Sporting Road

Racing speeds of quarter horses, thoroughbreds and Arabians

B D Nielsen 1, K K Turner, B A Ventura, A D Woodward, C I O'Connor Affiliations expand PMID: 17402407DOI: 10.1111/j.2042-3306.2006.tb05528.x Abstract Reasons for performing study: While Quarter Horses are recognised as the fastest breed of horse, direct comparisons to race times with other breeds can be misleading. Quarter Horse races begin when the starting gates open. Thoroughbred and Arabian races begin a short distance from the gates after horses have started running. This study compared speeds of these breeds as they accelerate from the starting gates and during the middle and end of races. Objectives: To compare racing speeds of the 3 breeds, and to compare speeds during various segments of the races. Methods: Video tapes of races were obtained from a local track. The various race segments were viewed and the winning horse timed by 5 individuals. Fastest and slowest times were removed and the 3 remaining times averaged. Results: Quarter Horses averaged faster speeds than Thoroughbreds even when Thoroughbreds were raced at a distance (402 m) similar to Quarter Horse races. Both breeds were substantially faster than Arabians. Quarter Horses racing 336 m or less gained speed in each segment of the race while Arabians and Thoroughbreds racing 1006 m ran fastest during the middle of the race and had decreased their speed in the final segment of the race. Conclusions: Despite similar race times reported for 402 m, Quarter Horses averaged faster speeds than Thoroughbreds when timed from a standing start. In short races, both breeds accelerate throughout the race. Arabians, despite being known for endurance, had slowed by the end of the race. Potential relevance: This study demonstrates that Quarter Horses achieve faster racing speeds than do other breeds. It also reveals a potential flaw in race-riding strategy as a more consistent pace throughout

By Sporting Road|August 30th, 2022|Categories: polo|Comments Off

The Elusive Snipe

snipe-the-best-kept-secret-in-the-uplandsDownload The Latin name for the snipe found in Colorado is Gallinago delicata, known as the Wilson's Snipe. There is no "greater" or "lesser" snipe species in Colorado, although the Wilson's Snipe was once considered a subspecies of the Common Snipe (Gallinago gallinago).Here is a breakdown of the names and the differences between the species:Wilson's Snipe: This is the species found in North America and Colorado. Its Latin name is Gallinago delicata. It was formerly considered a subspecies (Gallinago gallinago delicata) of the Common Snipe.Common Snipe: This Old World species (Gallinago gallinago) is native to Europe and Asia.Greater Snipe: This species (Gallinago media) is not found in North America. It is a larger species of snipe native to the Old World, and is referred to as the Great Snipe. The Latin name for the snipe found in Colorado is Gallinago delicata, known as the Wilson's Snipe. There is no "greater" or "lesser" snipe species in Colorado, although the Wilson's Snipe was once considered a subspecies of the Common Snipe (Gallinago gallinago). Here is a breakdown of the names and the differences between the species:Wilson's Snipe: This is the species found in North America and Colorado. Its Latin name is Gallinago delicata. It was formerly considered a subspecies (Gallinago gallinago delicata) of the Common Snipe.Common Snipe: This Old World species (Gallinago gallinago) is native to Europe and Asia.Greater Snipe: This species (Gallinago media) is not found in North America. It is a larger species of snipe native to the Old World, and is referred to as the Great Snipe. Once the punchline of a childhood campfire prank, Wilson’s snipe has emerged as one of the uplands' most overlooked yet rewarding game birds. Blending the wetland settings

By Sporting Road|August 18th, 2022|Categories: Hunting, Wingshooting|Comments Off

When Did Oil Changes Get So Expensive

Oil is now over $30 for 5 gallons of full synthetic and a full synthetic oil change is now $130 at Jiffy Lube and other places. I prefer local places, such as Castle Rock Imports or Berkenkotter Garage, or Les Schwab. Or do it yourself, see bottom of the page. For diesel or Porsche type vehicles, it is well over $170 per oil change as of 2025. Conventional Oil: Many customers still prefer the lower cost and familiarity of conventional motor oil, particularly if their vehicle isn’t subject to severe driving conditions, such as dirty/dusty roads, lots of short trips, driving in extreme heat or cold, and towing heavy loads. High Mileage Oil: Specially designed for vehicles with over 75,000 miles. Helps keep engines that have been around the block a few times running better, longer by reducing oil burn-off, oil leaks and gradual loss of compression. Synthetic Blend Oil: A mixture of synthetic and conventional oils that serves as a midpoint between the two: better protection and performance than conventional oil can provide, especially in severe driving conditions, but not as good as a full synthetic oil. Synthetic Oil (AKA “Full Synthetic Motor Oil”): Specially formulated motor oil made for the highest levels of protection and performance for ultimate peace of mind. More and more vehicle manufacturers today require it. See if yours is one of them. Included in the Jiffy Lube Signature Service® Oil Change: Change:Oil with up to five quarts of quality motor oilOil filter Inspect Key Components:Antifreeze/coolant reservoir levelsEngine air filtration systemSerpentine beltsBrake fluid level (in transparent reservoirs)Wiper bladesExterior lightsChassis (lubricate when applicable) Check and Fill:Tire pressuresTransmission/transaxle fluidDifferential/transfer case fluidPower steering fluidWindshield washer fluidBattery water (excluding sealed batteries) Clean:Exterior windows Do it yourself? This makes

By Sporting Road|August 8th, 2022|Categories: Uncategorized|Comments Off

The Full Catastrophe

“Are you married?” asks Basil Alexis Zorba in the movie “Zorba, the Greek”. "Am I not a man? And is not a man stupid? I'm a man, so I'm married. Wife, children, house - everything. The full catastrophe." But once the storm is over you won't remember how you made it through, how you managed to survive. You won't even be sure, in fact, whether the storm is really over. But one thing is certain---when you come out of the storm, you won't be the same person who walked in. Once you realized everything changes, there is nothing to hold on to. https://youtu.be/bPsVM2N7hUo When you fully trust someone without any doubt, you finally get one of two results: A person for life or A lesson for life. Are you in a relationship, or are you in an entanglement? A relationship is one in which both people are free to be themselves, yet there is no shortage of intimacy. No fear that doing what you love or being who you are or taking time for yourself will drive the other person away. In a relationship, neither person needs the other to “complete” them. Both people are awake to themselves, their feelings and thoughts, and are open to the flow of love and attention with one another. It’s about two equals celebrating together rather than “needing” something from the other. In short, a relationship like this is one where both people are in harmony. And that’s exactly what it feels like: in tune, relaxed, and just plain fun. Entanglements, on the other hand, look and feel very different. Signs You’re In An Entanglement Entanglements may look like a relationship on the surface. You might spend a lot

By Sporting Road|July 18th, 2022|Categories: Uncategorized|Comments Off

Doing Laundry and Washing Whites

Many people are curious about our close father–daughter relationship. Some have even said it seems more like a sibling dynamic. That isn’t quite accurate, but it gives a sense of what it’s like when you help shape your child into a kind of shared reflection of yourself—close friends who genuinely enjoy each other’s company and the everyday activities we do together. That includes everything from field sports like polo to ordinary chores, including laundry. Advice for my daughter doing laundry in college Doing laundry in college can feel like a challenge at first, but it’s generally easier than it seems. Anyone can learn to do it well. The key is to read labels, sort carefully, and take your time. For detergents, I like Tide for whites along with about 1/4 cup of Clorox bleach. I use Free & Clear for everything else. For stains, OxiClean tends to work better than Spray & Wash for pre-treatment on grass and other marks. Preparation Preparing to wash clothes often takes more time than the washing itself, but it’s a simple process once you learn it. Start by reading clothing labels, especially on anything valuable or delicate. Fancy dresses, button-down shirts, or specialty fabrics often need dry cleaning. Always check tags carefully (usually inside the neck, waist, or side seam) to avoid damage. Anything requiring a specific temperature or special care should be separated from the rest. Next, sort new clothes separately. Freshly purchased items tend to bleed dye, whether they are dark colors like black and navy or bright colors like white and green. Wash new clothes on their own the first time to avoid staining other items. Then separate by color: Darks: blacks, blues, browns, denim

By Sporting Road|June 21st, 2022|Categories: Foxhunting, polo, Ranching, Uncategorized|Comments Off

Western Saddles

We almost never ride western, preferring polo, foxhunting or show jumping (English) saddles for various disciplines and for cross country terrain. However, there are times when a western saddle is more suitable or secure for training young horses. And certainly, if you going to rope, rein, cut or do ranch work, you can't do that in an English saddle. But let's face it, Western saddles are not generally very comfortable for more than just short rides, but with the help of our friends, we discovered that not all western saddles are alike, in fact there are more options than you can shake a stick at, which makes western saddles confusing to many if not all English riders or other newcomers to the Western seat. Here are the differences. This is the story of our search for the perfect western saddles for our purposes, which are probably radically different than most Western riders, but we are mostly looking for a saddle that rides English but looks Western. Martin Saddlery definitely makes some of the best western saddles and South Texas Tack is one of the best places to get them. First, you have to decide what type of saddle, as described by saddleupcolorado.net the abbreviated list is as follows: 1. All Around Saddles All-around saddles live up to their name. They are one of the most versatile saddles out there and can be used in just about every discipline. They are designed for anything! You can use an all-around saddle for ranching, roping, barrel racing, trail riding, and more. These saddles have a strong and stout horn so you are able to rope out of them or even drag cows with it. It is also equipped

By Sporting Road|February 4th, 2022|Categories: Foxhunting, Ranching, Uncategorized|Comments Off

Saint Nicolas De Myre – The French Santa

The tradition of Santa is based, at least in part, on a real man, St. Nicholas of Myra. Born in Turkey to wealthy parents who died young, Nicolas gave his inheritance to the poor and needy. One of the best-known legends of Nicholas is that of a man who had three daughters and not enough money to provide dowries for them. It is said that Nicholas walked by the house and threw a bag of gold through the window (or alternatively, down the chimney) on three consecutive nights. The custom is that on the night of December the 5th, children place their shoes beside the fireplace or at the door. By morning, their little shoes are filled with chocolates, candies, nuts and fruits. Then during the day of the 6th, a little donkey donkey carries baskets filled with biscuits and sweets into the village.

By Sporting Road|December 13th, 2021|Categories: France|Comments Off

Tanning a Deer Hide

In this manner, how do you prepare a deer hide for tanning? Scrape every particle of fat and flesh from the hide with a knife. Begin the tanning process or preserve it with a generous layer of non-iodized salt. Salted hides can be air dried until the onset of warm weather, or frozen. Soak the skin in water in a plastic garbage can until it softens, changing the water often. How do I tan a hide with the hair on? Salting is what sets the hair and keeps the hide from decaying. Lay the hide out flat, flesh side up. Rub the salt into the hide. If the cape has been tube skinned, turn it over and salt the other side of the cape. Applying salt on the hair side is not necessary.

By Sporting Road|December 9th, 2021|Categories: Hunting|Comments Off

Smarty Jones and Shesasmartypants

American Pharoah’s beautiful photo on the cover of Sports Illustrated marked only the third time a horse has graced the front of that magazine in the last 50 years. Smarty Jones got the cover in 2004 and Mine That Bird got it in 2009 after the Kentucky Derby. Smarty Jones (February 28, 2001) is a champion Thoroughbred racehorse who won the 2004 Kentucky Derby and Preakness Stakes and came second in the Belmont Stakes. He captured hearts around America. Smarty Jones was America's most loved horse in recent memory. He was one of only three horses to ever grace the cover of Sports Illustrated in the last 50 years and probably the most memorable, because people loved his humble beginnings and his name. We are excited to have Smarty Jones's daughter in our polo string, Shesasmartypants, and she is off to a great start in that career, just like her father was in racing. https://youtu.be/4wIfGJKXNtU https://horsenetwork.com/2015/11/legend-smarty-jonesutm_sourcefb-racingutm_mediumsocialutm_campaignsmarty-jones/ Smarty Jones and Shesasmartypants, his filly Now comes the time for just putting on mileage, which is what makes a polo pony. Here is the Argentine way of making polo ponies... https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Nx9RoXvCcio

By Sporting Road|October 6th, 2021|Categories: Uncategorized|Comments Off

A Day at the Races, Behind the Scenes

Shesasmartypants by Smarty Jones gets a bucket of oats Racehorses Get A Lot of Exercise They get turned out walking on a hot walker for 20-45 minutes once or twice a day. They get galloped, breezed or worked (each is progressively faster and the work is a timed workout reported to the track which must be completed twice in 60 days if the horse hasn't been raced in 6 months, and every 6 months thereafter for horses actively racing). And they share a lot of useful remedies with other disciplines to keep horses sound, but they have some of their own. Their Bits are All Snaffles Racehorses Eat A Lot Fiber is an energy source that is often overlooked in horse nutrition. Horses have a highly developed hindgut that houses billions of bacteria and protozoa capable of fermenting large quantities of fiber. The end products of fiber fermentation can be used as energy sources throughout the day because fermentation continues long after a meal has been eaten. Racehorses are generally fed unlimited hay, which amounts to a staggering 15-20 lb (a whole small bale) per day of clean grass hay such as timothy or oaten hay. Smaller quantities of alfalfa hay (2-4 lb or 0.9 to 1.8 kg per day) may also be offered. This level of hay intake will meet the racehorse’s maintenance DE requirement and help protect against gastric ulcers and colic. Feeding hay alone would leave the racehorse with an energy deficit of around 15-20 Mcal DE, and this must be supplied from other energy sources. Traditionally, these extra calories needed to fuel the racehorse were supplied by straight cereal grains such as oats, corn, and barley. The main fuel source in

By Sporting Road|October 6th, 2021|Categories: Hunting, polo|Comments Off

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