GloriaIL
From AlexBrownRacing
Contents |
Bio
As my user name suggests, I reside in Illinois in the northwest suburbs of Chicago (close to Arlington Park). I am employed in the software industry, managing implementation/consulting efforts with public safety & municipal government. My business travel sometimes allows for extending a trip for a day or a weekend for horse related adventures. My other interests include music and literature, and I have a healthy curiosity about just about everything else!
Since the day after the 2006 Preakness, when I found the TWR (now ABR) site, I have been an active participant. I came from the perspective of a racing fan. But Barbaro has been an inspiration to me to become much more actively involved in improving the racing industry and equine & human welfare across the board. Barbaro also inspired me to write many poems, which were shared on the TWR site.
Horse experience
My experience with horses has been mostly limited to casual riding...although something I will never forget from my college days was helping round up 10 horses that got loose in a snowstorm. Looking back it's a miracle I didn't get hurt! Both of my parents grew up on farms, so I was exposed to horses and all kinds of animals every summer and loved it. Compared to many fellow FOBs, though, I consider myself a "novice."
I always watched the Triple Crown races growing up. I became "hooked" in 1978 when Affirmed captured my attention (and heart). Then in 2004, Smarty Jones really drew me back in. I began following racing more closely, started collecting racing memorabilia, reading books, and corresponding with a few people online about racing. I continue to learn more about the history of racing and the participants and connections, and would like to be an owner someday. For the last 2 years I have been able to attend the Breeders' Cup, and felt like I knew something about almost every horse in every race. I hope to make this a yearly tradition.
FOB activities
Links to my pictures/slideshows of:
Arlington Million Day, Aug. 9, 2008 (with Beanie Barbaro along)
Celebration of Barbaro weekend, Fair Hill/Delaware Park, July 2008
visit to FOB rescues "Buffalo Bill" and the 10 mares at HAHS, Woodstock, IL, April 2008
Washington D.C. Americans Against Horse Slaughter trip, March 3-5, 2008
Darley Stables visit, Lexington, KY, Dec. 2007
Keeneland visit/TCA auction and dinner/ Kentucky Horse Park, Dec. 2007
Three Chimneys visit, Lexington, KY, Nov. 30, 2007
Rescued horses Nickname & Chance at Kelly's in Kentucky, Nov. 30, 2007
Breeders' Cup Saturday, Monmouth Park, New Jersey, Oct 27, 2007
Breeders' Cup Friday, Monmouth Park, New Jersey, Oct 26, 2007
visit to Philadelphia Park & Mr. Boxcar!, Oct 2007
visit to Miracle Horse Rescue, Nevada, Oct 2007
visit to Santa Anita Racetrack, Arcadia, CA, Oct 2007
Musical Horse Aid in Wisconsin Sept 2007
visit to Horse Feathers Equine Rescue, Oklahoma, May 2007
June 14, 2008 - FOB BREEDERS' CUP LEAGUE - at roadtothebreederscup.com - we have started another fantasy league which is active up to the Breeders' Cup in late October. If you would like to join in, contact me by email or ask a question below!
Update May 5, 2008 FOB ROAD TO THE ROSES LEAGUE - at roadtotheroses.com - official fantasy game for the Kentucky Derby. We had 16 in our first FOB league, and it was fun to see the scoring and leaders change from week to week. It is a great way to follow and learn more about the 3 yr olds in the spring!
Oct. 29, 2007 - NEW HOLLAND AUCTION - I had a chance to visit the auction in New Holland with Shelley A. and Bev from MAHR. This was an eye opener. While many were going to decent new lives at homes/farms, there were many on the way to slaughter. I appreciate how hard it is to make decisions about which ones to save. (We must get the anti-slaughter legislation passed, because this is a never ending cycle.) In honor of George Washington, Mr. Boxcar's winnings paid to take Mt. Washington, a beautiful gray gelding who had 36 starts and winnings of over $125,000.
Sept. 15, 2007 - MUSICAL HORSE AID, envisioned and brought to life by Debra & Lori, our own FOBs who have started Animal Fairy Charities, Inc., was another exceptional chance to learn, enjoy, raise awareness and funds. See slideshow above! It was made even better by renewing acquaintances with many FOBs.
Aug. 4, 2007 - The ARLINGTON PARK FOB get together was a memorable time! A race was named "Midwest Fans of Barbaro Celebration", and I was lucky enough to be one of eight FOBs to get into the winners' circle. They even interviewed us briefly (shown on the Jumbotron) and so they heard about horse rescue and laminitis research, as well as the alexbrownracing.com site! Meeting so many FOBs there was fantastic, especially Colleen, CJ, --- and MJ, who had organized the event perfectly. I was also able to meet up with Judy, who has introduced me to a new local therapeutic riding facility (Walk On) in Barrington, IL, and volunteer possibilities there.
I have been fortunate to be able to support multiple rescue efforts and charitable activities through TWR and beyond, including Miracle Horse Rescue, Horse Feathers in Oklahoma, Colorado Thoroughbred Rescue, Missouri Horse Heroes, Mike Rea, Race Track Chaplaincy of America, ReRun, Old Friends, UPenn, and Thoroughbred Charities of America, along with many special efforts coordinated by Kennett Florist. I also worked with DebraB from Ohio on the tribute/donations from almost 150 FOBs for Alex on his birthday in Nov 2006. I am involved in the anti-slaughter efforts of all FOBs and our Illinois state group.
It has been overwhelming to see the depth and breadth of talent, time, and efforts from the diverse group that has formed. Barbaro touched something in all of us that has made us better.
FOB Network
Connecting with many FOBs throughout the last two years has been a privilege. I have a special bond with Debra B in OH from our work for Alex. I was also able to meet Barb M. in FL (a truly dedicated FOB) and attend the Fountain of Youth with her and her husband at Gulfstream in March 07. A special treat was meeting her amazing and courageous dog, Nala, when in Wash D.C. in March 08.
It has been an honor to get to know many other FOBs at Delaware Park and other events both in 2007 and 2008, including DebraWI, ShelleyA, JuliaB and her mom, Laurie H. and Leslie from MN, Amy A and Andy from NJ, Jacky from NJ, Martita, Ken Z. from NY, Betty Eaton and Jean Reese, WendyinMI, Ernie, Lenny & Yvonne, Jenny, Judy, Mercy, Alie & Rachel, and too many others to name! Some of us from the original "fundraising offshoot" group continue to keep in touch.
My site and other sites that are useful
Questions from other FOBs
Your photos are wonderful, Gloria! I especially liked the photos at Three Chimneys and Darley Stables. How does one go about visiting these farms? Can anyone just call and make an appointmenet? I agree with you - Discreet Cat is something else! Thanks! MaryAinMI
Hi Mary! I believe anyone can call or email the various stables and arrange an appointment. They usually have tours at specified times on certain days, whiuch may vary by farm. There are also tour guides who can arrange tours at most of the farms in the Lexington area. The farther in advance, the better. Glad you liked the photos, and I have to say that Discreet Cat just blew me away. Hope he turns out to be a great sire! Gloria
Thanks for the info, Gloria! Mary
