Superchupacabra “Chup”–An Ex-Race Horse

Superchupacabra “Chup”

By Erin

Sarah & ChupSarah Parlier, friend and owner of Equine Racers which is a 501c3 non profit as of February 2014, pictured riding Chup when he was still a racehorse at Los Alamitos Racetrack.

248341_536604379702772_1453227490_n

 I wanted to start showcasing some of the horses at the barn, and share a little bit about them. From their careers on the track, to what exactly brought them to Equine Racers, and where life takes them after their stay with us at the barn with Equine Racers. I thought I’d start off with this handsome boy, Superchupacabra. Try saying that one fast! It kind of reminds me of Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious from Mary Poppins, but not quite as long.

483076_526282644068279_2027887198_n

Superchupacabra, otherwise known as, Chup is a 2009 Thoroughbred gelding. He was unplaced in 7 starts with earnings of $2,480. Chup retired sound and was purchased directly from the racing owner. Chup’s easy going attitude at such a young age made him easily placed with a sweet girl as a trail horse in Ventura.

521677_526372107392666_732062271_n

Recently as of Dec 2014, Chup was returned to Equine Racers due to a lack of time from the owner and he is now being trained as a Hunter Jumper. Chup’s easy way of going makes him one of the most versatile horses we’ve had the pleasure to work with.  Take a look at him in action! Enjoy this special beast!

47070_583737558322787_913381814_n

Learning to Jump.

10351604_1011276735568865_6950846630846446435_n

He’s such a beautiful little mover.

10980725_1011276705568868_2984971469632145634_n

He really does like to show off in the turn out.

Continue reading »

Run! Don’t Walk, to go See McFarland, USA! #McFarlandUSA

Run! Don’t Walk, to go See McFarland, USA!

By Erin

Disney’s newest film McFarland, USA has hit the ground running today. Mcfarland, USA is the true story of how a cross country coach Jim White (Kevin Costner) rounded up a very unlikely group of Latino teens with uncertain futures and made them into true champions. McFarland is in California and is a predominantly Hispanic farming town where residents worked in the fields as “pickers.” With the odds stacked against them, this high school cross country team has a heart of gold and the determination of a tiger, they would not give up. With obstacles such as a non-existent budget, widespread prejudice, and the boys families needing them to help out in the fields everyday, White was able to show that “champions can come from anywhere.” The team became state champions in 1987. This film is truly an enjoyable one filled with many inspirational and motivating messages. You can do anything your heart desires, if you are willing to put in the time, dedication, and heart to make it happen.

McFarlandUSA54612f1f790f3

The scenic and awe inspiring beauty of California is highlighted by Director Niki Caro, creatively making use of the cross country courses, from the urban landscape of McFarland, including the state prison right next door, to the surreal surroundings of the cross country meets that winded through hills, lush trees and other greenery.   The production took the cast and crew to some of the most beautiful spots in Southern and Central California, from Lake Castaic to Malibu to the Griffith Park Observatory, in addition to the fields and neighborhoods of Bakersfield and McFarland.

McFARLAND

Here are a few more interesting facts to note about McFarland, USA as you run out to go see this inspiring film.

  • Coach Jim White is retired now, but if you go to McFarland, chances are you will see him out there on his bike, keeping up with the kids every evening with a lot of his original team running alongside as well. White retired in 2002 after teaching in McFarland schools for 40 years and coaching for 25 years.
  • Many of the original runners on the championship 1987 cross-country team have returned to or have stayed in their hometown to give back to the town that gave so much to them. A lot of these boys have become educators in the McFarland school district. The former teammates are not only working in their hometown, but also raising their families there and actively supporting the cross-country teams of today by coaching, helping out with the meets and practices and donating goods or money so the teams have what they need.

Continue reading »

Wordless Wednesday: Majestic Lusitano Stallions

Wordless Wednesday: Majestic Lusitano Stallions

By Erin

There are some pretty gorgeous Lusitano stallions at the barn where the horses are kept at. My friend Cat at the barn captured some amazing shots of these very animated guys! Take a look! 😉

10957878_804216226321838_495971764693166964_n

A little bit of history on this breed; the Lusitano is a Portuguese horse breed, closely related to the Spanish Andalusian horse. Often times called Iberian horses because the breeds were developed on the Iberian peninsula, until the 1960s they were considered one breed, under the Andalusian name. The Lusitano has been developed to be a horse that is useful for war, dressage and bull fighting. In 1966, Portuguese and Spanish stud books split, and the Portuguese strain of the Iberian horse was named the Lusitano. The guys pictured here are used as bull fighting horses.

What do you think? Some pretty handsome fellas aren’t they? 😉

10959601_804216339655160_8713972966879344041_n

Working on the longe line with side reins.

1507077_804216302988497_4396240256152990740_n

Beautiful!!

10960337_804216202988507_535444909861279648_o Say CHEESE!!!! 🙂