As Chad Johnson puts on his racing shoes today to go mano y caballo, Bengal fans can reminisce about a similar event some 24 years ago featuring fellow wideout Cris Collinsworth vs. Chad's venture into racing versus horse recalls 1993 event featuring Collinsworth. That also can be expected for today's race, probably as much for the event as for the fact that it features the brash and boisterous Johnson and his popular theatrics. Owens had the advantage of a running start, and the surface...

Which is one aspect of the horse show that amazes me: Children less than half my size controlling a horse with such ease and grace. I won t comment on the smells, suffice it to say that the closer I was to the concessions cart, the better off I was; but the excitement of the contestants outweighed the unfortunate natural odors of the horses, hands down. The kids guide their horses, either walking them by lead (in the showmanship trials) or seated on top of the horse (in the horsemanship...

This week, at a different show, and with a different class of walking horse, the industry tried to put the scandal in the past. But this time last year, a scandal plagued the high-stepping horses, and the controversy led to some changes. It takes plenty of long hours and an eye on the prize to train a champion. The scandal all but shutdown the showcase for the high-stepping horses. Champions at the event will now have their shoes and hooves tested. The controversy caused problems, and...

I ve always been envious of those who could look in their rearview mirror and align the ball and hitch in one try, or back a four-horse trailer into a tiny parking space. They also went for rides inside the trailers to see what its like for the horses they were hauling. Though it s harder to maneuver, with a little modification, once the mules are out, the four-horse can be transformed into a comfortable tack and dressing room complete with port-a-potty and drink coolers. I also arrive at...

Injured horses are tended to, and all horses are retrained for trail riding, jumping or dressage. The horse was spending the day lazing in the sun at the non-profit Wood End Farms, which leases 36 acres near Barrington as a haven for unwanted thoroughbreds that have retired from the track. The couple are seeking new homes for five horses, and Nicola Birch said she recently received calls from racehorse owners who want to relinquish their animals. The farm offers various programs, including...

So maybe you would make a selection based on how the horse or jockey looks, or the name of the horse. Given that you have a very good knowledge of the horses, you decide to pick a horse with the name Mwenda Pole because you know it s the fastest horse in the race despite its name. Since you re all newcomers to horse race betting, you d most likely use a gut feeling to decide which horse to put your bet on. In this case, if you placed a huge bet on your horse, you would be making a high...

The weather is good; 26,000 exhibitors and competitors are signed up; tons of wonderfully coiffed animals are being judged; hundreds of blue ribbons are at stake; well-known singers are appearing nightly; and just about all of the 220,000 anticipated visitors will sample some of that once-a-year food that tastes so good but is so terrible for their diets. The weather is good; 26,000 exhibitors and competitors are signed up; tons of wonderfully coiffed animals are being judged; hundreds of...

Sunday, July 29, 2007 By Nick Warsaw The Grand Rapids Press Tuesday night at the Ottawa County Fair featured the Wolverine Futurity harness races and a couple of others: the Under the Saddle and the opening race, the CKG Billings National Amateur Drivers Series. Sunday, July 29, 2007 By Nick Warsaw The Grand Rapids Press Tuesday night at the Ottawa County Fair featured the Wolverine Futurity harness races and a couple of others: the Under the Saddle and the opening race, the CKG Billings...