The Standardbred a Connection a
Focusing on pleasure Standardbreds who are in the public eye.
Eventing! Hunter Paces! and so much more...
The Standardbred Connection May 2017 Edition Eventing by Jane Lutz with Meghan Martin and Amy Moskin
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Harness Talent Show Team and the Standardbred Pleasure and Performance Horse Association of South Australia State Championships by Teesh Coster
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Standardbreds and Hunter Paces...Perfect Together by Suzanne D’Ambrose – SPHO-NJ
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Ohio Standardbreds & Friends at the KY Horse Park
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RUS- NY by Michelle Miller
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BJ’s Dream
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Charles Horace Nelson by Stephen D. Thompson
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Cherokee Stable at the Kentucky Horse Park
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Rock the Nest
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Cover Image: Lindon’s Rose Me N and Meghan Martin play on the beach.
We’ve moved! The Standardbred Connection is now located in Lexington, Kentucky. If you are visiting the Kentucky Horse Park, the Red Mile or another Lexington landmark and would like to say hello drop us a line at STBConnection@Gmail.com.
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EVENTING Jane Lutz with Meghan Martin and Amy Moskin
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venting (also known as horse trials) combines dressage, cross country, and show jumping and is the ultimate test of horse and rider. Eventing has also been called the "equine triathalon" as it has 3 distinct phases that test the horse and rider on both the flat and over fences. Eventing has its roots in the military cavalry tradition, which required a strong yet scopey horse that had both endurance and obedience. The sport has grown a lot since it's early days of challenging the cavalry horse with the sport quickly becoming a favorite with spectators and features horse and rider teams that can be seen competing from the local show scene, up to international and Olympic fields. The sport of eventing continues to evolve, and as it evolves, a new breed is making itself known.....the Standardbred.
and setting the foundation upon which the jumping portions require. Dressage helps to teach the horse to lengthen and shorten strides, which is crucial when approaching jumps. Dressage also teaches the horse suppleness and strength along with obedience to the rider. Cross country tests the endurance and scope as the horse and rider navigates between 2 to 4 miles of 24-36 of solid fences, and some with water for good measure. Cross country demands a smart yet bold horse but also a horse with staminia to finish the course with minimal jumping and time faults. The 3rd and final phase is the show jumping phase, which is made up of light rails that are easily knocked down. The 3rd phase of show jumping requires a horse to have endurance and recovery to jump between 12 to 15 fences. Eventing requires an athletic yet sane horse that can go big and bold yet have the suppleness and staminia to go all 3 phases and Eventing starts off with dressage, which originally test- the Standardbred has all these traits required of a good ed the horse for "parade" settings, reviewing troops, eventing horse.
Lindon’s Rose Me N and Meghan Martin practice stadium jumping.
Illusion Offreedom and Amy Moskin perform a dressage test. The Standardbred is first and foremost a racehorse, and Standardbred racing requires a horse that is athletic yet with scope to rate and have turn of foot for the final dash home. The Standardbred also has almost two centuries of endurance bred into the horse, and that also makes for great recovery after a hard effort on the cross country field. The Standardbred, by having driving as a foundation of the breed, has a great brain to go with all that athleticism, which makes the Standardbred a fantastic event horse. Two Standardbred owners were able to share their experiences of eventing with their horses. 1. What got you interested in eventing? What got you interested in the Standardbred for eventing? Meghan Martin: I was always interested in eventing as a little kid, but I grew up in a dressage barn and Charlie, the first Standardbred that I had and trained myself, was definitely more inclined towards dressage so that’s the path we took. When I got Rosey, the second Standardbred that I trained on my own, she made it clear to me quite quickly that she really wanted to jump. I had never really been taught to jump, aside a little jumping for cross training for Charlie, so we learned together. She was brave and bold and had a scopy jump so I popped her over some little logs on the trail. Charlie loved it so we began doing more cross country schooling and training for eventing.
Amy Moskin: It wasn’t until I got my current standardbred, Illusion, that I took the plunge into eventing. I had always admired eventing growing up but had no idea how to get into it competitively. When I first got Illusion I had no intentions of going one direction or another discipline wise. I had a rough start with Illusion getting him to fully enjoy riding, besides trail rides. On a whim, I decided to try him over a small jump. It was as if a spark ignited in his brain. He loved jumping. With every ride he became more enthusiastic whether it was over fences or on the flat. I worked at a boarding barn where most of the riders, including the owner, competed in eventing, jumping or dressage. This was the connection to the local eventing community I was looking for. My boss and the boarders had offered me an endless amount of advice and support. Along with that, my sister and I had taken our horses to her friends who had a field full of cross country jumps. Illusion was a complete natural. He didn’t bat an eye at any of the obstacles. I knew we had found our discipline of choice. 2. What got you interested in the Standardbred for eventing? AM: I owned my first standardbred when I was in high school. I instantly fell in love with the breed and knew from that point on that Standardbreds were my breed of choice. Growing up, I showed my sister’s Clydesdale in contesting and hunter jumping. Clydesdales aren’t well know for their skills in riding events let alone speed
or jumping events. I never thought there was anything her Clydesdale couldn’t do. That thought process carried over to working with Standardbreds. It never even crossed my mind whether or not a Standardbred would be suitable as an eventer. When I first got Illusion, we had a bit of a rough start riding wise. After some trial and error, I soon learned Illusion had a knack for jumping. With his stamina and love for jumping I knew he would be the prefect candidate for eventing.
pushing off from behind, and they are punished if they break into a canter. Additionally, their longer bodies (designed to pull a sulky) can make it more physically difficult for them to learn the canter gait. I’ve noticed my horse being underestimated as a Standardbred, or given credit for being an “exceptional” Standardbred. While I always have thought she was exceptional (I’m biased after all) I do not believe she is one of very few Standardbreds that can event! I’m very fortunate to work with a trainer on our dressage who is familiar with 3. What traits do you like about the Standardbred the breed and who also evented a Standardbred in the for eventing? past, so she has nothing but support and positive things to say. MM: I love the stamina that the breed has. Many are also naturally inclined towards jumping (it is a myth AM: One of the biggest challenges I have with Illusion that Standardbreds can’t canter or jump, most can!) But during eventing is even though he’s not a pacer or bred most of all I love the heart that so many Standardbreds to be a pacer he will occasionally pace when he is nerpossess. There’s only so much you can train heart and vous or excited. He has gotten much better at shows but these horses have a lot of it. All of the Standardbreds since dressage is first he is still a little excited being at a I’ve been on have been honest, had a fantastic work eth- show. He is getting better with every show or event we ic, and always try their hardest. go to but will still break into a pace every now and then. Another challenge we have, which I think attributes to AM: Standardbreds are used to several mile long work- them being so smart, is he tends to think he knows what outs on the track and many after go onto being used as he is doing during dressage tests and anticipates the buggy horses were they take even longer trips on an next move. I have to keep dressage lessons interesting almost daily basis. The stamina required for eventing is to keep him from rushing into our next move. not a problem for them. Illusion can easily drive on a cart ride for 8 miles or more and come back home only to want to continue to work. Standardbreds seem to have an endless amount of energy, I never have to worry if he is becoming tired or over worked at events.Standardbreds are also well known for wanting to please their riders and are often very trustful of them. This makes “scary” obstacles a little more easy to work around. If there’s ever something we haven’t come across before or that Illusion is unsure of, after a little reassuring he will try anything. I have had very little problems with him refusing or hesitating at obstacles. Standardbreds are very smart and can learn new things fairly quickly which comes in handy learning new obstacles. 4. What are some challenges you have with STBs in eventing? Are there any special challenges with STBs in dressage? MM: The biggest challenge I’ve met with Standardbreds in eventing has been in the dressage phase. They are bred and trained from a very young age to keep their bodies straight between the shafts of the sulky, to pull themselves forward from their front ends more than
Illusion Offreedom’s brave heart gives Amy Moskin confidence as they head for larger jumps.
5. Do you think a STB is capable of campaigning 6. What could be done to encourage more eventers at a 2* or even 4* event (like Rolex)? to give a STB a chance? MM: I think with the right training its certainly possible. There have been Standardbreds historically who have competed in the upper levels of the jumper arenas and I think with the right horse (each horse is different after all and not every Thoroughbred can compete at a 2* or 4* level either) and the right training it could happen.
MM: I think that if more people were educated on the training of the breed and the particular quirky things that they tend to do, or the quirks in their gaits, then more eventers may give Standardbreds a chance. I think that, as the racing industry appears to be sadly slowing down here, that some people may see Standardbreds as more than just racehorses and as more people become proficient in training them and campaigning them that AM: Of course. There have been several Standardbred word may spread that they can be great eventing partwho have competed at upper levels of the sport and ners. even into Olympics. Halla was a Standardbred out of a French trotter. She was originally trained for steeple- AM: I think the biggest thing to encourage eventers to chase. She became a successful show jumper win- give standardbred a chance is to offer more spotlight to ning three Olympic gold medals. Another Standard- those competing. I really think something similar to all bred mare, Jenny Camp won individual silver medals the Thoroughbred makeovers needs to be done for the in eventing in the Los Angeles and Berlin Olympics. Standardbred so people can see how versatile the breed Bionic Woman, was a successful international jumper is and that it’s not just a fluke when you see a Standardwho jumped as high as 6’9.” Another, Whiz Bang had bred out there competing. Many people don't see Stanbeen successfully competing a Training Level in dres- dardbred anything more than a harness racer or buggy sage. Jo Pa’s Tycoon is show in Prix St. Georges level horse. I think many people think they are all gaited and dressage. To say a Standardbred couldn’t compete in put them into the category of horse that can't be used the upper levels of eventing would be a severe under- for dressage or jumping. Many Standardbreds are fanstatement! cy movers with a big jump who would make fantastic event mounts.
Lindon’s Rose Me N and Meghan Martin receive positive support from their trainer as they work to find balance in dressage.
Harness Talent Show Team and the Standardbred Pleasure and Performance Horse Association of South Australia State Championships
By Teesh Coster
Photo Credit Project 137 Horse: Rabahero Handler: Teesh Coster
Rabahero, also known as Rabi, went on to win Runner Up State Champion Led Gelding and Weowna Dream, also known as Andy, went on to win State Champion Pleasure Gelding. Simply attending State Championships with my two Standardbreds was an incredible accomplishment and experience. My expectations were further exceeded upon seeing Andy win State Champion Pleasure Gelding and two Runner Up State Champions with Jesse Thiele. I have owned him for the last four years and have successfully educated him to become a trail riding and show horse. The past two years have been difficult with Andy, as he was deemed unsound at the age of 17 and retired in late 2015. He suffered a broken pelvis, severe sacroiliac damage and severe trust issues. While he has overcome these difficulties, he continues to suffer some pain in his hindquarters. Therefore, seeing him carry his rider to a State Champion was unbelievable and will always be one of my favourite memories. Training him to this point has been the most heartbreaking journey and I couldn’t have succeeded without my team of supporters. The purchase of my three Standardbreds has been a life-changing decision and I will keep cherishing every moment.
Photo Credit Project 137 Horse: Weowna Dream Rider / Handler: Jesse Thiele
Standardbreds and Hunter Paces…….. Perfect Together By Suzanne D’Ambrose – SPHO-NJ
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ne of my favorite activities to do with my Standardbred, Indy, is to participate in hunter paces. It has been a team effort with my friend Kate Vogel and her mustang, DeFazio. Her mustang has Morgan DNA so Indy and DeFazio trot the entire marked trail at a continuous trot, comfortably. Indy is
a trotter and it is the gait he and I love best. Where I live in New Jersey, I see many Standardbreds at hunter paces and they do well. Every gait is seen. Most hunter paces are 6-9 miles, and Standardbreds can trot forever! What are hunter paces? A hunter pace is a competition involving horses and riders, where a trail (course)
is marked for horses and riders to follow. On the day of the competition, early in the morning, the hosts of the event send an experienced horse and rider to ride the trail as fast as it is safely possible to do so. The pace time is the ideal time to ride safely, but quickly, the set trail. When the competitors arrive they are sent out in teams of two or three to ride the trail. At some rides, a checkpoint is along the ride to ensure that the riders are staying on course and are not overworking their horses. Each group of riders is timed. Riders are penalized for either, riding too fast and beating the pace time, or too slow and taking longer than the pace time. The group to come closest to the pace time wins the competition, whether over or under the "pace" time. For those that prefer a slower pace, many competitions include a “pleasure pace” division. It is good for beginner riders and those that wish to enjoy more of a walk with a little trotting. A separate ideal time is set for the slower pace. Some riders that have senior horses will enter the pleasure pace division. Conditioning for hunter paces includes both you and your horse. Since I have a trotter, and we enjoy the trotting gait, I have to be sure that my body is ready for posting in the saddle most of the ride. On average, my friend Kate and I are trotting 85-90% of the course. It depends on the course. On the “downs” of a hill, we walk. If the footing is muddy, we walk. Riding on the trail one day a week is not enough for your Standardbred to be able to mostly trot and/or canter a 6-9 mile course, if you want to be competitive. You need to ride 4-5 days a week, since every ride builds up your horses’ stamina and muscles. Indy and I go out for an hour to 1 1/2 hours when we are doing 90% trotting. Sometimes we go out for 2 hours and only walk. Another conditioning ride we do is 50% trot/ 50% walk. Interval training is key! You would be surprised how fast you and your horse can be conditioned, so do not overdo it. Riding 6- 7 days a week is not good for you or your horse since muscles need days to recover. Every other day, or about 4-5 times a week is a good number to strive for. If you know where the hunter pace is going to be held and know the terrain, it will help in your horse’s training.
Rollingthedice owned by Karyn Kempson. Dice has the first place ribbon they won at a hunter pace.
or jogging on days you don’t ride are excellent for your cardio workout. I like to walk at least 5 days a week, and I walk at a good quick pace for an hour. I walk in the morning since I usually trail ride in the afternoons. What can throw your training off for both you and your horse is if bad weather lasts a few days. Do not panic since it will not mess up the training that bad. At least with your own fitness, you can train inside. If you have an indoor for your horse, lunging and playing around in the indoor is at least something. I do not have an indoor, and that is how I know that if you cannot ride for a few days, do not worry. My Standardbred still does fine when I am in a training routine.
Standardbreds do well in hunter paces. Their trot covers so much ground, and if you trot and stay at the gait, they will get in that comfortable trot and will go forever! My Standardbred goes out too fast, known as the “Meadowlands Trot”, so I tuck him behind Kate’s mustang DeFazio, and we stay at an 8 mph trotting pace. It is fun and challenging to do hunter paces. Sometimes you can have so much fun and then almost miss a turn by not concentrating on following the ribbons on Remember to work on your own fitness level. If after the marked trail. Take the challenge! you ride, the next day you are sore and it lasts two days, you need to start your own exercise routine. Walking
Ohio Standardbred Kentucky Horse Pa breed April
Standardbreds representing the breed include: S sage; Allamerican Legacy-Costume; Moonlight F Fox Valley Lee–English Pleasure; Bella American Feelin Shady–Hunter Under Saddle; and Powerli
ds & Friends at the ark for a weekend of demos 21-23.
Stud’s Hooligan-jumping; BeauClaire Bono–DresFantasy–Ranch Pleasure; Lace N Ribbons–Dressage; na–gaited Saddleseat; Dins Ghost–Western Pleasure; ifter-Trail and Silver Match–Saddleseat.
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RUS-NY Plans Fun Show
tandardbreds prove day after day that there is nothing standard about them.
while helping promote the versatility of the breed. Also, some riders are willing to work out lease agreements and take on horses. It is all done on an individual basis” RUS New York President, Michelle Miller, said.
RUS New York’s mission is to promote the versatility of the breed as both a racing and a riding horse and to help Standardbreds find great There are becoming more opportunities for Standardhomes after they finish their days on the track. bred horses other than on the racetrack. Members of RUS New York have organized a “Fun Show” as a fundThe organization was formed in early 2014 to bring back raiser that will add to those opportunities and showcase the popularity of racing under saddle, a unique sport some Standardbreds. that has great success in other countries. Also known as Monte Racing, RUS is a hybrid between harness racing The show is Sunday, May 21 at Pure Country Campand thoroughbred racing. Riders race on horses going ground at 176 Kelly Road in New Berlin, N.Y. Beat a fast trot (can pace but most races use trotters) be- ginner and advanced riders are welcome. There will be hind a moving starting gate like harness racing. lead-line, walk-trot, youth, open and Standardbred specific classes. RUS New York hosts an annual fair series that allows retired horses and older horses that are not fitting har- There will be something for everybody. The day will ness race classes to continue to compete. include halter classes, showmanship, English pleasure, English equitation, trail, Western pleasure, Western “There are owners out there that really care about their horsemanship, costume and timed events. An educahorses. They do not want to have to sell them and worry tional RUS clinic will be held at 12:30 PM. about where they will end up. If the horse has no purpose it is hard to keep it. We are hoping the fair series If showing is not your thing, the trails will be open as is another avenue for these owners. They will not earn a well. Feel free to come as a spectator. ton, but it allows a horse to continue to do what it loves
clude nine legs at fairs across the state and a final at Saratoga Casino and Hotel. The fairs have a very relaxed atmosphere where riders can interact with those who attend. People who have never seen horses can come touch them, learn about them and get a first glance at racing in general. Young children from older adults cheer and watch. According to Miller, many say they had no idea these horses could be ridden. She said riders often hear 4-H kids say they wish they had a horse like the ones being ridden or that they wish they could try and race too. RUS NY President Michelle Miller abroad Good Advice (right) and Hillary Hartnett on Maple Grove Emily at Tioga County Fair in Owego last year.
“Even those that have had race horses their entire lives ask how hard it is to train them to ride,” she added.
For the most part it is very simple. Most Standardbreds are very calm willing horses. Most will allow a rider to The show will begin at 10 a.m. sharp. There are limited get on no problem especially with a leg up. Remember stalls available so please reserve early. Those wanting to they are already accustomed to a harness so the girth to show can pay per class or pay a day fee - whichever is a saddle is not a lot different. Another thing to rememcheaper. Dress code will be casual. Schooling apparel ber is to steer as they are not trained to neck rein. preferred but not mandatory. Riding style boots must be worn while mounted and helmets must be worn by The United States Trotting Association is the governing anyone 18 or younger. Contact Jocelyn Gale at body of the Standardbred horse in the United States. galestables@yahoo.com or (315) 250-7402 for a class The USTA has a number of programs and resources list and pre-entry forms. such as Pleasure Registration, Standardbred Placement and Adoption. Visit www.USTrotting.com for more inChicken spiedies and pulled pork dinners will be made formation. RUS NY also has resources on its webpage available, but tickets MUST be purchased in advance. at http://www.rus-newyork.com/life-after-racing-alDinners are $10 and will begin being served at noon. ternate-careers.html. Meal count and money can be mailed with show pre-entry forms. Tickets will be set aside at the RUS RUS NY 2017 Racing Events promotional table for event day pick up. Pre-payments and entries are due by May 14. An event page has been Fair Series made on the RUS New York Facebook page at faceAfton Fair …………………………Thurs. July 6 book.com/RUSNYSERIES. Hemlock Fair …………………….Tues. July 18 Boonville Fair ……………………Tues. July 25 RUS New York is getting close to kicking off another Cobleskill Fair ……………………Mon. July 31 race season and has lots of unique fundraisers and proOwego Fair ……………………….Wed. Aug. 2 motional items to help raise funds. A promotional table Sandy Creek Fair ………………Wed. August 9 will be set up at the show. Be sure to check it out as Palmyra Fair …………………….Mon. August 14 there will be items such as hats, T-shirts, mascot horses, Bath Fair …………………………Tues. August 15 tumblers, water bottles and much more. Also be sure Tompkins Fair …………………..Tues. August 22 to check out the group’s fundraising page, http://www. Saratoga Fair Final ………………..Fri. Sept. 15 rus-newyork.com/fundraisers.html, as it is always being updated. Parimutuel Tracks The RUS New York Fair Series is another wonderful Batavia Downs ……………… Sat. Sept. 9 avenue to promote the breed. This year’s series will inMore to come…….. visit rus-newyork.com
We first met Bethany Stainsby and BJ’s Dream (aka Ellie) in January of 2016. Ellie is continuing to make her mark in the jumping arena, winning several of her classes this year. When not in the ring, Elle enjoys showing off in the cool UK weather.
celebrating the age of “When the horse Was King”
BRINGING THE PAST TO PRESENT TO CREATE THE FUTURE
CHARLES HORACE NELSON (1843 TO 1915) nomination to the national harness racing museum’s HALL OF IMMORTALS A STORY OF FAME & GLORY -- DISGRACE & REDEMPTION COPYRIGHT 2011 LOST TROTTING PARKS HERITAGE CENTER NOMINATED BY STEPHEN D. THOMPSON
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t is said that we each seek fifteen minutes of fame -- that moment of glory. Others make decisions or become drawn into situations that lead to devastating shame. Finally, those who are shamed may find redemption. Charles Horace Nelson, born in 1843 in Palermo, Maine, in his career as Maine’s most famous horseman experienced fame and glory, then shame, then redemption. Known as Hod by his many friends, Nelson grew up in a small country town fifteen miles from Waterville, Maine. During this period of Maine history, as today, the towns of China and Palermo share a common boundary. Hod’s father, Benjamin ran a country Nelson at Maplewood Park, Bangor, Maine store. Little is known of Hod’s developmental years. Historical documents indicate that Hod attended public school and his family attended the Baptist Church in China. It was through a church building committee Between 1882 and 1888 Hod Nelson’s reputation as a that Hod’s father Benjamin worked with Francis Jones, horseman, breeder, and reinsman solidified him as the the father of Hod’s future wife, Emma Pinkham Jones. leading horseman in the State of Maine. Nelson 4209 was recognized as Maine’s premiere three-year old Although this narrative regards C.H. Nelson, his life- stallion trotter. During this time period Nelson’s land work was tied to world champion trotting stallion Nel- holdings increased to 540 acres. This included a 300 son foaled in Winslow, Maine in 1882. According to acre farm in Fairfield Centre, the former fairgrounds his own account in a letter to the Clark Review, Hod and trotting park of the North Kennebec Agricultural first saw the dam of Gretchen at his father’s store and Horticultural Society, and other land in Waterville hitched to a wagon. Even at a young age Hod had the and Winslow. In the spring of 1888 John Wallace jourinterest and an eye for a good horse. The driver of that neyed by boat and train to Waterville and interviewed Hod and his wife Emma at the Elmwood Hotel. For wagon was A.K. Jones. ten years, Hod and Emma made their home at the ElAt the age of nineteen, Nelson enlisted in the Maine mwood Hotel. In his article, Wallace describes the evo12th Company G. As a result of his service Nelson con- lution of Hod Nelson as a horseman and breeder. tracted tuberculosis. Unfortunately, part of the cure was a medicine named alcohol. However, after he recovered Newspaper articles from the Lewiston Sun Journal, the he re-enlisted through 1865. Again. the physical toll of Kennebec Journal, and the Waterville Sentinel provide his service resulted in lifelong health issues. Some years accounts of Hod Nelson’s life on the farm, on the track after the Civil War, Nelson became the commander of and travelling throughout the United States. Nelson purchased a train car for his champion trotting stallion the Waterville Grand Army of the Republic. as he traveled by rail. When traveling Nelson stayed in In 1867 Hod married Emma Aubine Jones, the daugh- the rail car with his horse. From 1882 to 1891, Nelson experienced the fame and glory of the horseman ter of Francis Jones who lived in China, Maine. with a champion trotter. As illustrated in many articles, In the 1870s Hod owned land in China, Maine. His Nelson had many fine qualities yet his temperament of being quick to anger resulted in polarizing his relationfirst trotters were Suzie Owen and Knox Girl. ships into those who were his loyal friends and those In 1882 the same year that Nelson 4209 was foaled, who were his enemies. As Nelson’s reputation grew Hod Nelson purchased 69 acres of land on the Oak- Sunnyside Farm became the destination for hundreds land Road in Waterville, Maine. This land became his of people who wanted to see Nelson’s operation, his main base, the home to Nelson 4209, and eventually stallions, and to listen to Nelson talk about his horses. Nelson was recognized as Maine’s premiere horseman. became known as Sunnyside Farm.
Rigby Park -- Nelson’s Best Time 2.09 -- Match Race with Directum This image of Rigby Park may depict John R. Gentry’s attempt at breaking the 2:00 minute mile.
At Lewiston, Nelson 4209 became the fastest threeyear old on the United States’ East coast. In 1890, Nelson 4209 at Maplewood Park in Bangor, Maine set the stallion world’s record on a half-mile track. It is at this point that Hod Nelson began his travels that led to the two-year suspension of Nelson and Nelson 4209 from tracks sanctioned by the National Trotting Association. Newspaper reports tell of the possible sale of Nelson 4209 pursuant to Nelson 4209 winning a race. This race may have been the race against Alycron at Charter Oaks Park in Hartford, Connecticut in 1889. According to newspaper accounts Nelson purchased a starting position in the race and then choose not to pay the fee. The race did take place and Nelson 4209 driven by Ira F. Woodbury won the first heat by 7 1/2 lengths. This was his only win that day. Alcyron won the remaining heats. Hod Nelson attributed the loss to his horse not being in the best of shape. However, a later article in a Hartford newspaper reported excessive starts and further stated that the starter was known to be biased for his favorite horses. A letter in one of Maine’s newspapers from Samuel Currier of Hallowell, Maine addressed the possibility that Nelson’s driver sold the race. The result of the Charter Oak Park race set the stage for the fix of the Balch Race in Boston, Massachusetts in 1890.
made and lost on this race. Accounts tell us according to the news that on the street the night before the race rumors spead that the fix was on. For the win, Nelson would pay Noble $5,000 which was the amount of the winning purse. Plus Noble would be able to keep any winnings. Nelson did not want to drive Nelson 4209 and attempted to secure the services of John Splan. Oddly, Splan had been paid $500.00 just to walk about the grounds on the day of the race. A news article published after the race reported that Alycron had been shoed the night before the race with heavier shoes that would result in breaking throughout the race. Nelson did win the race. During an evening of libation it was reported that Noble’s driver told others of the fix. An investigation ensued and the National Trotting Association secured Nelson’s check to Noble. Nelson continued racing Nelson 4209. However, in an affidavit to the NTA Nelson confessed that he was party to a fraud. Nelson had told others that he had been approached the day before to fix the race, but declined. However, Nelson reported in his affidavit that a close business associate without his knowledge set the fix and that he was not in a position to undo what had been done. Splan in his testimony reported that he had been paid not to drive, but also stated that he saw nothing in the performances of the horses that would indicated any wrongdoing. Nelson refused to identify his business associate. Nelson and his famous stallion were barred from all NTA tracks. Noble refused to cooperate.
The Balch Race was to be the rematch between Nelson and Alycyron. An article in a Hallowell, Maine newspaper prior to the race indicated that many Main- Balch eventually committed suicide. ers would be in attendance and that fortunes would be
In 1893 Nelson (top row) was included in this group photograph representing trotting horse breeders
By delaying his admission of guilt, Nelson set off on a In 1892, Rigby Park became the site of Nelson 4209’s course that allowed his stallion to make history. best time of 2.09 with the bicycle sulky. This time was never accepted as a recorded time. In 1894, Nelson It was in this series of races that Nelson and his horse 4209’s best recorded time of 2.07 3/4 was recorded at set the world’s stallion record on a regulation oval mile the Moosepath Trotting Park in St. John, New Brunstrack with a high wheel sulky. Nelson, called the North- wick. This record time remained for more than ten years. ern King, was given the title of the King of Stallions in This time is not recognized or recorded in the United 1891. States. Given his NTA suspension, Nelson sought and gained membership in the American Trotting Association. This did not set well with the National Trotting Association. In November of 1891, the Waterville Sentinel reported that Nelson had completed all land negotiations and that work had begun on a mile track in Waterville, Maine. By the end of November, the Sentinel reported that Nelson had abandoned his Waterville mile track. Oddly, a bit late, he had learned that the City of Waterville had planned to build a road through the center of his proposed track. At this point, Nelson became a member of the Maine Mile Track Association and invested his money in the building of Rigby Park located in South Portland, Maine.
In all probability, Nelson 4209’s last significant competitive race was against a five-year old named Directum. Nelson 4209 was twelve years old. This was September of 1894. Directum won all three heats. In the third heat, Directum was so far ahead that Nelson slowed his horse down and slowly trotted to the finish line. From this point forward Nelson may have driven Nelson 4209 as part of exhibitions. At some point Nelson partnered with Samuel Currier of Hallowell by opening the Pine Grove Stock Farm. This farm was once owned by Benjamin Vaughan and Governor Bodwell. Newspaper ads and catalogs indicated that this farm was operated by Nelson and Cur-
rier between 1893 and 1897. Around 1900 the farm was sold back to the family of Benjamin Vaughan. The farm was operated as Pine Grove until 1901 by William Vaughan and then renamed the Elm Hill Dairy Farm. Beyond 1895 Nelson continued breeding and selling horses. His famous stallion was still in service. In the early 1900s ads can be found in various newspaper offering Stallions for service that were Nelson’s get. Other newspapers present newspaper articles speaking of Nelson’s continued reputation as a horseman and as an authority on identifying excellent horses. Never again did Nelson bred a horse with the qualities and abilities of Nelson 4209. There must have been the right magic in the breeding of Young Rolfe and Gretchen. A bad business decision resulted in Nelson selling Young Rolfe. He warned the new owner not to push Young Rolfe. Nelson attempted to buy Young Rolfe back, however, the horse under the direction of his new owner died being pushed too hard by his driver on a track out of state.
odicals or books related to trotting history seemed to leave C.H. Nelson and his famous stallion out of the historical record. Probably, pay back for past behaviors and the fix of the Balch Stallion Race in 1890.
Nelson’s historic bloodline still exists through the maternal bloodlines originating with Suzette Nelson and Gertrude Nelson. In the 1890’s and as late as 1901, Nelson 4209 was bred with horses from other states. As a result Suzette Nelson and Gertrude Nelson both raced and were bred as broodmares. Suzette Nelson was bred with Baron Wilkes -- the result, Suzette Baron was bred with Bingen -- their foal, Nelson Bingen, became one of New Zealand’s and Australia’s greatest sires. Suzette Baron was exported to Austria.
In the late 1880s, Nelson along with two other Mainers, E.L. Norcross, and George H. Bailey, were recognized in a group photo of superior horsemen from across the country. From 1882 through 1888, Nelson was at the top of his game. Between 1888 and 1892 Nelson and his famous stallion set world stallion records on both regulation half mile tracks and mile tracks. He played the hand dealt him as result of the Balch Race the best that he could. Given the disbelief on the part of John W. Thompson, publisher of the Maine Horse Breeders’ Monthly and others regarding Nelson being party to a fraud, it just might be that Nelson got caught up in an event beyond his control. Some writers proposed that Nelson was duped by Noble and his boys. Nelson never identified his business partner who agreed to the fix.
Gertrude Nelson found her way to Canada. Through her maternal bloodline, Nelson’s bloodline still exists. Combining the maternal bloodlines of Gertrude and Suzette the bloodline exists in Australia, New Zealand, Slovinia, and Canada. Telephone conversations with current owners of the bloodline indicate that other horses may exist in New York, New Jersey, and North Carolina. To date no research had been conducted to see if there are any Maine descendants of Nelson 4209. Today the descendants of Gertrude Nelson include Gravel Gertie, Gravel Crusher, Spirit of Fire and Cenalta Fireworks. Gravel Crusher raced at the Meadowlands in 2010. Nelson’s Path to Redemption — Nelson 4209 died on December 4, 1909. In September of 1907, Hod Nelson found redemption. Although we know that Nelson continued to operate Sunnyside Farm and raced, writers of articles for the horse peri-
However, in 1907 Nelson was asked by the organizers of the Central Maine Fair to put together an event that would be called “Nelson Day.” Nelson agreed to create the display. Nelson called all over New England and asked horses at the Central Maine Fair in Waterville, Maine. Here Nelson finds redemption. On Nelson Day sixty of Nelson’s and Wilkes’ get paraded on the track at the Central Maine Fairground. Afterwards newspaper accounts applauded the grandeur of such a magnificent parade and doubted if such an event would ever be repeated. Nelson spoke to an audience of more than 2000 Mainers on his work and his horses. Trophies, paintings, and photographs were on display in the Grand Coliseum. Nelson 4209 had hundreds of visitors in his stall.
Upon the death of his horse, Nelson the man was never the same. He had been of ill health, said to be feeble and almost blind. He had made few public appearances. In March of 1915 Nelson died at the Military Home in Togus, Maine. Nelson’s wife Emma who had been caring for him suffered from a stroke and was unable to care for him. She died in an apartment on Silver Street in August of 1916. His obituary in the Waterville Sentinel used the phase, “a once famous horseman.” In his day, Nelson was criticized for his handling of and driving of Nelson 4209. However, Charles Horace Nelson brought fame and glory to his name and to the State of Maine. He trav-
elled by train all over the United States, throughout Maine, and Canada to race and exhibit his horse. In Maine after Nelson 4209 gained his reputation for speed, Maine horseman would not enter their horses into competition with Nelson. Therefore, Nelson 4209 was mostly exhibited at fairgrounds and tracks throughout Maine. In his day, in his moment, C.H. Nelson was a famous horseman and his horse Nelson 4209 was recognized as the King of Stallions. 100 years have passed since the death of Nelson 4209 and 1915 marked the 100th anniversary of the death of Maine’s most famous horseman, Charles Horace Nelson, a man of humble origins from the town of Palermo. It is this story that speaks of immortality. That is -- only if we choose not to ignore it. His obituary in the Waterville Sentinel used the phase, “a once famous horseman.” In his day, Nelson was criticized for his handling of and driving of Nelson 4209. However, Charles Horace Nelson brought fame and glory to his name and to the State of Maine. He travelled by train all over the United States, throughout Maine, and Canada to race and exhibit his horse. In Maine after Nelson 4209 gained his reputation for speed, Maine horseman would not enter their horses into competition with Nelson. Therefore, Nelson 4209 was mostly exhibited at fairgrounds and tracks throughout Maine. In his day, in his moment, C.H. Nelson was a famous horseman and his horse Nelson 4209 was recognized as the King of Stallions. 100 years have passed since the death of Nelson 4209 and 1915 will be the 100th anniversary of the death of Maine’s most famous horseman, Charles Horace Nelson, a man of humble origins from the town of Palermo. The story of C.H. Nelson is unique -- a story of accomplishment, a story of perseverance, a story filled great moments of success, fame, and glory, and a moment irreversible that brought great shame, and perhaps a life that became more difficult than it should have been. It is this story that speaks of immortality. That is -- only if we choose not to ignore it. Learn more about Maine’s racing history at www.losttrottingparks.com.
the 7th annual
CAA Carriage Festival at the
Kentucky Horse Park
www.CarriageFestival.com
June 30-July 2, 2017
Single Trotter Toward Viewer by Ben Herring
at e l b e Sta e rse k o o H r e Ch cky u t n e the K Park 7-19 1 h c Mar
: an, hown Not s d Norma Je tt, mo an ewart nd McDer t S a r ki a Sier schins louser and o M a C n Ell Brian st In Motio e B Cams
Trina Clouser and Moonlight Fantasy
Becky Hill and Moonlight Arty
Jamie Schenk and Lace n Ribbons
4-year-old Ontario Equestrian Federation Member, Brody and his 17.2 Standardbred, "Rock the Nest". Brody competes in Leadline classes. Photo by Tammi Hughes