This Week in Horse History - March 29th Through April 4th

March 30th, 2005 - Reining Quarter Horse Hollywood Dun It was euthanized because of health problems resulting from testicular cancer. Hollywood Dun It was the All Time Leading Sire in National Reining Horse history. At the end of the 2004 NRHA Futurity, his foals had earned more than $4 million. Hollywood Dun It sired thirteen foal crops which excelled as reining horses, winning the National Reining Breeders Classic, All American Quarter Horse Congress Futurity, and the NRHA Futurity, among other prestigious awards. The Breyer model horse company made their first reining horse as a model of Hollywood Dun It in 1998. In 2002, they also made a model of his son, Dun Gotta Dun.

Information courtesy of: Reining Sire Hollywood Dun It Dies

Photo courtesy of: McQuay Stables

March 31st, 1950 - The International Arabian Horse Association was created. The Arabian Horse Registry of America was formed in 1908 (originally titled the Arabian Horse Club of America), but its purpose was only to register horses. The International Arabian Horse Association was therefore created to promote and coordinate activities for Arabian horses. The Arabian Horse Registry of America and the International Arabian Horse Association merged together in 2003 to form the Arabian Horse Association.

Information and photo courtesy of: Drinkers of the Wind

April 2, 1977 - Steeplechaser Red Rum won his third Grand National Championship at Aintree Racecourse. Red Rum was born on May 3, 1963. He was born with a bone disease, but training on a beach in the sand and sea water cured him of the problem. He won his first Grand National in 1973. Red Rum was twelve when he won his third Grand National in 1977. He was retired from racing at th age of thirteen and was put down on October 18, 1955 due to his failing health. He was buried at the finish line of Aintree Racecourse. His epitaph: "Respect this place, this hallowed ground, a legend here, his rest has found, his feet would fly, our spirits soar, he earned our love for evermore."

Information courtesy of: Red Rum wins record third Grand National

Additional information and photo courtesy of: Grand National memorable moments