Read the Success Stories for these former Bits & Bytes Farm horses.

The newest Success Stories have been moved to their own site: www.OTTBSuccessStories.com

* Horses with asterisk in front of their name were purchased as Prospect Horses directly from the track.

All photos on this Web site are copyright protected and may not be used without written permission of the photographer.

Congratulations to Holly Light of Oakpark, IL on the purchase of our Horse For Sale - Era of Chanago! April 15, 2008

Era of Chanago at his new home. May 8, 2008

Era of Chanago has made it to his new home in Chicago! April 27, 2008

Elizabeth flexes Era of Chanago at the track - September 8, 2003

2003 - 12 days off-the-track

Era of Chanago and Elizabeth enjoy a day at the Shakerag Hounds Hunter Trials just 12 days off-the-track. September 20, 2003

Chanago navigates the bridge.

Chanago waits for Elizabeth to put on the slicker. . .

. . . and drinks a stirrup cup and then while she takes it off

Chanago jumps the log and a small ditch. Not bad form for a Thoroughbred just 12 days off the race track who has NEVER jumped!

Elizabeth Wood and Era of Chanago at his first fox hunt just six weeks away from racing! - October 25, 2003

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Bits & Bytes Farm success stories

Our Horses > success stories > Era of Chanago

Era of Chanago

Era of Chanago (age 11) and Wind's Legend (age 32) checking out the mares in the next paddock! Photo credit Sherri Kiefner

May 9, 2008

Legs telling Chanago who's the boss! Photo credit Sherri Kiefner

Chanago letting Legs win the race, even though he could easily overtake the old boy. Sweet Chanago! May 9, 2008 Photo credit Sherri Kiefner

May 8, 2008 - Bit Trick

Elizabeth,
The"bit trick". Let me try to explain how it goes.

I stand on Chanago's left side right up at his head. I gather up the entire bridle in my left hand EXCEPT for the 3 jointed bit. I bend the bit in half (near D ring hanging) and slowly push the bent bit pieces into the side of his mouth by the BAR.
As it goes in, I then grab the D ring for the opposite side and bring in around below his chin to come to the right side of mouth. So as the bit on the left side pokes into the near bar, the other end of the bit (the far D ring) moves under and over to the other side. That way the D rings are on their appropriate side, and the bits are in his mouth. There is NO entry of the bit from the front.

When Jesse did it, it was so smooth and quick that Chanago didn't have a chance to move his head around. When I did today, it took two tries as he started to raise his head as I inserted the bit parts. However, once I got the folded bit pieces on the left into his bar, I rapidly moved the right sided D ring quickly under and over to the right. At that point, I raised the entire bridle UP and put the head strap over his poll. Then the bit stayed in place, and I finished securing the rest of the bridle parts.

I hope this makes sense. I will take a little video tomorrow with my FLIP video camera - putting on the bridle this way. Sometimes a picture says it all. And I can easily email it to you so that you can watch it.

All my best,
Holly

P.S. I did try posting slowly and rhythmically today and that made all the difference! He and I were much better balanced when the gaits were controlled, relaxed and with good rhythm. I'm trying to sit straighter - this is something I must work on.

Elizabeth's Note: Thoroughbreds are very sensitive to the rider's weight and body position. If you lean too far foreward, they will increase their pace. Sitting back and posting slowly will cause them to slow down to match your rhythm - even right off-the-track!

May 7, 2008

Hi Elizabeth,

Chanago and I had a very good ride today - lots of walk, trot, canter transitions, circles, figure of eights, leg yield etc. He was trying hard to get it right. If he gets a little excited or tense, I try to turn him in a circle to relax him. What a good boy! This picture below is not great, but thought you might enjoy seeing his face.

I was wondering if you received a book from Amazon called "Horse People" by Michael Korda?. I sent it wanted to check that it had arrived.

Hope all is well with you, Barry and your horses!
Take care,
Holly

Elizabeth's Note: Horse People: Scenes from the Riding Life is a fun book that takes the reader on rides from NYC to Middleburgh, VA. I enjoyed it tremedously and could relate to many of the author's experiences such as passing the Master of Fox Hounds while being a visitor at a the hunt!

April 29, 2008

Hi Elizabeth,
Thanks for putting that wonderful picture of Legs and Chanago on the website. It's just perfect!

I rode him today in the indoor arena and he was such a good boy. He looked with amazement at the huge mirrors on two walls of the arena. And he enjoyed the music playing in the background.

I had a little trouble getting the bridle on, and I wondered if you have any hints to make it easier. I added the bit wrap too.

All my best,
Holly

Elizabeth's Note: Holly's groom taught her a good trick for getting a bit into a horse's mouth. I have asked Holly to share this tip. Click here to read how to get a bit into a horse's mouth.

April 28, 2008

Getting to know each other.

Hi Elizabeth,

I walked Chanago (not riding, just walking) around part of the property today. His ears were so forward, and every few steps he would stop in his tracks and just LOOK! He was taking it all in with incredible concentration. He didn't even hear the sound of the peppermint wrapper as I treated him along the way. We just took a leisurely stroll and he was interested in every sight. What a sweet personality he has.

Thanks.
All my best,
Holly

April 27, 2008

Era of Chango meets his new brother "Legs". April 28, 2008
"Legs" gives Era of Chanago the skinny on his new mom, Holly Light. Photo by Sherri Kiefner.

Era of Chanago has made it to his new home in Chicago! He met his new brother "Legs" and got the full story on his new mom Holly Light.

Era of Chanago has made it to his new home in Chicago! April 27, 2008

Hello Elizabeth and Barry!
Chanago is a gem! He seems as relaxed and happy as he could be. Pictures 1 and 2 are a bit "foggy", but better ones to come. The 3rd was taken by Sherri of my old guy Legs and my sweet Chanago together in a paddock, having quite the conversation!! Can't you just imagine what they are saying??!!

Thank you, thank you.
My heart is full.
Holly

April 21, 2008

Dear Elizabeth,
Finding your website and visiting your home and barn to meet Era of Chanago, was truly a wonderful experience!

Your horses are talented, well cared for and loved. I learned so much about your training methods, care and the special qualities of your horses. Chanago turned out to be just the perfect horse for me.

Thank you for your mini lessons, conversation, hospitality, and the DVD of pictures that you gave me to take home. You and Barry are very much dedicated to these beautiful Thoroughbreds, and finding just the right home for each and every one of them. I am delighted that Chanago will be coming home to me in Chicago.I can't wait for his arrival! I will keep you posted on all our adventures together now and throughout his lifetime.

Thank you!
Best wishes,
Holly

April 15, 2008 - Congratulations to Holly Light of Oakpark, IL on the purchase of our Horse For Sale - Era of Chanago!

Era of Chanago has a new mom! Congratulations to Holly Light - April 15, 2008

Era Of Chanago was a horse for sale at Bits & Bytes Farm. June 6, 2006
Era of Chanago proved to be a great jumper with training. June 6, 2006

Brewster and Barry and Elizabeth on Era of Chanago just a few weeks off-the-track. October 25, 2003

Bits & Bytes Farm's Chanago being blessed with the hounds
Bits & Bytes Farm's Era of Chanago being blessed with the hounds at the opening meet of Shakerag Hounds outside Atlanta, Georgia. October 25, 2003