It was a day of mixed fun and some sadness. Life is more like that as we get older, I guess. And we had a synchronicity, in that there were two couples here today named Nathan and Allison. What are the odds!?
First, the fun – Kris came to teach us and brought two horses and riders with him, creating the first jumpfest of 2020. Kris’ friend, Debbie, supplied the transport and Justin and Allie rode Toby and Shrek, offering good models for Jane and me with their smooth hunter riding. Accompanying Allie was her husband, Nathan, and their three exuberant dogs, Fiona, Sal, and Zoe. Only Zoe attended the jumpfest at the ring, the Boston terriers waited in a stall.
Our regular Nathaniel and Allison arrived at 7 AM and set to work on the fence repair project. It is a monumental, never ending task, and I am in awe of their youthful energy. We feel very fortunate that they are helping us.
Before the horses and riders arrived, I rushed around, making sure we had hand sanitizer and masks on hand. All Covid precautions were observed. Tom Morris thought I was making too much racket, disturbing his nap.
Kris and Justin, who is Kris’ working student, went down to check the course while I finished tacking up.
Kris and Justin return from the ring
As soon as we were on our way to the ring, I realized I had forgotten spurs, so had to rush back. Justin and Allie were tacking up, and Justin helped me remount. He is a hard working and competent young man. We met him last summer in Kentucky, and now, like many college students, his education is online, enabling him to live in Kansas while going to school elsewhere. A small benefit to the pandemic.
Harry was taking pictures, and he got a shot of Bart and me as we hurried to catch up with Jane and Kris.
I am pleased to report that we were much improved by our previous lessons, and the horses went really well today. It was great fun. My only disappointment is that I failed to get a picture of Harry, who kindly took Bart back to the barn after we rode, so that I could help set jumps and take over as photographer for the second group, Justin and Allie.
Bart and Anne 
Derry and Jane 
Bart turning 
Derry jumps Diane’s Bronze Fox jump
Justin on Toby and Allie on Shrek arrive at the ring
Allison, or Allie, is the daughter of our friend from horseshows in the past, Lynn Piper. We have known Allie since she was a little girl riding ponies. Now she is a top amateur hunter rider, and a respected judge at local shows. I was heartbroken to learn that Lynn died last month. It was bittersweet to ride with Allie today. Last time we saw Lynn was at The Royal last year, watching Allie show. Though she no longer rode anymore, herself, Lynn had been the top amateur hunter rider in this area years ago. She was very knowledgeable and never held back on her opinions. Lynn was great fun, and will live on in my memories.
Lynn watching Allie (with Nathan and Fiona) 
Lynn, Anne & Jane
Allie and Shrek 
Lovely, soft ride away 
Nathan and Zoe, loyal spectators 
Shrek 
Justin and Toby focused on the next jump 
Another beautiful, soft ride away 
Nice balanced positioning and a soft hand 
Allison 
Kris, Toby and Justin
The other Nathaniel and Allison worked until the day got hot – and it did get very hot. It was also very dusty on the ring, as evidenced by the picture of Nathan and Zoe through the haze of dust. Nathaniel and Allison were amazed that the jumpfest was already over and everyone was gone. We never got to introduce Nathan to Nathan or Allison to Allison!
Quittin’ time! 
A dusty day indeed
Finally, another loss to report, this one shared by baseball fans all over the world. Lou Brock died yesterday afternoon. In 1999, when Harry sculpted Lou for the Cardinals, we were living in Bowling Green. Lou and his wife, Jackie, came for a visit. Lou wanted to watch a horse jump, so we put on a little show for them. We even put Jackie up on our horse, Jesse, for a ride after his jumping demonstration. Lou declined that experience. But he was very interested in the technique of riding. I told him that we try to stay patient, even when we ride at speed, that we need to “wait for the jump to come to us” instead of trying to get to the jump. Lou loved that. He said Stan Musial had given him that very advice. Stan took him aside and said “Kid, you’re trying too hard. Slow down, and let the ball come to you.” It changed Lou’s approach and the rest was history. He became one of the game’s best hitters, and once he was on base there was no slowing down. He was the greatest base stealer ever. Lindenwood University commissioned a sculpture of Lou doing a “pop up slide” for their Lou Brock Sports Complex. Here is Harry with Jackie and Lou at the dedication. Lou Brock was gifted with speed, kindness and character. What an honor to have met him.
Harry and Weedy are waiting for me to finish this very long blog. Apologies if it was tedious!
Harry reading poetry to Weedy
Stay safe, stay well, read poetry, visit memories and have adventures.
Wow, so nice to see everyone and learn a little more about Lou Brock! I am not even a baseball fan and I remember following Lou Brock’s adventures. What a hero he was to so many. I love how Shrek crosses his legs in the air! Reminds me of Beezie’s Cortes C. I think we all need to read more poetry. Wendell Berry, Maya Angelou, and Mary Oliver are my standards among many more.
I agree, Linda, that we need to read more poetry! You and I have similar tastes, judging by the names you mention. I also love Edna St. Vincent Millay, Maxine Kumin, W.H. Ogilvie, of course… so many!
What a wonderful blog! Why think it might be tedious? It was fresh!! From Lou Brock and his beautiful wife, Harry’s awesome sculpture, to Weedy falling asleep during Harry’s read of poetry. I came so close to teaching a poetry class at St. Thomas in St. Paul, MN after I gave up my teaching position at Maryville in St. Louis County to move back to Minneapolis area. So close, I would have loved that! So happy you all had such a great day!!
I’m still sitting here thinking about your blog and poetry. I wonder, do you all have a favorite poem? Do you Harry? Or poet? So many, but James Wright’s “The Blessing” is a favorite of mine, and Elizabeth Bishop a favorite poet. Now, concerning these days of reckoning or destruction, I am remembering Mathew Arnold’s “Dover Beach” “Ah, love, let us be true to one another . . . “
Favorite poems vary in my life, Jane. I memorized many sad animal poems long ago, and they are stuck in my head forever. I will read “The Blessing” tonight. I do like Elizabeth Bishop, and Harry and I were reading Dover Beach just two days ago! A synchronicity!
There was so much that was poignant as well as interesting to me: the memories of your friend, Lynn and of Lou Brock, Justin and Toby and Allie and Shrek in the ring with different moments of a jump, that I am so glad you took the time to do this blog after a long tiring day.
But it was the picture of Harry reading poetry to Weedy that got my husband chuckling. “Look, Weedy has his head on the pillow next to Harry. And I thought that when our dog did it, when it was just me in bed with him, that it was unusual.”