Health Equals Success for Kerryarc Irish Wolfhounds

Showing Irish Wolfhounds is “not for the faint of heart,” as 15-year-old Chandler Collier-Tyler, of Kerryarc Irish Wolfhounds, puts it. And, one quickly begins to understand why when observing the dedication and commitment that the Tyler family puts into breeding and showing these magnificent dogs.

Longtime Platinum Performance clients, the Tyler Family, of Comanche, Calif., are veterans on the Irish Wolfhound show circuit. Their ranch, Kerryarc, is home to generations of champion Irish Wolfhounds that the Tylers have bred and shown.

Their latest achievement is proof of the success of their passion. At the end of May, their dog, Kerryarc Fast Cars, won the annual Irish Wolfhound Club of America National Specialty with Multiple National Specialty, Best in Hound Show and Hound Group. This was the second time Kerryarc Fast Cars won the national title, with the previous win in 2008. According to Collier-Tyler, the last Irish Wolfhound to win two national titles was nearly 30 years ago. “The thrill of a lifetime for a breeder is to win a national with a dog they bred, and even better, bred, owned and handled. We’ve been blessed to win it twice.”

The Irish Wolfhound’s exquisitely tall stature makes them one of the tallest dog breeds. Historically these dogs were used to hunt wolves and had to possess not only speed, but also endurance. They are often described as graceful with an easy yet powerful gait. An easygoing animal, they are usually quiet by nature.

“All of my siblings and I have been raised with the Wolfhounds,” said Collier-Tyler. “They’ve done some incredible things for us. We’ve met people from all walks of life, from all over the world. We’ve been able to travel all across the country and have had some incredible opportunities.”

The Tylers’ love for their dogs is ever-apparent and quite possibly unsurpassed with the care they receive. Read the rest of this entry »

27-Year-Old Endurance Horse Named AERC 6000 Mile Horse

Longtime Platinum Performance client Mike Tracy, of Hollister, CA, recently accepted the American Endurance Ride Conference (AERC) 6000 Mile Horse award for his 27-year-old half-Arabian gelding, Aron Moon+//, at the annual AERC convention in Reno, NV.

It’s rare to see a horse in any discipline successfully compete beyond their teens, especially in endurance, but Tracy’s senior endurance horse, aka “Moon,” is still giving others a run for their money. “He still does 50-mile rides and competitive trail,” said Tracy. “He’s been very successful.”

The pair have compiled too many accomplishments to mention, including five national and 14 regional titles, the 2006 International Arabian Horse Association (IAHA) Distance Horse of the Year Award and the prestigious IAHA Legion of Excellence Award. “He’s been very successful and I’ve been blessed to have a horse this good,” said Tracy.

One part of Tracy’s program that he credits his success to is feeding his horse right, which includes Platinum. He received a bucket of Platinum as a prize 10 years ago when he and Moon won the National Competitive Trail Championship at Live Oak Camp in Santa Ynez and has continued feeding it ever since. “I got it and I liked it, so I kept buying it,” said Tracy. “I think you can help your equine athlete by how you feed them. Especially a horse that’s in competition, they need extra supplements. Obviously something I’m doing has to be helping him; it’s not like he’s just been sitting out in the pasture.”

A recent blood test performed on Moon proved that he is in top condition despite his age. His veterinarian was amazed at the results. “I wish my own results were as good as this horse’s,” said Dr. Roger Bruce of Ausaymas Veterinary Service in Hollister, California.

“He’s like a Timex, he takes a lickin’ and keeps on tickin’,” said Tracy.

Tracy bought Moon when he was only four years old and had success on him from the start. They’ve competed not only in endurance, but in ride and tie, competitive trail and triathalons. In 2007, he received the AERC Pard’ners Award, an award which honors horse and rider partners who engender a spirit of friendship, enthusiasm and championship. He’s earned six Tevis Cup buckles and has finished in the top ten 41 times.

The list of accomplishments goes on, proving that Tracy and Moon are truly a Platinum pair.