Behind the Gate

that you can learn from a book. It is a hands—on experience. You must work hard and long hours. You must also have a love for horses. You must also be will— ing to learn and to take and seek advice.”

Ralph was quick to acknowledge that he had some very capable people assisting him in the Ralph Annear Stable over the years. They certainly contributed to his success. Some of his helpers were Art Kennedy, George Worth, Bob Mills, Eric Wood and Bill Hicken.

Over the years, Ralph was quite success— ful training and racing colts and fillies. Where did he get these colts and fillies? Some were purchased at yearling sales or privately; however, most were bred and raised at home from his own broodmares. In 2008 he had three successful brood- mares in his stable. They were Maple Leaf/1 rnetf, her daughter Maple Lea/Gem

‘ ‘ 1 . , . Eda-1:1“;

Ralphiignear

and Ob That Treasure With his particu— lar broodmares, he looked for a sire with good manners because his mares were pretty high strung. He looked for a relaxed sire because his mares really got up for a race. He loved and used Balance of Trade as a sire because his colts were good to Ralph; however, they all took a pretty good hold and were pretty game. Ralph enjoyed this aspect of the industry but cautioned that there was a lot of thought, time and effort required. He was interested in breeding horses only to raise and race.

My interview was completed with a guid- ed tour by Ralph and his wife Laurie of their idyllic and almost utopian facilities on the Douse’s Road in Lower Montague. If successful horses are happy horses, I believe I know why the Ralph Annear Stable achieved success over the years.

Photo: Ann MacNeill

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