Early Snow

Early Snow is an 8 year old gelding by Souvenir Copy.  He was developing into quite a nice horse, having had 23 starts with 4 wins, 3 places and 3 shows and with career earnings of over 175K.  He was given his name because he has an unusual coat with flecks of white that look almost like snow crystals.  Early Snow was a real trier although he always had a bit of trouble with one of his legs.  He raced in the Crystal Water Handicap at Santa Anita an then once again where he was claimed and sent all the way across the country to Saratoga.  Unfortunately, during this first race there he broke down and had to be vanned off the field.  It was discovered that he had sustained a bowed tendon in his delicate leg and could no longer race even if he were to recover from that injury.  His previous owners, including NS supporter Ritchie decided to bring him back home and negotiated with the present owner to release him.  There was no money for his long and expensive trip back across the US but it was raised through the efforts of Ritchie and the former GM of the racing syndicate to whom he had belonged.  NS Founder Karin Wagner also made a substantial donation for his return and rehab.

After being sent to a less than desirable place and placed in a corral with other horses and barking dogs Ritchie found Ballena Vista Farm.  Snow arrived from his cross country shipment in terrible condition, with one leg so completely swollen it looked like two and a very high fever.   NS supporter Ritchie quickly made arrangements to move him to Ballena Vista Farm where he received the proper medical treatment and care to tend to his bowed tendon.  At Ballena Vista Snow was strictly supervised, cooling out in a small stall, given proper feed, and under no stress at all.  Because Early Snow is a such a proud gentleman Ritchie also bought him his own leather halter and brass name plate.  Leandro Mora, assistant trainer for Doug O'Neill, had always said that Early Snow was the barn gentleman and had better manners than most people.

After completing his rehab Early Snow was given to a single mom and her daughter as a riding horse.   Although we hear he is still  having some minor problems with the tendon his new owners are thrilled to be his caregivers and hold great affection for him.