War Emblem to Old Friends

[ASB_Stars]

[QUOTE=LaurieB;8240171]
Ferdinand’s death happened more than a dozen years ago, was due to cultural differences between the U.S. and Japan, and was a huge loss of face for the Japanese. Something like that will never happen again to a famous American horse in Japan so there’s no point in people continuing to bring it up like it’s a current problem. Most of the retirees that are repatriated are in much better hands there than they are here.[/QUOTE]

That is a bit naïve. It is precisely because of Ferdinand that the horses come home. It may be more than a dozen years ago, and therefore, it is no longer important to you, but that simply isn’t the case for most of us. While the care there, in your opinion, may exceed that of what they are given here, I have no proof of that. As stallions standing stud, I am sure that they are wonderfully cared for- as retirees, I do not know. But here? They are conquering heroes, returning home.

[caryledee]

I find it ironic that Japan gets all the criticism for Ferdinand and people seem to have forgotten about the same fate happening to Exceller in Sweden. So much fanfare is made when a horse returns from Japan, but is anyone monitoring the stallions in other countries?

[findeight]

I find it ironic people forget what happens here in the good old USA, especially to non superstar horses that get used up on the track or the breeding shed and face the same fate. Today, not 30 years ago, right under their noses.

Why don’t they direct their passion in that direction instead of act like rock star groupies or tweeners with a crush on a movie or TV star?

[LaurieB]

[QUOTE=ASB Stars;8240612]
That is a bit naïve. It is precisely because of Ferdinand that the horses come home. It may be more than a dozen years ago, and therefore, it is no longer important to you, but that simply isn’t the case for most of us. While the care there, in your opinion, may exceed that of what they are given here, I have no proof of that. As stallions standing stud, I am sure that they are wonderfully cared for- as retirees, I do not know. But here? They are conquering heroes, returning home.[/QUOTE]

What is naive is your statement about these returning horses being treated like conquering heros. That means you’ve read the PR, just like you were meant to do. But once the cameras stop rolling and the donations generated by a famous new horse stop rolling in, the reality of those old stallions’ lives is very different than you probably think.

The time frame of Ferdinand’s death is immaterial. What matters are the changes that were put into effect at that point regarding the welfare of TBs that are sold to Japan. Do you know any Japanese Thoroughbred breeders? Have you spoken with them about this issue? Have you visited War Emblem’s new home? If not, after you do those things we should talk again about who is naive.

[ASB_Stars]

[QUOTE=caryledee;8240644]
I find it ironic that Japan gets all the criticism for Ferdinand and people seem to have forgotten about the same fate happening to Exceller in Sweden. So much fanfare is made when a horse returns from Japan, but is anyone monitoring the stallions in other countries?[/QUOTE]

I believe that visibility on these issues, and the public’s being aware of the slaughter issue really came about because of these tragedies. Is it a great situation? No. But at least people are conscious, and organizations like Re-Run, and Canter, and Old Friends have some traction to make like better for horses.

[ASB_Stars]

[QUOTE=LaurieB;8240714]
What is naive is your statement about these returning horses being treated like conquering heros. That means you’ve read the PR, just like you were meant to do. But once the cameras stop rolling and the donations generated by a famous new horse stop rolling in, the reality of those old stallions’ lives is very different than you probably think.

The time frame of Ferdinand’s death is immaterial. What matters are the changes that were put into effect at that point regarding the welfare of TBs that are sold to Japan. Do you know any Japanese Thoroughbred breeders? Have you spoken with them about this issue? Have you visited War Emblem’s new home? If not, after you do those things we should talk again about who is naive.[/QUOTE]

You make my point, again, that Ferdinand’s death actually made some positive changes occur. It was a starting point.

But, if you want to tell me that you know that the lives of all of the Thoroughbred stallions who are retired in Japan is better than that of those TB studs here, also retired, I will rely on your expertise. :lol:

[LaurieB]

This is a discussion about the retirement of millionaire Bluesthestandard at Old Friends. His trainer tried to put him in the best possible hands and he ended up dead (after they rehomed him without the knowledge of his donor) under circumstances that were never explained.

http://thoroughbredchampions.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=3&t=2980

[omare]

I think a difference between the “rock” stars and the claimers is for one thing–the rock stars might have actually earned enough to have a pensioned life if the person that got the earnings-through racing and breedings-- had put some aside for that purpose --andiof course the other difference is it is bad PR to have rock stars at slaughterhouses or worse.

It is nice when old owners pay expenses to bring a rock star horse home but --unless they gifted a lump of money–which they might have-- the pensioned life at OF is dependent upon donations. I realize the rock star attracts donations (to keep the rock stars?) but it seems something is off with ths picture. You would think if a horse earns you a million dollars gross you could afford to pay for the retirement?

[Toadie_s_mom]

Quite

@LaurieB;8240746

This is a discussion about the retirement of millionaire Bluesthestandard at Old Friends. His trainer tried to put him in the best possible hands and he ended up dead (after they rehomed him without the knowledge of his donor) under circumstances that were never explained.

http://thoroughbredchampions.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=3&t=2980

I did not know this about Bluesthestandard,nor did I know about this “outsourcing” practice of Old Friends. I may rethink my donations.

[Pronzini]

[QUOTE=Toadie’s mom;8241686]
Quite
I did not know this about Bluesthestandard,nor did I know about this “outsourcing” practice of Old Friends. I may rethink my donations.[/QUOTE]

I didn’t know about it either. I really liked that horse. And incidentally he was a rock star here in California.

[ASB_Stars]

I do not have a problem if they are placing horses into high quality homes. It simply allows them to give more horses soft landings. However, if their reach exceeds their grasp, that I take issue with.

I have always thought that Old Friends was a project started Michael Blowen with the best of intentions. He might have been a novice, but hopefully is being guided by some great talent in the form of their Vets, etc. I sincerely hope that their learning curve has improved, because their existence does raise peoples awareness of the breed, and their needs.

[caryledee]

Did they ever find out what happened to Bluestandard?

[erroneous]

Any update on War Emblem?

[Texarkana]

[QUOTE=erroneous;8356771]
Any update on War Emblem?[/QUOTE]

He’s in the US and in quarantine!!!

[skydy]

[QUOTE=rascalpony;8240060]

However, because Charismatic, I’ll Have Another and Empire Maker are all currently in Japan. I will be shocked if all three don’t eventually return, especially the former two, who both won two legs of the Crown.[/QUOTE]

Empire Maker is returning to Kentucky to stand at Gainesway . http://www.bloodhorse.com/horse-racing/articles/94775/empire-maker-coming-home-to-kentucky

[rascalpony]

Empire Maker is returning to Kentucky to stand at Gainesway . http://www.bloodhorse.com/horse-raci...me-to-kentucky

I saw that He is gorgeous. He produced some nice foals - here anyway. It sounds like he didn’t produce what they expected in Japan. I’m still mad at him for taking the Belmont away from Funny Cide lol. But he is a quality stallion and I’m glad to see him home. He’ll probably have some nice sport horses running around in a few years, as well. If I had to guess, they’ll probably be temperamental like him, but oh-so-talented :yes:

[Texarkana]

[QUOTE=rascalpony;8358334]
I saw that He is gorgeous. He produced some nice foals - here anyway. It sounds like he didn’t produce what they expected in Japan. I’m still mad at him for taking the Belmont away from Funny Cide lol. But he is a quality stallion and I’m glad to see him home. He’ll probably have some nice sport horses running around in a few years, as well. If I had to guess, they’ll probably be temperamental like him, but oh-so-talented :yes:[/QUOTE]

Not true. They were quite happy with him in Japan, but after the Triple Crown win, they got more US offers than they could ignore. Basically, they swayed him from us to begin with by making an offer to good to refuse, then we swayed him back here.

http://www.bloodhorse.com/horse-racing/articles/94839/empire-maker-was-never-for-sale

[Shammy_Davis]

[QUOTE=Howlin’Wolf;8238331]
Too bad they can’t just turn him out with some mares
But I bet they tried that.
Maybe the horse “KNOWS” he shouldn’t reproduce!!
Let’s all ask the Chromies!! <duckind-n-running>[/QUOTE]

http://www.thehorse.com/articles/14310/pasture-breeding-nature-at-work

The chromies won’t know.

[Texarkana]

I wonder if they will alter the CEM quarantine protocol for him, because traditionally stallions coming from CEM countries need to cover 2 mares as evidence that they don’t carry the disease.

Getting War Emblem to cover 2 mares might not be an easy task… or else he wouldn’t be back here!

[rascalpony]

Not true. They were quite happy with him in Japan, but after the Triple Crown win, they got more US offers than they could ignore. Basically, they swayed him from us to begin with by making an offer to good to refuse, then we swayed him back here.

Haha, that’s funny. I was sure I read that EM was slightly disappointing as a sire in Japan in one of the articles about him coming home. Oh, the media! After the foal crop he had over here (which was pretty good), I was a little surprised to read that. Good to know he produced well in Japan because he is just SO nicely bred, for anything really.

Can’t be too surprised he’s coming home after the TC - they must’ve gotten some incredible offers.

And EM’s temperament match War Emblem is home, hmm? Can’t wait til he’s at Old Friends. All indications are that he’ll be well off of the regular farm tour trail, but I’d love to see a few photos of him in the paddock Can’t forget seeing him and calling him as Derby winner - and being right.