Comment from Teri7

Excellent

Craig, This is another very well written poem that is very interesting about Michelle who was a horse rider who won as the races queen. You used very good words and very good imagery from the art work. Thanks for sharing, Blessings, Teri

 Comment Written 31-Aug-2018

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reply by the author on 01-Sep-2018

Thanks so much for the lovely comments, Teri. Most grateful, Craig

Comment from BeasPeas

Excellent

Hi Craig. You and I are on the same page with horse racing and with animal rights in general. Your poem is excellent, well written and rhymed. Interesting author's note, too. Marilyn

 Comment Written 28-Aug-2018

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reply by the author on 28-Aug-2018

Thanks for the kind words, Marilyn. We are indeed on the same page concerning our relationship with other species Most appreciated, Craig

Comment from Ulla

Excellent

Hi Craig, a great poem you've written again around of another unfamiliar word. However, having had several horses and competed in Dressage, I knew immediately what the word would mean. A wonderful poem. All the best. Ulla:))

 Comment Written 26-Aug-2018

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reply by the author on 26-Aug-2018

Many thanks for the lovely comments, Ulla. Most appreciated :) Craig

Comment from Gloria ....

Excellent

Well that's it! This is just not right with a femalian winning the Melbourne Cup when everyone knows girls can't ride properly. We should never have given them the vote I tell ya. haha

Well this just goes to show despite your abhorrence of animal abuse exhibited so bloodily at the races you are still able to write a good poem about it.

I was also encouraged to learn the "boys" didn't cry.

Great job, Craig and a fun read too.

Gloria

 Comment Written 25-Aug-2018

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reply by the author on 25-Aug-2018

I know, Gloria, it just ain't right. She obviously doesn't understand her place. A gentle flogging (administered with love, and out of a deep sense of concern for her welfare) should do the trick. If not, stone her! :)

Most grateful, as always,

Craig

Comment from lyenochka

Excellent

Thanks for this information. I didn't even know about the Melbourne Cup as I know nothing about horseriding. But great job in the poem story to let us know about new barriers being broken.

 Comment Written 25-Aug-2018

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reply by the author on 25-Aug-2018

Thanks very much, Helen. Much appreciated :) Craig

Comment from MissMerri

Excellent

I appreciate this poem for two reasons... it is well written with even meter and perfect rhymes, and also because it is informative. I did not know about those high paying races and had never heard of Michelle Payne, but now I will look for her story. It sounds amazing. I did happen to know what an equestrienne was, (perhaps because I am one) but most of your word-of-the-day words are new to me. Thank you again for sharing your "gifts."

 Comment Written 25-Aug-2018

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reply by the author on 25-Aug-2018

Thanks for the kind words, MM. She certainly has a great deal of talent, backed up by a lot of gritty determination. I hope the film, due for release next year, turns out well. Most grateful, Craig

Comment from Jannypan (Jan)

Excellent

I enjoyed your poem, Craig from the picture to your well-rhymed words. You tell a great story. I knew of the word equestrian but not equestrienne. But it makes sense & you expressed your thoughts about it well. This is a great tribute to Michelle, too. Thanks for sharing. Jan

 Comment Written 25-Aug-2018

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reply by the author on 25-Aug-2018

Thanks very much, Jan. I'm glad you enjoyed it, and grateful for the comments. Cheers, Craig

Comment from strandregs

Excellent

Hi Craig
Why do you call it blood money?
The only thing I know about horse races
There are horses involved and gambling.
A good way of imparting anecdotal information.
Thank you
I will probably remember this when I try to remember my pin number. :-))Z.

 Comment Written 25-Aug-2018

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reply by the author on 25-Aug-2018

Hi Z,

I call it "blood money" because tens of thousands of horses die in this little country alone every year, either as a result of injuries sustained while racing, or because they can't run fast enough to line their owners' pockets with wads of cash, so they are shot. These horses are referred to in the industry as "wastage". It's not just this country though, this abuse is world wide.

Here's a page with text and videos which explains more, if you've the stomach for it:

https://www.animalsaustralia.org/issues/horse_racing.php

Thanks for reviewing :) Craig

reply by strandregs on 25-Aug-2018

Thank you for the explanation
I thought they made them into sausages and glue- horrid.
Do you think my last poem ...criticism
sounds a bit like donald trump?

Comment from bichonfrisegirl

Excellent

Very nice, Craig. I love your title, "Michelle doesn't ride side-saddle"! It really has a double meaning. She's not going to be in the sidelines ... she wants to win AND she's not daintily going to ride sideways on the saddle as damsels did in by-gone days. This gal is a serious contender and needs to be taken seriously. :)

Your poem emphasizes that women can give men a run for the money.

I enjoyed your well written, well rhymed poem, and especially like your prince/wince rhyme.

Cheers,
Connie

 Comment Written 25-Aug-2018

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reply by the author on 25-Aug-2018

Thanks so much, Connie. She most certainly is no wallflower!

I'm always grateful for your thoughtful and positive comments :)

Craig

Comment from Shirley E Kennedy

Excellent

I 'd say your treasured Christmas present is being put to great use.
I remember that day well. It was a true triumph for that rider and all female jockeys.
I enjoyed the poem which is entertaining, cocise, and true .
Blessings
Shirley

 Comment Written 25-Aug-2018

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reply by the author on 25-Aug-2018

Thanks very much, Shirley. I didn't watch the race (never do), but of course I heard about it, and was pleased for Michelle. Cheers, Craig