Wednesday, December 31, 2008

HAPPY BIRTHDAY AIRBORNE

Every January 1st thoroughbreds automatically turn one year older. Airborne is 27+ which is amazingly old for a horse. He's still being ridden and still jumps when the mood strikes him. I've owned him for over 20 years.

He's able to shy and bolt and unseat a rider even at his age. He's done everything from hunters and jumpers to musical kurs to combined training in his lifetime. And he's a mystery.
One that I'm trying to solve.
Thoroughbreds have an upper lip tattoo if they've been on the track. His is practically unreadable. I know his sire : Sensitive Music but little else except that he was most likely foaled in '81 or '82 and raced on the west coast until a bowed tendon sidelined him.
So I'm trying to research his lineage and race record with the help of the jockey club and my friends who showed with me in the '80's.
Why?
Because it's been a mystery for as long as I've owned him and it has something to do with my next novel.
And I want to find out.
It compels me this curiosity. The very same curiosity and desire that makes a reader not want to put down a book. That makes a reader turn each page until they get to the end.
That's why.
So here's to 2009.
And the solution to Airborne's past.
And we both wish a happy new year to all bloggers!
May you attain just enough of your goals to give you heart to continue but not all of them so you still have something to aim for.
Much aloha and see you next year!

16 comments:

dan radke said...

Happy New Year!

Joanne said...

Have you read the memoir Chosen By A Horse by Susan Richards? Very moving story, you might enjoy it.

Happy New Year to you!

suzanneelizabeths.com said...

Have a wonderful new year! THis sounds like a compelling addition to your next novel, I can't wait to read it!

Kim Rossi Stagliano said...

Happy New Year!! Here's to a wonderful '09 for all of us. Health, security, family, love, personal satisfaction.

Kim

ORION said...

yup joanne I have read all horsy books...it's a compulsion...

writtenwyrdd said...

Wow, 27 is a good age for a horse to reach, and he looks like he's going strong still. Have a happy new year and I hope you aren't too hung over in the morning. That might not be too lovely, shipboard!

Madison said...

Oh, he is so BESUTIFUL! I'm a TOTAL horse person and wish I could have one, but alas, finances and complicated scheduale.

Happy New Year!! :D

Sarah Laurence said...

Pat, Happy New Year and have fun on the trails.

Holly Kennedy said...

Yay! 2009 has arrived.
May it be a good one for you, Pat.

Michelle O'Neil said...

Much aloha back at ya! Happy 2009!

Aprilynne Pike said...

And here's to your new book which I am SO excited to read!!!

Sustenance Scout said...

A historical mystery with a personal twist...can't wait to read more, Pat! Happy New Year from Denver! K.

BClark said...

He is truly magnificent. Have you thought of taking a picture of the tat and seeing if somehow it can be enhanced by the computer?? 20 years, such a long road together.

Wishing you wonderful things in the New Year, thank you for sharing so much with us.

Kaha said...

http://www.pedigreequery.com/sensitive+music

Barbara Martin said...

Happy New Year, and here's your present...a link to Sensitive Music's full pedigree:
http://www.allbreedpedigree.com/sensitive+music

The lines listed may not be accurate but at least it will give you an idea what is in your horse's background. From what I've seen it's all black type. And since Man'o War is close up I think your boy will make it to his mid-30s easy.

Sandra Cormier said...

He's so handsome -- I wish I could paint him. He looks like my sister in law's jumper Gemini.

I stumbled on an online thoroughbred geneology site a couple of years ago -- sires, dams, etc. I wish I knew where to find it.

Next book is with horsies! Yay!