This Week in Horse History - July 12th Through July 18th

July 14th, 1959 - Thoroughbred trainer Rodney Rash was born in Frederick, Maryland. Rash worked under Charlie Wittingham until 1991, when he applied for a training license. He trained horses such as Blues Traveler and Celtic Arms, and he won the Santa Anita Handicap with Urgent Request. During his career, Rash amassed $8.7 million in purses. Rash would die in 1996 of a rare blood disorder.

Information courtesy of Breeders Cup

Photo courtesy of Santa Anita Horse Track

July 15th, 1966: Thoroughbred racehorse Dr. Fager his first race today. Dr. Fager raced at Aqueduct, going off at odds of 10 to 1 and winning the race by seven lengths. During his career, Dr. Fager would start 22 times and would finish first in 19 of those races. He was inducted into the National Museum of Racing's Hall of Fame and stood stud until he died at the age of 12 in 1976.

Information courtesy of THE DOCTOR IS IN

Photo courtesy of Dr. Fager 1964 (USA) - Rough'n Tumble e Aspidistra (Better Seff)

July 16th, 1665 - This date marks the beginning of the Canadian Horse breed, as horses from the stable of King Louis IV of France arrived in New France. These were considered to be the best horses of the stable and included Barbs, Arabs, Turks, and Spanish horses. The Canadian Horse breed was descended from these horses, as they were the only ones in New France, so they were bred for 150 years. They were carefully bred so that they would be able to survive the harsh winter climate. In addition, breeders selected horses which would be smaller in size and able to work hard. Traits of the Canadian Horse are that they typically stand between 14 and 15 hands, have thick manes and tails, refined heads, feathered fetlocks, and typically come in darker colors. 

Information courtesy of Canadian Horse Descends from True Equine Royalty

Photo courtesy of Canadian Horse as Canada's National Horse