Beyer article/my new philosophy(long)

[Storm Cadet]

Originally Posted by Cannon Shell

I think it is amusing that no one (except me, naturally) points out that the campaigning of 2 year olds has dramatically changed which can also point to horses making less starts as a whole. In the 60's it was not uncommon for a 2 year old to have as many as 7 or 8 starts, not that different than the other age groups. Now it is rare for a 2 year old to make more than 2 or 3 starts.

My reply agreeing with you last week Chuck, your not alone!
"Physiology is physiology, equine and human...when did the equine set start thinking that less is better? Why don't we breeze younger horses for longer distances to work up to the classic distances? Secretariat raced 8 times as a 2yo and many of those races were at 8.5f. Affirmed raced NINE times as a 2yo and ran the San Anita Derby at 9F and the Holleywood Derby at 10F in California prior to Churchill Downs. So in years past, a foundation was layed down."

Originally Posted by Storm Cadet

My reply agreeing with you last week Chuck, your not alone!
"Physiology is physiology, equine and human...when did the equine set start thinking that less is better? Why don't we breeze younger horses for longer distances to work up to the classic distances? Secretariat raced 8 times as a 2yo and many of those races were at 8.5f. Affirmed raced NINE times as a 2yo and ran the San Anita Derby at 9F and the Holleywood Derby at 10F in California prior to Churchill Downs. So in years past, a foundation was layed down."

Sorry, but running humans hard on a track too early and often (before bone and muscle is fully developed is a recipe for disaster). Ive seen this happen way too many times with kids in AAU with parents that want track stars.

[Storm Cadet]

Originally Posted by pgardn

Sorry, but running humans hard on a track too early and often (before bone and muscle is fully developed is a recipe for disaster). Ive seen this happen way too many times with kids in AAU with parents that want track stars.

I agree, I only reposted the part of my reply last week to Chuck regarding equine. I did go into detail about human sports physiology also! I didn't want to repost that here!

BTW, I'm on several national sports medicine boards (USA Gymnastics, USA Swimming, NCAA, Big East Conference ect) that does research and makes recommendations for sports safety of our youth and young adults. Interesting stuff.

[Danzig]

i don't think breeding is the only problem, but i think it's partly responsible.

as for two year olds, they are doing a horse no favor to baby him, and then expect him to be ready for the rigors of racing a few months later. used to be that these horses spent most of their time outdoors, running free in the pasture, until it was time for school to start. but no more of that. horses don't look to good in the auction ring if they're not treated like hot house flowers, kept inside, impeccably groomed. and then they start working for a living and the wheels fall off.
it's a combination of factors. sellers are trying to produce what they feel buyers want. but they forget this isn't a show ring, it's racing they're buying and selling for.

[Cannon Shell]

Originally Posted by Storm Cadet

My reply agreeing with you last week Chuck, your not alone!
"Physiology is physiology, equine and human...when did the equine set start thinking that less is better? Why don't we breeze younger horses for longer distances to work up to the classic distances? Secretariat raced 8 times as a 2yo and many of those races were at 8.5f. Affirmed raced NINE times as a 2yo and ran the San Anita Derby at 9F and the Holleywood Derby at 10F in California prior to Churchill Downs. So in years past, a foundation was layed down."

Yes you did!