Eric Luper's Random Musings

This weekend I had a signing at a great little store in Bolton Landing NY called Happy Jack's.



Not only did we sell some books but they brought me a lovely lunch and a grape Vitamin Water (my favorite!). Jeff, you rock! The highlight was a visit by fellow author, Alex Flinn. She has written many excellent books, including Diva, A Kiss in Time and Beastly. It was great to finally meet you, Alex!

This morning I had my second of two signings at the National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame. They have been selling BUG BOY all kooky crazy! And I signed some books this morning. I signed books for the three humans (the rest are horses) being inducted to the Racing Hall of Fame this week: trainer Bob Baffert, trainer Janet Elliot (the second woman to be inducted ever), and jockey Eddie Maple.

After my event, I went over to the Fasig-Tipton Yearling auction. The auction is one of the most prestigious Thoroughbred auctions in the world and they are in their 111th year. I can't even begin to describe how beautiful the grounds are and how awesomely beautiful the horses are so I'm just going to show you a few photos.

Here is the walking ring where they parade the horses around:



And here are a few of the many beautiful horses:





This last horse was getting his hooves polished and his eyelashes combed. No surprise considering many of them will fetch more than $1 million tonight at the auction.



And here is where the magic happens. Horses come from all over the world to be bought and sold at Fasig-Tipton, which only happens four days per year. So if you've got a few hundred thousand burning a hole in your pocket, come on down and bid!



It's not easy to see, but the green area is where the horses stand and the dais behind that (between the black doors) is where the auctioneer stands. Last night they auctioned more than $25 million in horses. Amazing.

And here a phot that is just screaming for a caption:



My caption: What you talkin' 'bout, Willis?

Do you have a caption???

It would be really easy for me to talk about all the excitement around the huge benefit I signed at for Equine Advocates last night. I could talk about the crowds at the table.



I could talk about the stunning architecture of the historical Canfield Casino.



I could tell you how I signed books for a host of celebrities such as Carson Kressley (the guy from Queer Eye for the Straight Guy who incidentally complimented me on my tie!!), Bebe Neuwirth (Lilith from Cheers), Jack Knowlton (owner of the famed horse Funny Cide), and Josephine Abercrombie (major equine philanthropist, and I'd like to think the Abercrombie behind Abercrombie and Fitch, but I'm not sure about that).

But really, the night was all about horses.



Who steps in when the police get a call about a horse living in such squalid conditions that it is lying chest deep in manure in its stall to avoid standing out in the elements?



Who steps in when a premarin hormone facility is raided because the mares are being terribly neglected or abused (yes, those are brands)?



Who steps in when ponies at children's day camps are sent to slaughter after they've served for riding lessons for the summer (yes, this really happens)?



Who steps in when a donkey or miniature ass (heh, I said miniature ass) is no longer needed at a petting zoo or has their hooves shaved down so far that they can barely stand?



Equine Advocates steps in. I had the pleasure of visiting their facilities down in Chatham, NY and was touched and amazed at what these people do, what they have devoted their lives to. They take abused and neglected horses (and all other equines), relocate them to their pastoral farm, treat them medically, rehabilitate them and ensure that they live safe, heallthy and dignified lives.



If Equine Advocates existed back in 1934, when Bug Boy takes place, I suspect they would have had their hands full. Back then animals were treated as commodities rather than as living, breathing creatures. But as a result of the hard work of people like Susan and Karen Wagner, things have improved a great deal. There is still plenty of room for improvement and these people need lots of support to do it. If you have the means, consider sponsoring a horse!

And to Equine Advocates, thanks for all you do.