Dr. Joseph Pollara
Pat was one of my first clients when I started my equine practice in Monmouth county in the late 70's. She still had some pleasure horses and broodmares as well as race horses. We had a relationship of mutual respect and I admired her for being self-sustaining, tough woman working and surviving in what was then predominantly a man's world of horse racing. Pat was a practical woman and yet she was a mystic. She was a firm believer in the power of the stars and the moon. I recall one year in particular, she called me to put me on notice that a mare was due and not to go too far. I was at my in-laws having dinner and I got the call from Pat saying that a mare was going to foal, because it raining and lightning and she was sure even though it was early in the gestation period,it be would be the night! I raced down from Woodridge to Howell(almost 2 hours) and sure enough the mare was in the process of foaling, and no sooner then we settled that mare and foal then the second and then a third all began to foal even though they had different due dates,as it continued to thunder and lightning, and I became a believer, a "lunatic" just like Pat. And so it went year after year. I would be invited into the house after each call and have something to drink while she wrote out the check. It was special and memorable and I took away perhaps more then I gave. Her passing has certainly stirred up wonderful memories for me and I hope that she finds that special horse, a real winner,that she most certainly deserves, in the next life. With respect, Dr. Joe and wife Rosary
