Grand Theft Horse

A true story, written by the protagonist’s cousin. Gail was a horse trainer who followed unconventional methods- she believed that horses shouldn’t be run in races until well over two years old, to allow their bodies to be stronger and fully developed to handle the strain. She also objected to drugging horses, all too common in the racing world sadly. When she found a horse with a lot of promise, she became his part owner and worked hard to train him for his first race. But the original partner divvied up his shares, so there were more votes against her, and all the other owners wanted to run him too early, push him too hard. Against her protests and better judgement, the horse was entered into his first race before she felt he was ready. He sustained a minor injury that could turn into something worse- and the other owners insisted on running him again, foregoing the rest a veterinarian recommended (who then proffered her drugs that would keep him performing in spite of the pain). And that was part of the problem- this horse loved to run, was so eager to be on the track and go.

She was worried it would destroy him, that his legs would break or he would die on the track. So in what she felt was the horse’s best interest, she took him from the barn and moved him to a hidden location. This without the other owners’ approval- but of course they’d been racing him without her approval. She was charged with theft, and battled it out in the courts with the co-owners for years, first having a public attorney who took her side, then having to study up on law and defend herself in the end.

It worked out well for the horse, he did get the rest he needed, but he was never allowed back on the track. The trainer who “stole” him faced resentment and outright blacklisting for what she’d done, and for sticking to her standards, demanding better treatment for racehorses all round. What a fierce, determined, upright character. Though not without qualms to be a bit forceful when she felt it was merited. I think “feisty” would be the right word. Admirable. Really well-told story, even if it was a lot about the court battles and legal wrangling (which I usually find tedious to read about).

Illustrations by Corban Wilkin didn’t really work for me. They were quite expressive, but a bit rough around the edges- which I think was the style- however it also entailed some odd anatomy on the horse- not quite as bad as the Beastar Yahya, but still awkward in numerous panels (the cover image is good though).

Borrowed from the public library. Completed on 5/7/24.