Doctor Al's Horses Experience First Summer on Mackinac
by Candice C. Dunnigan

Their names are Skip and Willie, but they're also referred to as the "new guys on the block." Island veterinarian Dr. Al Sibinic brought up his pair of Standardbred horses Tuesday, June 17, for their very first season on Mackinac Island. The lifestyle here is something these two horses had never been exposed to, he said.

The horses, ages nine and 12, have spent time in and around the racing barns and tracks of the Lower Peninsula. Since I was at the harness raceway last week, and looking at the Standardbreds there, it seemed only natural, when I got back on Mackinac, to talk to Dr. Al. I wanted to inquire about his views on these animals. Standardbreds, along with Tennessee Walkers, Morgans, Quarter horses, Appaloosas, and Saddlebreds, are American horses.

Dr. Al is a veterinarian who enjoys the large animal practice, and he loves horses. He spent many summers as a youth on his grandparents' farm near Charlevoix, riding draft horses with his brother. Typically, they would hop on bareback, grab some mane, and ride around. Dr. Al was introduced to Standardbreds by friends and acquaintances who owned them. He likes their looks and their demeanor; overall, it's not as "high strung" as their cousins, the Thoroughbreds. He has actually owned and bred several Standardbreds who have been on the track.

Island veterinarian Al Sibinic and his Standardbred, Skip, who is on the Island for the first time this summer. This summer will mark the first time the horse has had to wear horse-

Many of these horses, when they no longer have a race left in them, are sold for a song. Standardbreds are often likened to dog track canines; they are the "greyhounds of the horse racing world." They even are built like them. Standardbreds do not carry additional weight. They are long and lean, like Thoroughbreds. Their ribs are high and taut, and the withers are also high. Standing next to his two horses, even tall Dr. Al was dwarfed when Skip decided to raise his head. These horses have a very long neck and a lot of long, long leg. The head is not "pretty " in the conventional sense, rather no-nonsense looking. The pair have nice manes and full tails, thick, but not fussy. Willie is the heavier of the pair, and has big, attractive eyes.

Willie, a Standardbred owned by Dr. Al Sibinic, enjoys his first summer on the Island.

Since Standardbreds were bred according to a set of governing standards, perhaps the most recognizable characteristic about them is their long head. Joe Plaza, owner of Arrowhead Carriages and Tours, has a nice pair of these horses here on Mackinac, too.

Skip and Willie have not been tried out yet as a driving team. Skip (the darker bay) never quite made the grade on the track in the racing world. Willie did run and make some money, but has never pulled anything more than a sulky, let alone a carriage.

The pair have already had to pass a dozen tests that most equines who end up on Mackinac seem to take for granted. First is weathering the boat ride across the Straits, then the walk through town (which always seems extra busy). These horses have never lived in a standing stall; their home was always a box stall. Since they left the track, they've only been ridden or worked in an enclosed arena, and Skip had never had to wear horseshoes until he got here.

In the world of harness racing, as with Thoroughbreds, these horses are started young, usually at the age of two. By the time they're 10, most are sold into different careers. Mares will be sold as brood mares. The Amish are perhaps the biggest purchasers of these horses, as a whole. The speed of a Standardbred is fast, very fast, and they're perfect for true travel by carriage, where miles and distance really have a meaning. Standardbred, or cross-Standardbred horses, have been in use on Mackinac for decades. They make good taxi teams because of their stamina and consistent trot. In fact, these horses want to move, and need to, because that is what they've been bred to do.

Dr. Al has the use of a small training cart for Skip and Willie. He also brought up his western saddle, and hopes to do some trail riding, as well. Right now, he's getting them accustomed to the sights and sounds of Mackinac, from the roller blades, street sweepers, and the noon whistle. This week, they will perhaps get to see the fireworks.

Happy Fourth of July to all!

Candice Dunnigan is an active member of the American Equestrian Association, the Waterloo Hunt, and the Mackinac Horsemen's Association. Seasonally she resides at Easterly Cottage.