What is a lesson to learn from the life of a horse who was born and died many years ago?
Secretariat was called “Super Horse” on the cover of TIME and was Sports Illustrated “Sportsman of the Year” in 1978.
When visiting my family in North Carolina we always put on some of our favorite movies. I had seen “Secretariat” long ago but didn’t remember it. As I kept watching, it came back to me. In fact, I watched it twice last weekend.
Secretariat won the 1973 Kentucky Derby, becoming the first horse to win in under two minutes.
Next, Secretariat won the Preakness, and his time has never been matched.
He won the Triple Crown by dominating the Belmont Stakes in record speed two weeks later. No horse was within 30 lengths of him at the finish line.
The horse’s story is inspirational. When you’re feeling down, this movie will cheer you up!
It brought me to tears this past weekend. To watch that horse come from behind over and over again was amazing!
Secretariat is buried at Claiborne Farm in Paris, Kentucky, in a modest horse cemetery. Alvin A. Reid of the St. Louis American shares this story.
“In October 1981, I visited Claiborne during a KU football trip. Secretariat was in a pasture a few hundred yards from us. I got chills just being that close. I’ll never forget it,” he said.
When any of us are born, we may be one of God’s chosen ones. When Secretariat was born, he walked never wobbled, which is odd for a horse – even a thoroughbred.
How many of us were born in a similar manner, fully equipped for this journey; able to get the job done regardless of circumstances?
Let’s look at some “what ifs” for Secretariat.
What if his female owner Penny Chenery (Mrs. Penny as she was known) had not seen the dream of a winning horse in her vision?
Her father was dying, losing his horse farm. Though she was married and had four children, what if she had not taken over the horse farm before her father passed away?
What if she had not kept the Black man who cared dearly for the horse?
According to a 1997 Western Horsemen article, “For more than two years, Eddie Sweat was Secretariat’s constant companion.”
“Rarely more than a few feet from the chestnut phenom, the experienced groom did achieve a degree of fame during the mid-1970s, not only for his frequent presence in the winner’s circle, but his clear and fervent dedication to the colt he called ‘Big Red.’
“Eddie slept on a cot outside Secretariat’s stall on race days and watched his every workout before fulfilling the daily routine of bathing and cooling out, blanketing, wrapping, and feeding. According to witnesses, he spoke to Secretariat constantly, often in a steady stream of Geechee or Gullah, a Southern Creole language spoken by his family.
Like the Scripture says in Romans 8:28, “And I know that all things work together for the good to them who love God and who are the called, according to His purpose!” Amen! Run your own race. Here are a few tips from the story of Secretariat:
• Don’t Underestimate Your Potential: Though Secretariat was not considered a top contender by most, his owner, Penny Chenery, recognized his exceptional talent and refused to give up on him, even when faced with skepticism from others. She stood alone!
• Overcoming Adversity: Despite facing early setbacks and doubts, Secretariat’s incredible speed and heart allowed him to push through and achieve greatness on the racetrack.
• The Power of Belief: Penny Chenery’s unwavering faith in Secretariat played a crucial role in his success, demonstrating the impact of a positive mindset. A popular quote associated with Secretariat, often attributed to Penny Chenery, is “Never know until you run,” signifying the importance of giving your best effort and not limiting yourself based on perceived limitations.
How this translates to everyday life:
• Embrace Challenges: When faced with a difficult situation, remember Secretariat’s determination to push through and achieve the seemingly impossible.
• Believe in Yourself: Just like Penny Chenery trusted Secretariat, have faith in your own abilities and potential.
• Give Your Best Effort: Always strive to put in your maximum effort, regardless of the obstacles.
Lyndia Grant is a speaker/writer living in the Washington D.C. area. She also hosts the radio show, “Think on These Things.”
This article appeared in its original version here.