Is it wise to bet on horse races when the weather is extremely cold? Does the cold effect how horses run? We think of other weather events as affecting the races, but what about when Old Man Winter descends on the race track? What does that do to our handicapping?

First of all, though their hair is short most of the time, let me assure you that horses are built for the cold. First of all, just by the sheer size of them, they have enough bulk to hold body heat very well. Secondly, if they are left without blankets in the winter, they build up a nice thick coat of fine hair under the outer layer of hair and it is a great insulator.

Looking around the world, for instance, to the steps of Asia where horses have been domesticated for thousands of years, we find horses living in extremely cold conditions and thriving. So the short answer is that the cold won’t hurt the horses. On the other hand, it may affect how they run.

Like any athletes, horse’s muscles have to be warmed up properly to avoid cramping and this is particularly true in the cold. While early speed may hold up well on a warm day, there might be a slight drop off due to cold, but usually, if a horse has warmed up properly, it will carry its speed well through a race. That is, of course, if it has the stamina and that is … Continue Reading ...

Playing Cornhole has changed a lot in the last 20 years. What started out as a college game in the Midwest in the 1990’s, has morphed into a nationwide outdoor game phenomenon, enjoyed by all ages and walks of life. The game of Cornhole has gained more notoriety and respect progressing from an occasional outdoor game to a legitimate sport, complete with its own governing body: The American Cornhole Association. For many people, it is critically important to have consistency and standards in place, specifically with the composition of Cornhole bags.

Like the name implies, Cornhole bags were originally filled with corn. However, corn filled bags have a few inherent drawbacks, which can affect the performance and durability of your bags. Corn is an organic substance, and like any organic substance, will change when in contact with water. When your Cornhole bags get wet from dew, rain or beer individual kernels within the bag will swell up absorbing the liquid. Now your Cornhole bag is swollen and heavy. With increased size and weight comes added pressure on the bags bindings (stitching), and affects the accuracy when tossed. Like anything else that is no longer living, the introduction of water speeds up the decaying process, which isn’t good for your kernels or bags. As the liquid from the kernels is evaporated, the kernels shrink and the process of expanding and contracting repeats with each liquid encounter-not good.

One of the most common complaints of corn filled bags is that they are … Continue Reading ...

Have you been dying to plan the perfect vacation? Have you been saving for a long time and want it to be picture perfect? You are in luck with your selection for Aruba as your next destination. The following Aruba travel information will ensure that you have the best time possible.

One of the most important things to remember before going on any vacation is to plan appropriately. You will want to make sure that you have gone through every last detail before you leave so that you can get the most out of your trip. There will be certain things that are particularly important to you and your family that would not be to others. Therefore, you will want to make sure that you have addressed these needs and that you will be fulfilling them on your vacation.

You will also want to plan which nights you are going to visit the night life and which nights you are going to sleep early. You will definitely want to see both the day time and the night life but will not be able to do it all. This is where serious planning will come into play. In order to make sure that you have equal opportunities so see all that there is to see you will want to have previously mapped out your trip. Visiting a travel agent before hand can be a helpful idea.

If you are traveling as a family there are many fun ocean activities that all … Continue Reading ...