social media.
Lo and behold–less than two days later, Helen Thomas James, a horsewoman/owner/all-around saint– went to Gary’s barn. Talked to Gary. She went in person because she knows Gary–and she knows that he’s NOT about to entrust a horse to anyone who doesn’t pass his test.
The conversation was smooth, I’m sure, because the two DO know each other, professionally and personally. But still, Gary had to vet her. and Helen understands and respects his caution.
An hour or so later–Jeremy’s Song belonged to Katerina James, Helen’s wonderful, sweet, kind equestrian daughter. (It happens that Katerina is an intern at Gary’s barn–she rides, and has ridden for years. But there’s a big diff between riding wearing a velvet helmet and mucking stalls. Yeah, bo. Katerina, who intends to be lifelong horsewoman professionally, wants to experience it all, from the muck, up.)
So, now Jeremy’s Song is on his way to a new life–a new career–and a family of people who have promised always to love and care for him. And Gary knows that they will keep their word.
So, in response to owners, trainers and others who throw away horses…who say that it’s impossible to find another home for a horse…Gary’s actions and the quick response of Helen…with the miracle of the Internet…indicate that, well, that argument that “…It’s too hard…” to re-home a horse…is nonsense.
Nice try, would-be horse tossers–that argument went out with yesterday’s news. With the silly notion that women can’t be jockeys. With the idea that horses are disposable.
Yes, it CAN be done. If Gary, with his wildly busy schedule (especially during Saratoga) can take the time and emotional energy to do it–ANYone can.
Horses are not disposable. Jeremy’s Song was not disposable, and Gary Contessa drove home the point, in another of his saves. God bless you, Gary Contessa–Helen Thomas James–Katerina James–and of course, God bless YOU, beautiful Jeremy’s Song. Have a wonderful new life, and career, sweet boy. You handsome son of Unbridled Song by Pampered Princess (Indian Charlie)–you always will be loved, valued and, yes–spoiled.
