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Nice Day For A Swim - If You're A Horse!

By JIM NIGRO

I never know what I might come across while driving the back roads.  Take this morning for instance, when I saw a standardbred race horse swimming in a horseshoe-shaped pond.

"Nitroglycerine" is being tended to by owner Frank Zambito and trainer/horse farm owner Fred Haslip.

I think he's smiling at me!

Swims over...back to the barn.

Left to right Nitroglycerine, Frank Zambito and Fred Haslip.

Laura Scarborough

Nice pictures. Jim, my husband swears he saw a loon on the Tonawanda the other day behind the old tops. Someone said they swear they saw one on the Oatka as well. Have you seen anything?

Oct 22, 2009, 11:05am Permalink
JIM NIGRO

Sorry for not replying sooner, its been a long, but adventuresome day. Began at first light on Lake Ontario, then up Oak Orchard Creek and finally up Marsh Creek. Not a single fish but it was a good time. The afternoon included a canoe ride through a cattail jungle dotted with potholes - windy conditions made for tough going!

Dan, thanks - and I really enjoyed your recent posts. The squirrel gnawing on the pumpkin was a classic.

Mardell & Laura, thanks, and no, I haven't seen any loons in the area, but I wouldn't be surprised if they made an occasional stopover.

Ryan, you're right, Fred's farm is on Roberts Rd. in the town of Alabama.

Oct 23, 2009, 4:10pm Permalink
Dave Olsen

Jim; just curious why the horse was swimming. Is it a training technique or therapeutic? Or was he just having fun and getting some exercise?

Oct 23, 2009, 8:07am Permalink
Bea McManis

Swimming is used for treating injuries such as bowed tendons, pulled suspensory ligaments, bucked shins, and saucer fractures, quarter cracks or foot problems and generally for the rehabilitation of the animal after any injury or surgery. The lungs and heart of the animal receive maximum conditioning, which increases their capacity thus minimizing possibility of bleeding while performing. Bones become denser and more compact and the tendency of the perisoteum of the cannon bones becoming inflamed is greatly reduced

The horse uses its normal gait and the same muscles as in use while exercising on the track without undue stress or trauma.

There are several indoor pools available to horses in our area.

Oct 23, 2009, 8:15am Permalink
JIM NIGRO

Dave, when I asked if the horse was swimming as a form of hydro-therapy, they said "No, he's just swimming." Yet Bea's response is quite informative. I worked in the race dept. of the Meadlowlands for ten years and couldn't have supplied those facts. Thanks Bea!

Oct 23, 2009, 12:47pm Permalink

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