The Bridlespur Horse Show was canceled completely by a flash flood last night.
Jane and I went over to the show office at 9:30 this morning to check out. Most people were already gone. We saw many trailers on the road heading out. When we got to Happenstance, it was shocking. I took a photo of the little cross rail ring, but it felt voyeuristic, so I didn’t take any more pictures. We talked to people and heard the stories of a terrible night.
Rain and wind left a mess
Happenstance is on a hill that slopes down from west to east toward two beautiful outdoor all weather rings (the small cross rail ring is above the main rings). On the south side of the property and on the east side, a creek runs past, not much of a stream – under normal circumstances it is hardly noticeable. Below the Lower Ring is a field, with horses that live outside.
We had four and a half inches of rain here, and Happenstance, about eight miles away as the crow flies, had much more rain than we did. By 9:00 PM, Ellen (owner of Happenstance, manager of the show, and one of the bravest, hardest working people I have ever known) checked the creek and saw it was up to the banks. The rain was still pouring down. She mobilized several workers to start moving trailers out of the low area, where at least 15 were parked. The rain was torrential.
Horses stabled in tents near the creek were evacuated. Seven from Illinois were moved by volunteers to nearby Mechlin Farms. Irish Fox Stables had 25 horses at the show, and John got them all home (I have no idea how many trips that took, but by the time he took the last load, the main road was badly flooded – luckily he got home safe). Ellen had to rescue her outside horses (at the lowest part of the property) from waist deep water in their pasture. The water was rushing so fast that Ellen had to get on a pony to lead horses out because she could no longer walk through the water. All of this in pitch dark pelting rain.
In the end, there were no dreadful casualties. I met a woman named Denise, whose daughter, Stephanie, is a trainer at Hidden Creek Farm in Carbondale, Illinois. They were among the last to leave today. Their trailer had a hydraulic jack, so it could not be moved. She showed me a picture on her phone, and I took a picture of the picture. A log alongside the creek had washed under her trailer. It was pulled out and there is no apparent damage. She had been awake all night, and had a long trip home.
Log lodged under horse trailer
There are many more stories, I’m sure. Bridlespur has a long history of bad weather associated with the horse show, but this might top them all. It is such a shame for everyone, especially Ellen. Her fencing at the bottom of the field was washed into a big tangled pile of metal sections. It will probably be salvaged, but there is a lot of work ahead, and more rain in the forecast. We had another half inch here today, bringing our total to 5 inches in less than three days.
Luckily, there were no real disasters – all horses and people and trailers survived, and most things can be saved. Melissa and Riley and Susan got home safe and sound to Kirksville and Perry, and although Susan and Jane and I didn’t manage our return to the show ring this weekend, there will be more shows ahead, and on we go.
Bart and Oisin were happy to get some extra rest. I was happy that the horses survived the all-night storms unscathed. They do have a shed for shelter, but it’s always a relief to find them unconcerned and happily grazing after a rough night.
The birds were delightful today, and after a downpour I took some pictures around the place.
Oriole and woodpecker 
Oriole departs 
Southern magnolia blossom 
The first white phlox is blooming 
Pink phlox 
Hostas reflect in a puddle
In the studio, Harry works on, regardless of the weather. His assistants do not like storms, though.
Sculptor at work 
Studio puppy, Mistletoe
Dogs were exhausted this evening.
Nettie is still a little stressed by the barometric pressure
Our friend’s wonderful filly, Zendaya, who has emigrated to Canada, doing a little loose schooling jump. This horse is special. Still picture from video is not great, but her jumping ability is evident.
Again, the “pondless” water feature overflows. At least the frogs are happy with this weather. I’ve had enough.
Stay safe, stay well, stay grateful. Peace.
What a harrowing experience. So glad all are safe!
Oh gosh, I had no idea it was so bad, though I knew from John’s Facebook remarks it was a difficult night. Thanks to Ellen and her crew there was no further disaster. Fences can be repaired, but lost horses cannot. Thank you for the report.
I hate this much rain! Nice switch to that splendid blue Jay and all the other great fotos!