Beyond the Track. Anna Morgan Ford

      ■ Foreword by Karen O’Connor

      It has been my privilege to ride and compete horses for much of my life. Horses have the ability to teach people wonderful virtues, and I can say, quite honestly, I would have been a very different individual without them. The one thing that always amazes me is the number of things horses can do with their talents at the hands of man. They are an incredibly versatile species.

      For centuries, the racing industry has been breeding Thoroughbreds. Breeders have continually improved upon the horse’s natural instinct and ability to run. Many studies have been done to develop horses for different distances. With all this attention on the specifics of the well-bred racing machine, other attributes and talents have come through collaterally: with the powerful engine for the gallop also came the ability to jump high and move gracefully, as well as fantastic lung capacity for endurance purposes. And, possibly the most intangible—and valuable—attribute of all, is the great heart and “try” these horses possess.

      Horse racing is “as American as apple pie.” Racing crosses all barriers. It is a part of our American heritage. Even during the Great Depression, horse racing was an integral part of life and source of financial stability for many. The phrase “bet the farm” had true meaning at that time, and all hopes would hinge on a special horse bringing it home for a single family and their survival.

      With these kinds of pressures on an industry, it is no surprise that the number of horses racing has grown exponentially. There are more racehorses than ever, and there is more talent out there, too.

      Most Thoroughbreds have completed their racing careers about the same time others are just getting started. I have been lucky enough to benefit from the talents of many of these horses leaving racing and starting second