Heather Benson
Watch This Shadow-Jumping Filly Leap to Victory
Some off-track thoroughbreds start training for their second career after racing while STILL racing… like this 3-year-old filly. (more…)
America’s Most Wanted Thoroughbred: Time to Vote!
We voted for Phillip Dutton and Icabad Crane! Who are you voting for? (more…)
Nice Catch! A Day in the Life of an Outrider
Running down a totally fit racehorse that has dumped its rider and is careening down the track at 40mph takes a special kind of rider — like Robert Love. (more…)
Donner’s Story: Team OTTB Representing Team USA
Tomorrow, Lynn Symansky and her off-track Thoroughbred, Donner, will ride the dressage portion at the World Equestrian Games Three-Day Event in Normandy, France. (more…)
8 Ways Horse People Buy Real Estate Differently
When a horse person decides to leave the boarding barn for a farm of their own, their conversation with a real estate agent can be a bit, well, different than the average home buyer. (more…)
SUV As Obstacle? More French Steeplechasing Chaos
Two weeks ago we shared the video from a steeplechase-gone-wild that gave a whole new meaning to “going off course.” Today’s video is even worse. (more…)
Horse Wins Race, Joy Ensues
Horse racing, by its very nature, creates some of the highest of the highs and lowest of the lows when cheering on your favorite horse. And when some people win big, their joy knows no bounds. (more…)
An Off and On Again Relationship
Last Friday’s 8th race at Ellis Park in Kentucky had a little added drama when favored Firespike, with jockey Juan Saez aboard, decided to try a “seat check” in mid-stretch. (more…)
Win, Place, Bird?
You have heard of Kentucky Derby winner Mine That Bird and maybe even Belmont Stakes winner Summer Bird, but this bird doesn’t quite belong in the race! (more…)
Random Horse Commercial: Stick Ponies Not Required
This commercial, from a small race track in North Dakota, takes the cake on low budget creation. I wonder if you can bet on the stick pony races? (more…)
‘Oh Crap’ Moment of the Day: Around and Around They Go… Until They Don’t
Loose horses, lost horses, horses running in the wrong direction… watch the video of this steeplechase gone haywire! (more…)
You’re Going to Use That Thoroughbred for What?
Each week a different expert ranks three OTTBs in terms of their suitability for a specific discipline. This week features longtime Thoroughbred industry professional, Jen Roytz. (more…)
The Chromies Make a Video
If you haven’t heard by now, California Chrome will be trying to break a 36 year drought of Triple Crown winners when he goes to the post in Saturday’s Belmont Stakes. (more…)
You’re Going to Use That Thoroughbred for What?
Each week a different expert ranks three OTTBs in terms of their suitability for a specific discipline. This week features So-Cal jockey turned dressage trainer Wayne Robison. (more…)
Preakness Flashback: Afleet Alex’s Near Disaster… and Incredible Recovery!
TBs are noted for their heart, guts and determination and in the 2005 Preakness, Afleet Alex showed the world exactly what those words meant. (more…)
2014 Preakness Preview
What should we expect when Kentucky Derby winner California Chrome makes his attempt at taking the second leg of the Triple Crown? Racing editor Heather Benson weighs in on this year’s field, post positions and odds. (more…)
Eddy Izzard on Dressage
Inspired by his country’s gold medal winning performance in the 2012 Olympic dressage competition, British comedian Eddy Izzard poses some important questions about the sport in his newest show. (more…)
Will California Chrome Win a Second Triple Crown Jewel?
He may be the favorite in Saturday’s Preakness Stakes, but history is not in his favor. Heather Benson looks back at 5 Derby winners who were expected to win the Preakness but didn’t. (more…)
SpectraVET Classic Performance of the Week: Sunday Silence vs. Easy Goer in the 1989 Preakness
Racing editor Heather Benson looks back at an epic showdown between two of racing’s fiercest arch-rivals. (more…)
JAWS: Racehorse Edition
Danger cones are used for a reason in a shedrow. This guy is about to discover exactly what that reason is. (Hint: It has something to do with “danger.”) (more…)
Top 7 Ways You Know You Are a Horsey Mom
Do you secretly (or not-so-secretly) hope that your offspring will inherit the horse-itis gene? By Heather Benson. (more…)
Sometimes Your Horse Wins the Race and You Just Have to Hug Them
Aging champion Wise Dan and his trainer Charles Lopreski totally had “a moment” at Churchill Downs on Saturday. Heather Benson shares. (more…)
2014 Kentucky Derby: Your HN Cheat Sheet, Part 2
Who should you put your money on this year? Heather Benson breaks down five betting strategies. (more…)
The Chrome Report: Getting to Know This Year’s Kentucky Derby Favorite
California Chrome may be the favorite in Saturday’s race, but he’s got underdog roots. Heather Benson explains. (more…)