Some of you have been wondering how the race went and wanted more details so I wrote up the "play-by-play" ... Ok so here's my news!!! I was still flying high on adrenaline when I wrote this ... :)))

There were 7 Minis in a special Miniature Horse Race on the Saturday night (September 29, 2007) at the Hanover Harness Raceway. They only made us do 1/4 mile so it wasn't too hard for everyone. It was my first race ... I took my 14 year old, 34" gelding, "Binger", in it and really didn't expect to do well since he is a Country Pleasure Horse and very laid back (I had wanted to take my 36" Fly mare, who has an amazing extended trot and energy to burn, but she wasn't in condition since she's been on "maternity leave" all show season).

I'd been working on training Binger to move out at a maximum "racing" trot for the last few weeks before the race and every time I did, he'd be so confused and put his ears back and then often break into a canter and/or drop back quickly into his usual pleasure trot as soon as I stopped using my voice to move him on. I wasn't expecting much and was in it for the fun anyway...

WELL! Once we got behind the gate car and it started moving away from us, he went into this amazing extended trot (I'm sure he thought the car looked like the feed delivery vehicle and had treats in it for him <grin>). He was quickly ahead of all the other horses except for the horse that was expected to win (she won last year and has the fastest roadster trot of any horse up here ...) and then we were neck and neck. I was in shock and was holding him back expecting him to break any second but he really didn't feel like he was going to so I let him move out even more ... We were coming into the first turn and all of a sudden, Binger just moved out even more and we passed the other mare! The driver of the mare (who is also my friend and knows Binger's laid back ways) blurted out, "Binger! What's he doing?? He looks incredible!!!" (I think she was as shocked as I was at how amazing he was). I just said, "I dunno but this is amazing I can't believe it!"

Again I was afraid we were going to blow it and break so I held him back. Coming into the home stretch we were back and forth for the winning position and then I let him out at the last minute hoping he would not break into a canter; he didn't!!! :))) Keep in mind this was all happening in a very short time frame as we only ran a 1/4 mile so you can tell by the attached picture that I was quite shocked when I realized we won as we crossed the finish line and did it in a time of 1:59.3 :)

It was an amazing experience and once again, my beloved Binger gave me his all and worked his little heart for me. He proved that there is basically nothing he won't try to do for me if I ask him. Wow what a boy he is! I love him to bits!

Thanks for letting me share!!!