Kentucky Classic Day 4

Today the horses had breakfast, went for a graze, and then had their Bemer treatments from Jane McClaren

While the horses were being pampered and enhanced, Jane Walters and I cycled up to the Rolex Arena to watch Emily show Paddy in the Low Amateur Owner class. It is a beautiful venue, a beautiful day, and Emily had a beautiful ride.

• 

• 

Soon, it was time for Bart to do the Adult Amateur Speed Class, again outside in the Walnut Arena. I was abysmal. Poor Bart! I won’t bore my poor readers with a blow by blow of how badly I rode. There were good moments – the first line and the final two jumps were great. But the other 8 jumps in the course were dreadful. We had four faults, which does not begin to imply how awful it was. I was crying when I finished – just a little. The worst part is, it was still so much fun! And Bart did not seem in the least upset. Susan, to whom I am forever indebted for selling me Bart, consoled me when I reported on my disgrace, suggesting there is a little gremlin that follows her and sits on her shoulder when she’s on course. He seems to have found me here. As Susan says “I hate that little SOB – he sits right on my shoulder and whispers ‘oh no, I don’t see it – Pull!’ Even when I know ‘leg!!’ is what he should be telling me…”

Suffice to say, it was my turn for a bad day. Emily and Lima were fast and clean, and gave me a visual of how I should have ridden! Watching the video of how I did ride today was not pleasant!

Jane, meanwhile, did two classes with Derry, both in the Covered Arena. She has mastered that tiny warm up area! They earned another blue ribbon for a clean round in the Schooling Jumpers, then returned for a credible trip around the Low Amateur Adults, with an unlucky rail for four faults. Very forward riding.

• 

• 

Once we were finished showing (around 3 PM), and had our horses clean and settled, we cycled over to Maker’s Mark Secretariat Center on the other side of the Horse Park. My beloved Artie (Street Art) came from MMSC and I wanted to check on him through them, since they keep track of all their “graduates”. Susanna and Catherine remembered me and assured me that Artie is doing well. I have seldom had such a kind welcome, and loved seeing them again. It is such an idyllic place, and they do so much good for horses, it was good for our souls to stop in there.

• 

• 

We met Jane McClaren for dinner at a fabulous restaurant in Georgetown, recommended by Kris (as a good trainer, he always gives good advice) – Rodney’s On Broadway. It was charming, with delicious food, and we had lots of laughs. Jane McClaren, who seldom minces words, had watched my round on Bart, and told me she had not realized I could ride so badly. Oh, dear! Tomorrow is another day…

Leaving the Horse Park, the rental string horses had finished their work day, and were going out to the pasture, crossing the road in front of us…

And finally, this from Kris, which was even better in video format – Anne with hamsters running around my head, Jane with spurs – as we return to the barn…