Derby Day 2009

Derby Day 2009

Who do you like for the 135^th Kentucky Derby, to be held on Saturday, May 2^nd at Churchill Downs, Kentucky? Wagering on the Kentucky Derby can be a puzzling proposition.

Try this 2009 Kentucky Derby word search puzzle (copyrighted and offered exclusively by The Mane Point), and see how you do. Can you complete the 2009 Kentucky Derby word search before post time on Saturday, May 2^nd?

I W A N T R E V E N G E K K V X P Z Y S 

D I B K E D O P L U Y H Z I T V U R R P 

R H Y C J O I N I N T H E D A N C E X P 

I N D Y I A E I N R E B E D I S T S E W 

B Z N J S M I N E T H A T B I R D T Y F 

R C R C K X N B H Z X O V L A P K A H B 

E L H K Z W T B T B J E J U T S Y R O E 

M R H O T S T U F F R R Q S M T U Y L Q 

M F I B H C C H O C O L A T E C A N D Y 

U N A F B G X T R G A Y L D A W X Y M R 

S P W V N O W H E R E T O H I D E P E M 

S N N E I A T L E O V R O N M M V G B U 

N K Y K O P S N N F N A Q M D E A I A S 

N B R Y U Z E E O N J P E X I L R G C K 

F L Y I N G P R I V A T E R R C H M K E 

H N F K K Q K V P R W R P A Z A R I B T 

A R I A P N Z L S U F E N W A P U A J M 

D K C D S D U Y Y M M S E T V A J U I A 

E F N P D D O D L X O E D V G P G I Z N 

Q T A H R V N X X M K D J G P D P D I D

ADVICE

ATOMICRAIN

CHOCOLATECANDY

DESERTPARTY

DUNKIRK

FLYINGPRIVATE

FRIESANFIRE

GENERALQUARTERS

HOLDMEBACK

IWANTREVENGE

JOININTHEDANCE

MINETHATBIRD

MRHOTSTUFF

MUSKETMAN

NOWHERETOHIDE

PAPACLEM

PIONEEROFTHENILE

REGALRANSOM

SUMMERBIRD

WESTSIDEBERNIE

Kentucky Derby Items of Interest:

Horse Race Survey: Equestrian Entertainment

Horse racing season is upon us. Here's a quick guide to the various disciplines of horse racing, from thoroughbred racetracks to harness racer to steeplechase and more.

Photo Finish

Exploring and explaining the meaning and importance of the photo finish in horse races.

Flying Fabrics

Explaining the history and significance of multi-colored jockey silks.

Racetrack Betting

A guide to the types of wagers one can make at the racetrack. Need a clear explanation of the pari-mutuel system of betting? Check here.

The Three Jeweled Triple Crown

What is the Triple Crown of thoroughbred horse racing? Here’s a simple and straightforward outline of the three jewels of the much coveted Triple Crown.

Thoroughly Thrilling Thoroughbreds

What are the most memorable thoroughbred racehorses in the history of the Kentucky Derby?

Throw a First Class Kentucky Derby Party on a Budget

The Kentucky Derby is an annual party planner's dream come true. Annually, the Kentucky Derby rivals the Super Bowl as the most popular sports party day of the year. Here's how to throw a first-class Kentucky Derby party, while reining in the costs.

Kentucky Derby Party Supplies for a Race-Worthy Day

Are you hosting a Kentucky Derby party this year? Where can you find super party supplies online for your Kentucky Derby Day event? Celebrate the Run for the Roses with supplies from these six super online Kentucky Derby party goods merchants.

Kentucky Derby Horse Racing Fans Go Green

Last year, for the first time in Kentucky Derby history, spectators and participants had an opportunity to recycle aluminum cans and plastic bottles for charity. The Race to Recycle program includes major corporate sponsors and the city of Louisville.

Big Brown Wins 134th Kentucky Derby

Big Brown boldly blasted from gate #20 into the fray, and he never looked back. The three-year-old thoroughbred won big at the 134th Kentucky Derby horse race, held on Saturday, May 3, 2008, at Churchill Downs, in Louisville, Kentucky.

Eight Belles Collapses After Kentucky Derby Horse Race

The Kentucky Derby finish on Saturday, May 3, 2008, was bittersweet for horse racing enthusiasts. Eight Belles, the only filly in this year's Kentucky Derby, finished a clear second and collapsed immediately after the horse race.

Racehorse Recovery

What happens when racehorses get injured?

Off Course – Haikus and Views on Race Course News

Eight Belles, the second-place finisher in the 2008 Kentucky Derby, collapsed during the gallop-out after the finish line and broke both front ankles. The filly was euthanized on the spot. This poem offers "Haikus and Views on Racetrack News."

Thoroughly Thoroughbreds - What's the Horse of Your Dreams?

Are all ex-racehorses hot-blooded speedsters? Can a track horse be trained for pleasure riding? Does a racing career destroy a horse for other uses? Here's why a thoroughbred may be just the horse for you!

Staying On-Track - On Playing the Racehorse Card:

". . . No choice controversial will trouble the herd. For who could erase a discouraging word? Injustice perceived is often believed. And justice enforced at the wire is absurd. . . ."

A Great Sport - Poetic Scan from a Loyal Fan

Who is my favorite athlete? Here's my great sport and MVP - Most Valuable Pony. Actually, he's not a pony at all. He's a 16-hand thoroughbred horse with a remarkable racing pedigree. His racing days are over . . . or are they?

Love poetry? Check out Simply Snickers, a brand-new weekly poetry prompt. Try your hand with weekly prompts! Or, look into The Meme Express for daily blogging prompts.

Click here to visit Linda Ann Nickerson’s poetry and humor blog, Nickers and Ink.

Throughout 2009, please join us at The Heart of a Ready Writer, a Bible reading and devotional blog, as we read through the entire Bible in chronological order.

Click here to subscribe to an RSS feed for this writer's helpful Helium content. If you wish, click here for a free subscription to this author's online AC content, so you won't miss a single post!

Pasture Partners

Pasture Partners

Photo c2009 by Nickers and Ink.

All rights reserved.

Opposites Attract –

A Naisaiku on Friendship True

My best friend’s an ass,

Braying, bucking stubborn soul,

Donkey that he be.

OPPOSITES ATTRACT.

Donkey that he be,

Braying, bucking stubborn soul,

My best friend’s an ass.

Posted for a variety of prompts:

AC (Write a pet haiku)

Meme Express (Friday Freedom – writer’s choice)

Naisaiku Challenge (Naisaiku poetry)

Poetic Asides (April P.A.D. Challenge)

Read Write Poem (NaPoWriMo)

Photo/s posted in response to these prompts:

Camera Critters (photo/s)

Wordless Wednesday (any day – photo/s)

Love poetry? Check out Simply Snickers, a brand-new weekly poetry prompt. Try your hand with weekly prompts! Or, look into The Meme Express for daily blogging prompts.

Click here to visit Linda Ann Nickerson’s poetry and humor blog, Nickers and Ink.

Throughout 2009, please join us at The Heart of a Ready Writer, a Bible reading and devotional blog, as we read through the entire Bible in chronological order.

Click here to subscribe to an RSS feed for this writer's helpful Helium content. If you wish, click here for a free subscription to this author's online AC content, so you won't miss a single post!

What's Your Favorite Horse-Related Music Video?

What's Your Favorite Horse-Related Music Video?

I'm not sure if this is my all-time favorite, but I really liked the movie (2006's Flicka, starring Maria Bellow, Alison Lohman and Tim McGraw), so let's start with this one. Here's Catherine Raney's version of "All the Pretty Little Ponies." This lullabye-like song may appeal to anyone who's dreamed of having a horse or pony.

.

.
In 1994, Kenny Loggins recorded the same song for his album, Return to Pooh Corner.

What's your favorite equine tune? Leave a comment with a title, artist, video link. Or leave a link to your own blog post, where you include your favorite horse-related music video.

Fresh Fodder

Fresh Fodder

Photos c2009 by Nickers and Ink.

All rights reserved.

My Guy –

A Simple List to Give the Gist

My favorite male is filled with charm.

I might tattoo him on my arm.

Why do I love him most, of course?

He bests all men, my little horse.

When e’re he sees me, he high-tails

To greet me and hear my regales.

Although he may not understand

He as a listener is grand.

No foul language does he speak,

Nor does his temper seem to pique.

Fidelity’s his strongest suit.

He’s gelded, so the point is moot.

Unlike most men a gal might know,

He cuddles with no quid pro quo.

This handsome one is strong and sure.

His macho ego is secure.

He smiles with ease for our close-ups

And never ever interrupts.

And with a little exercise,

This blessed beast may win a prize.

Of all the guys in all the earth,

One little horse renews his worth.

This bold bright equine is my dear.

As long as I shall have him here.

Posted for a variety of prompts:

AC (list poem)

Easy Street Prompts (“a little exercise”)

Monday Poetry Train (poems – Writer’s Choice)

Poefusion (“As long as I have you here . . . “)

Poetic Asides (April P.A.D. Challenge: “rebirth”)

Read Write Poem (NaPoWriMo)

Simply Snickers (“beast,” “bless” and “bold”)

Photo/s posted in response to these prompts:

Camera Critters (photo/s)

Lens Day Challenge (photo/s)

Odd Shots Monday (photo/s)

Scenic Sunday (photo/s)

Straight Out of the Camera (SOOC Sunday)

Thursday Challenge (photo/s)

Weekend Snapshot (photo/s)

Wordless Wednesday (any day – photo/s)

Love poetry? Check out Simply Snickers, a brand-new weekly poetry prompt. Try your hand with weekly prompts! Or, look into The Meme Express for daily blogging prompts.

Click here to visit Linda Ann Nickerson’s poetry and humor blog, Nickers and Ink.

Throughout 2009, please join us at The Heart of a Ready Writer, a Bible reading and devotional blog, as we read through the entire Bible in chronological order.

Click here to subscribe to an RSS feed for this writer's helpful Helium content. If you wish, click here for a free subscription to this author's online AC content, so you won't miss a single post!

My MVP

My MVP

Photo c2009 by Nickers and Ink.

All rights reserved.

A Great Sport –

Poetic Scan from a Loyal Fan

My favorite athlete is tall

But wears no uniform at all.

My childhood dreams appear in him,

A wonder far beyond all whim.

His hair could rival Samson’s mane,

Unscissored, difficult to tame.

He’ll cast a glance to catch my eye,

Confused that others pass him by.

A champion in his own right,

I love to watch this one take flight.

It’s almost scary – watch him race,

Inviting others to give chase.

And what comes after may surprise;

For reasons I cannot surmise,

He’ll stop and stoop for me to climb

For quiet road trip, one more time.

His purpose, though he seem untamed,

A-frolicking so unashamed,

Is found fulfilled between us too,

Not just collecting ribbons blue.

Posted for a variety of prompts:

AC Poetry Challenge (“sports favorites”)

Easy Street Prompts (“what comes after”)

Fun Monday (“childhood dreams”)

Heads or Tails (“reason”)

In Other Words (“His purpose”)

Meme Express (Pick a Prompt)

Poetic Asides (April P.A.D. Challenge: “love poem” or “anti-love poem”)

Read Write Poem (NaPoWriMo – “road trip”)

Simply Snickers (“cast,” “catch” and “confuse”)

Sunday Scribblings (“scary”)

Tuesday Title (“Earth’s Hair”)

Weekend Wordsmith (“scissors”)

Photo/s posted in response to these prompts:

Camera Critters (photo/s)

Lens Day Challenge (“light”)

Odd Shots Monday (photo/s)

Scenic Sunday (photo/s)

Straight Out of the Camera (SOOC Sunday)

Thursday Challenge (photo/s)

Weekend Snapshot (photo/s)

Wordless Wednesday (any day – photo/s)

Love poetry? Check out Simply Snickers, a brand-new weekly poetry prompt. Try your hand with weekly prompts! Or, look into The Meme Express for daily blogging prompts.

Click here to visit Linda Ann Nickerson’s poetry and humor blog, Nickers and Ink.

Throughout 2009, please join us at The Heart of a Ready Writer, a Bible reading and devotional blog, as we read through the entire Bible in chronological order.

Click here to subscribe to an RSS feed for this writer's helpful Helium content. If you wish, click here for a free subscription to this author's online AC content, so you won't miss a single post!