Hiss Of Death

Author’s Note

David and Ellen King hosted the Pink Ribbon Polo Classic on their polo field at the vineyards. Both teams were well matched in the 2010 contest; both played well and played clean. Mr. King, aggressive and smart, enlivened the game. I mention this because so often patrons, the sponsors of a team, aren’t too good on the field. Rob Rinehart and Gary Leonard—the umpires, rarely celebrated—did a wonderful job.

Joan Hamilton endured endless questions about liquid nitrogen and shipping equine semen after which we would veer off, as usual, into a conversation about bloodlines. I couldn’t live without Joan. For one thing, she’s so much smarter than I am she can steer me back on course if needs be.

A. P. Indy, a stallion at Lane’s End Farm, in 2011 has a stud fee of $150,000. Before the depression his fee was $300,000, maybe a bit more. The human variety of this magical substance is far less expensive, proving, perhaps, that horses are more valuable than humans.