This lady we about to introduce has been around the TK race circuit since 22nd June 2009. If you ever had a conversation with her you would know that she is a sweetheart of a person with a bubbly personality. Her passion and commitment for the game has never wavered by her competing in tough leagues, writing reviews, or organizing and rallying the troops to go into battle in Rivalry Cups. She is a 2 time World Cup winner, a 9 time Regional Cups titles holder, with multiple league cups wins and top 5 finishes. She is known as the Princess of Track King.
Let’s please give a BIG warm TK Nuts welcome to Moonlight Stables very own;
“HORSEPRINCESS”
Q – Can you tell us a little about yourself?
- Well, this apple didn’t fall far from the apple tree and I live in the same little town I where grew up in the upper Midwest US. I have a fondness for furry creatures and have had a wide range of pets over the years including birds (parakeets, cockatiels, ducks, chickens), goats, horses, cows, sheep, pigs, rabbits, guinea pigs, leopard geckos, dogs, cats, and a raccoon. I now have a dog (recently lost one to cancer), a couple horses, couple barn cats, and a guinea pig named Diesel.
STARTING OUT
Q – How did you come across TK?
- Quite by accident that’s for sure! I really hadn’t been into gaming at all, but while looking at some Breyer horse models, I saw an advertisement for a silly clicking horse game called Howrse. It got me a bit interested in horse games online and when I saw an ad for TK on there I couldn’t resist taking a look. TK was certainly a more grown – up game and got totally hooked!
Q – Any particular reason you named your stable Moonlight Stables?
- I’m a werewolf and the Moon fascinates me
Q – You started the game in 2009, do you still remember your first race?
- Not a bit. In fact, I’m pretty sure I missed my first race or two. I started the last week of leagues in that season so the horses were already entered and ran. Looking back now it’s crazy. I can’t even go on vacation without logging into TK at least once a day, but then I think I went 2 weeks without logging in! Amazing isn’t it? I sure do remember a few of the races that first season though and they were absolutely enthralling.
Q – What have you done to keep the passion up to play for so long and have such good success?
- Good success??? Lol. Not sure about that part – could be my charm and good looks 😉 . But I think there are many factors that have kept me playing for so long, probably my addictive nature has a lot to do with it too! Chatting with other players is something that I find enjoyable, I also love the breeding aspect of the game. Staying in an active league and trying to engage other players at that league (like running tipping contest and doing season end awards and previews) has also kept some fires going for me.
Q – If you could start over, what would you do differently?
- Ooh! Ooh! I know that one! For sure I would train up decent jockeys. My first jockeys are dismal. I wouldn’t even hire them if I was in class 6 racing against bots. I also would buy a 2yo to train up.
Q – How long did you take to find your feet in the game?
- Hmmm…I started in class 4 and won my class 4 classic cup, so I suppose I hit the track running-well, once I figured out I didn’t have to groom my pretty ponies or
Also won my league that season. But I was a good newbie-waited a whole ‘nother season before I bred any of my mares lol.
Q – Who for you, influenced you most in the game, was it one or many and do you encourage others to seek out other players to bounce ideas, so that they might fast track their own progress?
- I had an excellent mentor! In fact, that was the reason I stuck around to begin with. If not for him I might have just stopped checking out the site. I was just a bit confused as to how everything worked, but he was a lot of help and the best part was he never got annoyed at all the questions I was firing at him 😀 and trust me, there were more than just a few. So YES!!!! I love being able to bounce ideas off other players. I would definitely recommend it to other players. Keeps things interesting sometimes too.
Q – As one of the older stables in TK, what would be your words of wisdom to newer stables or older ones who haven’t had some degree of success and are disappointed with their stables?
- Are you calling me OLD?! Grrr. I think the best bit of wisdom is to set some sort of goal. It doesn’t have to be huge like winning the Masters, or heck! It could be. Just have something to work towards. Also – utilize those training hours smartly. Don’t waste them by selling them and for crying out loud-stop running your horses at 4 different distances. Pick one and stick with it! Oh and also…don’t move to Grand Munich – move to Leeds or a cool track (take THAT smoggie).
Q – What is one thing you wish you knew when you started the game?
- How many hours I would spend staring at the computer and how much money I would spend on boxes of tissues! Lol…who am I kidding!!! Wouldn’t make a bit of difference that I’m filling landfills with soggie princess tear soaked tissues. I’d still be playing.
RACING HIGHLIGHTS
Q – Your first world cup is always special, tell us about your first winner Mud Bath?
- For sure I was thrilled, nay exhilarated by finally winning a world cup. In fact, I’m pretty sure the people who live on the other side of town were wondering where all the yelling and squeals of joy were coming from. And though I enjoy winning any race, being able to finally beat Mr. Riddley was an added bonus in that race. Bet poor Riddley didn’t even know how much he’s influenced my stable…but certainly one of those stables that I’ve looked up to for a long time (as I imagine he has done for many other stables over the seasons). And actually that particular cup final was full of top cup stables including Magoo, ersins and YellonK. Mud Bath ran a fantastic race kicking it down in the final quarter to seal the win. She was purchased from GOLDCASH especially with the idea of cup chasing and though it was her only cup, she didn’t let me down.
Q – Any other memorable races that stand out for you?
- As happy as I was with the Movember win, the Breeder’s Cup Epic that same season rates right up there. I’ve always been a HUGE fan of the breeder’s cup races as I think being able to breed and train your own champion is a great test so winning the BC Epic cup with homebred Woot Woot was very sweet, especially since he was an unpredictable style. (Woots also won 2 classic cups) I also will never forget my first classic cup win as well as my Sprinter’s Shield win – which would be my first BIG win with a homebred Eddie Caelia.
Oh! And I have to mention the big 3yo epic race with one of my most favorite epic horses American Honey (who probably is one my favorite horses – but shhhh…don’t let my other horses know that). She was the first horse I think I really started focusing on world cups with. She had some top competition with Meggido, Gambit Shrek, and Coco Pepita – also in that age range was Zonic Game Changer – some of the older players may remember that horse. A player had decided to create the highest purse stakes race for that season’s group of 3 yo epic runners called the European Derby – it had it’s own youtube video as a hype: click to view – Track King European Triple Crown, S13. That was an exciting race and I was thrilled to be a part of it even though my mare had a great chance, she finished just out of the prize money in 6th – my skill with race instructions hasn’t changed much over the years I guess. click here to view RACE REPLAY
Q – How do you plan a race, do you weigh up the opposition or run your own race?
- I close my eyes and click my mouse hoping I got the right instructions – well that is, if I remember to click on Race Instructions 😉 ) (keep that in mind all you punters).
Q – Do you still get nervous before a cup final?
- Without a doubt!
Q – How do you celebrate a really successful day?
- Lots of naked dancing under the moonlight
HORSES
Q – Which do you consider to be the best horse you have trained to date?
- Geez. That’s an awful question. Like asking a mother which child she loves best! How much time do you have for this interview?
Q – Which horse in your stable currently is your favorite and why?
- Again. How could you ask me to pick a favorite?! I have a special place in my heart for Honey I’m Good although she hasn’t proven just how good she is. It’s probably due to her name, which is after a favorite song of mine. Sooper Legendary was born with his name and I have had high hopes for him. And Another Vice is probably the most aptly named as she is another epic specialist out to try and win me one of my favorite cups. Humble and Kind has been a top producing broodmare for me and I’m hoping to get a few more future champions from her over the next few seasons.
Q – Which of your other horses do you feel would be worth following over the next couple of months?
- Moonlight Special is a 3yo aimed at short racing and if I can get him to put together two decent races, there might just be more naked moonlight dancing in the future.
Q – Which retired horses in the game have left the biggest impact on you?
- Don’t really have any in particular.
Q – What are your plans for the future and what is the one thing you want to achieve most in TK?
- There are few cups that would look perfect in a Princess’ cabinet 😉 Will be sticking around a long time to try and win them.
Q – Is there anything you would like to share with stables who would like to try training good younger horses especially those 2 to 3 year olds?
- To not do what I do as I haven’t seemed to figure out how to run 2-3 year olds!
Q – Favorite style of horse you like to race with?
- I don’t necessarily have a favorite style. Pretty much have run all. I do know which ones I DON’T like though. Probably because I haven’t really figured them out, but breakaways are right on the top of that list, along with unpredictables – although I’ve had some success with them (Woot Woot).
Q – Three current horses owned by other stables that you wish you had owned, and why?
- Only 3?! I am looking for a certain color – that kinda mousy grey one – it’s so pretty, I would like one of them in my stable. Then I could use another black one.
Q – Any interest in real life horse racing?
- I get goosebumps watching real life horse racing. Love it! But don’t live close to any real tracks. And I’m not a big gambler. Have been big into horse showing in general and I live in a big rodeo area – so western riding is the only way to ride a horse around here.
THOUGHTS ON THE GAME
Q – If you had to name the most important things or features in the game that have kept your interest here in TK, what would those things or features be? And, why?
- Watching my horse actually race – I still watch all, well almost all of my races. Also enjoy the breeding and training of my own foals aspect of the game – that has kept me interested for sure. Finally I also find league racing in a full league keeps me motivated to do more.
Q – Old stables that you miss or you wish were still playing?
- Very much miss my old mentor, also kinda miss seeing Foss posts –although I guess he is still playing. And cekra was blast. I remember a couple of characters from when I first started including Hatless who could really be entertaining in the forums and Captain Underpants and there are several stables from the old Long Beach Shores days that have stopped playing including jagclaws, Brianito, and Kingstown. But for all the players that I miss, there are quite a few ‘newer’ players still playing the game that help me move on 😆 .
Q – Name a few things you would like to see changed on TK?
- I think TK is an awesome game. And I don’t think there are major changes that should be made. But I do get frustrated by jockeys especially the way they have so little loyalty when returning from vacation. Also some time ago HB mentioned the possibility of having a community series of races – somewhat like league racing, but restrictions could be made to make it for yearlings only or apps only or that kind of thing. I wish he would finish the development of that.
Q – Is there something in TK that you would want to change that would reflect something in real life horses/situations?
- Maybe more loyalty from jockeys that ride for a well-paying stable or those that get good rides.
Q – What irks you the most in this game?
- Jockeys – seems to be a pattern here 😆 . I also get discouraged by the childish behavior of some of the people in the global forum. Some of the repeated opinions can get a little old.
Q – What is the one feature of the game you cannot get your head wrapped around?
- Probably RI’s.
Q – Looking back at the years you have been playing, what were the accomplishments you are most proud of?
- Happy with each and every one of my stable’s wins. I’m not really sure what I would be the most proud of. I do feel proud of one of the rivalry cups we won when I was at Long Beach Shores and we challenged Osaka. We came together as a track very well-planned out our attack and blew away the competition (at least that’s the way it happened in MY memory 😆 ). Had a few really enjoyable seasons at Long Beach when we had an active forum and some great players there.
Q – Which Stables do you find most difficult to beat?
- Lots of top stables in the game that are difficult to beat.
Q – You’ve been in the game a long time at this point, seen many players come and go, which players do you think have had the most impact on the game in various ways in that time?
- Wow! What a loaded question 😆 . Certainly all of the players end up with some impact on the game at various times. Am I a good politician? 🙂 How can I narrow it down to just a few answers? Just don’t think it’s possible to answer this question without a 3 page report. But I’ll try to hit a few highlights. Sorry if I miss anyone as it’s not intentional by any means. I would be very remiss in not mentioning ManorPark of course – he stands as a standard many, many up and coming stables aim for. One can’t think of breeding without mentioning Riddley, can’t think of cups without mentioning Hareeba, Noddy & Rhed – they’ve been a part of sponsoring cups since even before I started. And while smoggie is one of the biggest voices of recruiting these days, I remember back when the first ‘super’ track was proposed and it seems to me Foss and Gopher and a couple of players who’ve left the game since were some of the most vocal and influential in not only creating the track, but getting people excited about the idea. Umm…I think Magoo maybe was one of the more influential players in getting the London App races developed in the early days. There are so many other ways other players have made their mark in helping either keep other players entertained or trying to change the way stables play.
Q – Over the years, how have you seen the game evolve and what are the biggest differences today compared to 4 years ago?
- I loved the game then and I still love the game now. Quite a few changes from training, breeding and even jockey return times have evolved. The full track bonuses have made it much more tempting to players and I think we are seeing fuller class 1 tracks than when I first started (at least in proportion to the number of class 1 stables in the game). There are also a ton more world cups to choose from and aim your horse at (in fact just the designation ‘world’ cup is a difference 😆 .
FREEBIES
Q – What is the best advice you’ve been given in playing this game?
- To not enter Noddy’s races 😆
Q – What are the most common mistakes that you see other experienced players making? Mistakes that they may not realize, that they are making?
- Don’t know. I spend a lot of time messing up my own stable that I don’t really notice other stables making mistakes.
GENERAL
Q – What is one thing people would be surprised to know about you?
- Maybe that I’m not a real princess? I like to play Texas Hold’em and I swear a lot inside my head when I play.
Q – How do you like to spend your free time?
- What free time?? I’m always on TK! I do love to ride horse. I have a couple quarter horses that I enjoy riding and take on camping/trail riding trips. Also enjoy gardening (both veggies and flowers) which spills over into the kitchen where I love to cook – baking, cooking, canning – any of it. My family restores hotrods and while I do not work on the cars, I enjoy driving them and taking them to car shows. Mine is a 1939 Studebaker sedan with a 455 Stage 1 engine (trust me, I’ve had to memorize that and it’s taken me years to do so!) – she just picks up her skirts on the road and boogies! I also sometimes get to drive the 1930 Olds coupe – that one has a 605 engine in it (If my memory serves me right) and yep was built for drag racing but turned out so pretty it has only been on the track once 😀 .
Q – Who in Track King is on the guest list for your ideal dinner party and why?
- Raspadora (shhhh don’t tell anyone, he’s my secret crush). Do I have to invite anyone else? 😀 . Any player that can do as much as he does with his stable is my hero. Plus what a gentleman. I greatly admire his homebred stable.
I guess you did ask about a party and it couldn’t be a party without more guests – and there are other great people playing TK that would be fun to have at a party. Inca, smoggie, ManorPark, troublemaker, Moscow Flyer, Gavstar, Oqaab, gopher, Zeus, bones, noddy, rhed, dolfie, jimbotswana and HappySkipper. And probably a ton more that I’ve forgotten to list. People who I’ve both chatted with and some I’ve never visited with, but think would be fun to have at a TK party. OH and of course our fearless leader Hairboy himself. How could I forget him??!
Thank you so much HorsePrincess for spending some time under the moonlight with the NUTS!