DRF's fine story on Jonathan Sheppard

[Grits]

From DRF's Marcus Hersh, "Training The Way Nature Intended", a fine, lengthy story on turf specialist, Jonathan Sheppard, with photos by Barbara Livingston, one of which is Forever Together romping in the snow.

Enjoy.

http://www.drf.com/news/article/110095.html

[PaceAdvantage]

That was quite a piece! Thanks for posting the link!

[CincyHorseplayer]

I was almost going to email that to Joanied.

Excellent read.And very interesting training methods even if he mostly trains jumpers.

[miesque]

That is a nice article on an outstanding trainer.

[lamboguy]

Originally Posted by miesque

That is a nice article on an outstanding trainer.

anda very fine man classy man.

[miesque]

Originally Posted by lamboguy

anda very fine man classy man.

Very well put

[castaway01]

That was a great article. Thanks for posting.

[Nacumi]

We pass by Jonathan's all the time on the way to our trainer's farm, where our horses are all schooled/trained in the same manner, over long grass gallops with uphill finishes. He is a true, old school sportsman, who puts his equine charges' needs first and foremost. And what a shame he went unacknowledged in the Eclipse trainer category this year, when two of his horses will likely win. Like the best actors and films who win Oscars, while the director is left out of the nominations.

[tzipi]

Great man and a great trainer. Good article

[jefftune]

Yes, great article. Jonathan is one of my favorite trainers.

[11cashcall]

Great Article,was wondering who came up with the idea of a 8 figured track
& does anyone know if other trainers employ this? TIA

[Nacumi]

The figure 8 track must have originated overseas somewhere, but I'm not sure to whose credit. Our trainers use a small figure 8 chip track that they configured in the woods next to the big barn, specifically to help yearlings and two year olds get used to cantering in both directions, building up both sides evenly, and also to help them get them over the fear and distractions of "there's bears in them woods." It seasons them well before they move to the big turf gallops.

[joanied]

Originally Posted by CincyHorseplayer

I was almost going to email that to Joanied.

Excellent read.And very interesting training methods even if he mostly trains jumpers.

HAH...I read the article, Cincy...in fact, a friend of the late Bobby Frankel sent it to me...and I would have posted it if not for being very busy of late here on the farm...
it's a great story, and yep...I love it and all that it says...no doubt Mr. Sheppard is one of the great trainers and his methods need to be taken seriously by other trainers...it's a shame all race horses can't live the life that Sheppard gives them...one thing mentioned that is of great importance...the fact that horses that spend a lot of time outside don't have the resporitory ailments that most TB's have by being in a stall all damned day.

It's a article every trainer should read. The man is a genious, IMO.

[Doc]

The only thing the author failed to mention was that Cloudy's Knight was making a recovery from a bowed tendon when he was given to Sheppard to train. I don't think he would have made such a fantastic comeback if he wasn't treated as patiently as Sheppard did. Also, I believe Just as Well had some physical ailments, that's why he was turned out for as long as he was.

Instead of tap, tap, tap and inject, inject, inject, Sheppard lets Mother Nature take care of things.