Today did Kentucky proud; the sun came out and warmed us all up at the Kentucky Horse Park, also illuminating the beautiful colours in the trees and hedges. The Octoberfest Horse Show, in the words of organiser Maggie Wright, was “developed as a good way to introduce horse and/or rider to a positive experience with either dressage, combined test, or horse trials”, and in that spirit I was delighted that my son, Harry relished his job pinny pinching, and can’t wait to do it again.
I saw lots of nice young horses, plenty of young riders, and it was a super day; an end of term feeling because it’s practically the last outdoor show of the season, and yet excitement for the Alltech National Horse Show in the Horse Park next week, there are temporary tents going up for extra stabling as well as tons of other preparations under way, and of course Breeders Cup next weekend also in Kentucky, at Churchill Downs in Louisville.
This being Kentucky it’s only natural that the two worlds collide every now and then and I was delighted to bump into Kenny and Chip McPeek watching Jenna compete in the Junior Starter on Apache.
Chip, above.
Kenny
Many thanks to Kenny for talking to me on his day off; we chatted a bit about English v US racing, both of which Kenny has experienced, and he told me he hopes to train more runners in Great Britain in the future, and that Jenna has already met the Queen!
Jenna and Apache
Leah Massa, a member of the Keeneland Pony Club and also in the Junior Starter Division, told us Sarkie is 27 years old.
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I’m very proud to report that my daughter Lily also did a great job at tack check, and is also longing to sign up for another stint next year.
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I saw a couple of cool costumes
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Lizzie Massa and Rodney about to take off into space!
A horse-husband’s work is never done!
Kentucky Pride! A job well done!
Thank-you to everyone at Octoberfest for a fantastic day, it was great fun, everyone was very patient and polite, and I was proud to show Kentucky off to my mum today. Go Kentucky, Go Baby Go, and Go Eventing!
