There have been many great horse races in history: Secretariat winning the Belmont Stakes by 31 lengths, Seabiscuit beating War Admiral, and all of Man O’ War’s races. However, there is one race that slipped through the annals of history, one race that rivals these great races. That race was Jinjer vs Orion. Before I go any further, I’ll give you a little back story. Jinjer was a stocky, middle aged quarter horse mare. She was a very trustworthy, although, she could be very stubborn. If Jinjer didn’t want to run, she didn’t run, if Jinjer wanted to go back to the barn, she would turn toward home no matter where she was on the trail. Orion is Jinjer’s son, at the time of the race he was a young appendix quarter horse (quarter horse x thoroughbred). Where Jinjer was stocky, Orion is lean, where Jinjer was trustworthy, Orion is skittish. These two horses were a study in opposites.
The day of the race: it was a hot Georgia summer day. There wasn’t a cloud in the beautiful blue sky. Emily and I went out to her barn to prepare our horses. We gave them each a good brushing, we cleaned out their hooves, and we tightened our tack. I was going to ride Jinjer (imagine a gangly 150 lbs nineteen year old on this stocky short mare) and Emily was riding Orion (a petite beautiful girl on a tall strong horse). Emily and I walked our horses to the edge of Emily’s property and the neighboring field. There was a track around the field that was about three miles long square. This was to be the site of our great race.
I got on Jinjer and Emily mounted Orion, you could almost hear the trumpets from Churchill Downs floating in the light breeze. Emily looked at me and I at her, we shared a quick nod, and Emily shouted, “GO!!”
I think I surprised Emily with my strategy, instead of bursting from the proverbial gates at a gallop or even a canter, Jinjer started out at a slow trot. Emily and Orion were gone, they were way a head while Jinjer and I just plotted along. Emily pretty quickly pulled up, circled around, and came back to check on us. I told her that Jinjer was fine and that this is the pace she decided to start with. Emily, curious to see how this was going to go, settled in beside us. Emily and Orion would occasionally slow down even further just to gallop back to us. Once, Orion dropped pretty far back, and, once Jinjer and I had a good lead, I gave Jinjer a click and a nudge and Jinjer took off at a gallop. To be fair, Jinjer’s gallop was probably Orion’s canter, and they caught us with little effort.
We played this new game for a while, Emily would concede a sizable lead, I would try and stretch the lead, and Emily would eventually catch back up. The race was now two miles gone and just one more to go. I think Emily and Orion decided to put the race in the bag and be done with it. After falling well back and galloping up, Emily passed us at a good speed and she wasn’t slowing down this time. I could read the writing on the wall, it was now or never. Jinjer and I could either push for the win and make it respectable or we could give up and let them win. Fortunately, I had three things in my favor: the last mile of the race was toward the barn (Jinjer loved to go back to the barn), Jinjer was a quarter horse (she wasn’t good for long distances, but she had a great burst of speed if she wanted to), and lastly Orion was skittish. I gave Jinjer a harder click and a harder nudge and Jinjer leapt forward. She reached a gear I had never felt her reach before, and we were catching them. Jinjer closed the gap with Orion and came within a couple of lengths of him. Orion was not expecting this. He snorted and jumped to one side. Emily had to pull Orion up to get him back under control.
Jinjer and I cantered to the finish line, the sun setting into a pink sky behind us. I got off Jinjer and was taking off the saddle when Emily and Orion came trotting up. We both walked our horses for a while in the slightly cooler evening air, letting them eat the grass that grew tall on the field’s edge. (I love the sound and smell of horses eating grass.) As the sun lowered in the sky, we walked the horses back to the barn (not really talking between us, just enjoying the evening [at least I was enjoying the evening, Jinjer and I won the race]). As a reward for a great race, Jinjer got some extra sweet feed that night.
And that is the story of how the stocky old quarter horse mare beat the young thoroughbred gelding in a three mile race. Feel free to leave a comment, and, as always, thank you for reading
Tony, you write very well. Felt like I was there! 👍👍
Aww, that was a really good one. Thanks as always.
Great story. That would be a wonderful children’s book.
are u guys ever going to talk about the new jobs and the animals u c that is why we enjoyed dr pol se3eing the treatment of animals
Great Story, Tony, and Emily!!🐎🐎🥰
Such a great story. I enjoyed that very much
Wonderful story, loved every word, and felt that I was right there with you all on that beautiful day! Also loved the photos and awesome piece of Emily’s art! 🐴
That was a nice story. You could close your eyes and feel like you are there. Nice story Tony.
❤️❤️You’ve both had such a good life together! No tit for tat competition could stop such a deep love that you two have. May you have so many more “races” such as this in your marriage.
Awww Tony, I loved that story!!! So vividly told – I felt like I could SEE it!! That was wonderful!! I loved the pictures too!
Thank you so much for sharing!
I so love reading your blog . There is no no dull drawn out sentences . Your writing keeps my interest. You guys are wonderful and I miss you all on tv soooooo much . Keep up the writing I look forward to it and consider doing s book ❤️
Curious – English or western saddles?
Adorable story.
My husband always rode a thoroughbred, so my appendix mare would’ve been left in the dust lol.
I should’ve strategized 😂
Emily had an English saddle, I had a western -tony
I agree, your storyline would make a great children’s book. Your writing is comfortable to read. Thank you for sharing.
Us old gals can really pick it up when challenged!
Love your writings, lots of fun to read.
Wonderful story and well told, Tony! I loved the pictures and the artwork as always. You guys make a great couple. I am so very happy for you two. I think the move was really good for the family, though I know it tugged on your heartstrings. ❤
Great story. Great memory!
Kinda short, but always great to hear the stories !
Watched Dr Pol last night. Dr Lisa and Dr. Dan were totally, absolutely BORING!
@Larry J Barefield, change is very hard for many of us to be comfortable with and maybe even accept, and the show is definitely not the same there without our beloved Dr. Emily. I still enjoy and love Dr. Pol and Dr. Brenda. My verdict is still out on Dr. Erin, as I’m having a very difficult time watching someone who always has a strange smirk on their face. Everytime she speaks, there’s a skirmish smile; and it’s a bit unnerving to watch that, especially when she’s giving a bad diagnostic report to a cherised pet’s family. She appears to be kind, helpful, and loves working with animals, but I just don’t understand why all the smirks whenever she talks? As for Dr. Lisa and Dr. Dan, it will take some time for all of us, I think, to get used to the change in the show and the people who replace our adored Dr. Emily. The show is a lot less incredible without her there. ☹
Love all your stories . Enjoyable reads these days are so nice . Thank you 😃👍❤️
I love you all sharing your life stories. I really look forward to reading them. Thanks!
Fun story!! Loved it!
The idea of this blog was a very good one. I thank you both for taking time out to share your lives and memories with us. Love and respect for all things living seems to more of the exception today, and both of you express a positivity that is refreshing. Again, thank you both for your words and time.
Wonderful memories, thank you for sharing it Tony. I have to compliment your writing. You made me feel like I was there with you both. Dr. Emily is talented in so many ways, I love her painting the soulful eye of a horse watching another simply beautiful.
Loved the sweet story and especially love the artwork! She’s truly talented and Tony has a knack for storytelling!
What a beautiful story, I could hear Kinder thinking I’ll show you young Orion what your mama is made off; I might be older but I’m still fast when it counts.
You have the ability to paint a picture with your words. I don’t only read the words, I see in my mind what they.
Not many people are able to be an artist as well as a writer!
Thank you, that is very sweet of you to say! -tony
I just signed up for your blog yesterday. I spent all day reading it. I love it!!! I loved watching Emily on Dr.Pol and was sad to see her go but very understandable. I’m glad she agreed to the blog and I can still her intelligence and dedication to her career; all the while being a momma and wife. I also enjoy Emily’s sense of humor!!! As far as you guys as a couple; I can relate, married to my best friend for 25 years and together 28. He is my soul mate as you guys are to one another.
I at a point in my younger years wanted to be a vet, however, I’m way too emotional….. Instead I have a Bachelor’s degree in Special Education. But I enjoy watching the vet shows.
You both have a way of telling your stories that just pulls me in.
Keep up the great work!!
Justine
I love the way you write it down with so much respect for Emily, nice Tony
What a great story! Thank you for taking the time to share your lives with us. Keep ’em coming!
On a race back to the barn where the food is, don’t bet against the fattest horse.
This reminds me of my old horse, Comanche. A mouth of iron and an even harder head! She could fly like the wind or stop dead in her tracks (I once did a perfect somersault over her left shoulder and landed on my feet after one of her stops). Horses are a wonderful part of life. Thanks!
I think I see your future as a novelist as well as a great husband and father Tony.
Awww sweet! I love this story!
Perfect. And gorgeous painting. Love it!
Well, there’s truth in the old saying ” the turtle wins the race.” 🐢 🐎
Very eloquent storytelling Tony.
A pleasure to read!
And what a lovely painting; the eye of the horse!
Write a book, for Pete’s sake, you two! I’m loving the stories.
a great story and a good race
Very well written and enjoyable! You’re a really talented writer.
Loved your story and Emily’s art is just beautiful.
Safe to assume that absent a Tony Takeover, the history of this race might never have been recorded?
I love the story! Brilliant strategy by Tony!
I hope you will take advantage of the many horse farms near Front Royal. Many of them offer lessons and trail rides. There is one, Tannic Mountain Farm, that breeds horses and Emily might be interested in visiting there.
only my father growing up in the sand hills of Nebraska could have told a story about a real race he often had with such spirit…….loved the story…………love the artwork even more………Dr . Emily your art work deserves more credit that this blog can give it!
It’s quite obvious Emily let you win! LOL! Great story. Beautiful drawing.
LOL! Sounds like you were being rather sly, Tony!
Nice story and vividly written.
Tony, I have to say that you are a really great writer and I’m looking forward to seeing more. Dr. Emily, I really enjoyed watching Dr. Pol mostly because of you and I miss seeing you. I always admired your knowledge and confidence and your ability to just step in and do what needed to be done. I still watch the show but it’s not the same. I wish you , Tony, and the kids the best in your new adventure. I know without doubt you will do well, and will definitely be an asset to the clinic and to all your “patients” big and small. We live in Pa. and we have a German Shepherd that we love to pieces. If we were closer I know where we’d be going for his care. You guys take care and keep up the good work.
Yeah, unfortunately Pa is still pretty far away =)
Another winner!
Laughing….hiccuping….that is what I do
when I laugh too hard!! Brings back too many memories from my childhood. Keep ’em coming!!
I so look forward to your posts, and I love Emily’s artwork.
Dr. Emily and Tony we like to read about your adventures!
Amen!!!!
Such a wonderful story. It brings back memories of “back in the day”… Young with no fear, racing with my friends in plowed fields then heading to the tank to laugh and cool our horses off. Thank you for jogging my memory.. Loved it!
Great read as usual. I agree with some of the other comments that I felt as if I was there. Very talented writing! Blessings to you all!
That was VERY well written; a great short story in fact.
Very savvy strategy 😎.
ANY horse story is a good story, and this one was awesome!
Such a sweet story!
Great Story! Love reading your Blogs!
Love your blog! Writing is your deal. Emily’s too. Write a book. Write two books. LOL
As always, great Tony Takeover!
Love horses and horse stories! This was a fun one. Emily, that art piece is fantastic!
Smart thinking on your part Tony. That is an awesome picture of Emily on her horse. Good race. 🙂
What a wonderful story! YAY for Jinjer!
Please keep them coming!
Tony, you’re stories are going to be cherished by your children when they grow up and read how much their parents love each other. Thanks for another great story!
This makes for a great read, awesome job Tony you guys need to write a book, can start with a children’s book which Dr. Emily can illustrate. Theme might be the children taking their pets to the vet for a health check.
Very good story. Love all your stories.
Love your stories! Like the others, I feel you should write a book. A children’s book of this blog post & you already have the artwork from Emily! Keep them coming, these are so interesting. So great to see another side than what we saw on the show. Emily was always so professional & even when she was new on the show, always seemed very confident in what she was doing. It’s nice to also see the humorous & creative side. Thank you!!!
IDK why but that story brought tears to my eyes. Thanks for sharing 🙂
Tony,
Thank you for sharing your adventures with Emily. So very well written that made me feel like I was watching from the sidelines. It was an amazing visual story to see.
I love the pictures and Emily is a gifted artist.
God bless you, Emily and your children.
As usual, great writing Tony! I agree with everyone that you guys should write some books for kids. You’ve got a great way of telling stories and Emily does some fantastic art. Put them both together and great children’s stoies about animals, even as a vet with animals, would be absolutely fantastic. All kids love animals, well most all! Lol. Keep going!
One other thing. From reading and seeing pictures, and video, of Emily and you, I can see how much more relaxed you both are, and the beautiful smile Emily has. You got a nice smile too though… Lol. I as others, really hate not being able to watch Dr. Emily working with the animals on TV. That being said I believe this was a good move for you both! Keep the communication true and the love of y’all will always stay strong! My best for y’all fom now and through the tests of time! We love you both!
Ended my day reading this wonderful story. I’m really enjoying this blog as each post is a new, unexpected treat. How refreshing to read this as opposed to the complaining and options that fill many blogs. Keep the stories coming!
Great story, Tony…it reminded me of the fun I had with friends on horses when I was young.
I wasn’t expecting that ending! LOLOLOL!!!
I loved your story. I also had a very strong-headed quarter horse when I was younger, who the minute he turned for home, was gone. There was no stopping him for any reason. I loved riding him.
Emily’s artwork is outstanding. I love it.
What a nice story. It’s the little things that make the best memories. Thank you for sharing this one with us.
Love, love, love the artwork at the end of this story!
I also love the vlog with Dr India treating fleas on the cat. You guys are so creative! I am sad to see that Emily said she would never write a book, but… what about you Tony? You could write it and Emily could do the artwork…
It might be something to start with this COVID-19 quarantine.
Wishing you all well and to stay healthy.