High Hopes!

A quick note from the Bluegrass ~

As we begin to wrap up the summer, I realized I hadn't shared photos from one of my favorite equestrian events, the High Hope Steeplechase!

To clarify, a Steeplechase is a distance race for Thoroughbred horses across ditches & over fences. Originating in Ireland in the 18th century, its roots were in the fox-hunting field, and occasionally horsemen would match up their horses for races over long distances to landmarks such as church steeples.  

At High Hope, the official with the flag signals the start of each race & spectators tailgate along the gorgeous cross country course at the Kentucky Horse Park.

American steeplechasing is unique because its races support the local community. The competition is fierce yet friendly. High Hope Steeplechase charitable efforts support the Kentucky Horse Park Charitable Foundation and CKRH Riding for Hope.

High Hope is a full day of family fun for equestrian & dog lovers alike.

After the thoroughbreds race, it's time for the stick pony races.

Again, the competition is fierce yet friendly.

And the winner is….

Where there are horses, there are hounds.

 Lot's of them! In fact, there was a parade!

 The annual Parade of the Woodford Hounds.

In the end, Huntsman Glen Westmoreland and I had a good laugh & his hounds were slobbering all over me!

I was in heaven!

Just another beautiful day in the Bluegrass!

Learn more…

The Other Side of Keeneland

Today I was up early to greet the morning at Keeneland before the Fall racing season comes to a close.

I decided to join my husband on the backside.

I followed him through barn after barn~

 It's within this idyllic setting that he helps horses to breathe easier.

Trying to stay out of the way, I focused my camera on other things.

Even though the backside is a hub of activity ~

I love how it's also the quiet side.

The hands-on dedication of grooms, owners, and trainers is admirable.

 The saddling paddock. 

The jockeys awaiting last-minute instructions and owners having one last look at their horses ~

It's all about tradition, fine horsemanship, and the finish line.

The world’s best Thoroughbred horses, owners, trainers, and jockeys come to compete in April and October ~ However, Keeneland also plays host to many year-round events including the November horse sales, the Keeneland Concours d'Elegance, and the Bluegrass Trust Antique and Garden Show just to name a few.  

 Just around the bend at the Keeneland Sales Pavilion, Keeneland Cross Gate Gallery will present the

Sporting Art Auction of Fine Sporting Art, American Paintings and Sculpture.

This inaugural auction represents an inspired collaboration between the world’s largest Thoroughbred auction house and the country’s premier gallery of fine sporting art and contemporary British figurative painting.

Among the auction’s most important pieces are several by Munnings, including Blue Prince II, a 26 1⁄2” x 39 1⁄4” painting commissioned by Thoroughbred owner and breeder Walter Jeffords. Munnings, who died in 1959, is regarded as one of the world’s finest equine painters.

Art, Antiques, Cars, Gardens ~ and Horses ~ don't forget the horses…oops!

Hmmm. I have no segue here so I'll just ask ~ Are you prepared for winter? I'm not.

The Keeneland Gift Shop, which also happens to be the best holiday shop in town, will be hosting a Barbour Trunk Show and Reproofing event from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on November 4th & 5th.

Welcome to November, my friends.

The fun has just begun!

Sometimes in the Bluegrass

Sometimes we just go for a drive.  

 

Music up, windows down & lots of catching up in between.

 

   

Sometimes we even stop to enjoy the view.

I hope this weekend you spend time doing what you like to do!

A Huge Honkin’ Hoe-Down

It’s been a busy week around here. To celebrate the Fall season my son’s youth group kicked things off  with a

Huge Honkin’ Hoe-Down!

His best friend’s family graciously hosted the event this year at their beautiful homestead just outside of Lexington~

If you’ve been reading this blog for any amount of time, then you know I’ve always dreamt of owning a barn. So I jumped at the chance to help out & express my inner Carolyne Roehm Passion for Parties!

Right on queue & in typical Bluegrass style, our weather went from a warm & heavenly 77 to a wet & gnarly 35 and suddenly my inner Carolyne Roehm was nowhere to be found!

But guess who was around with great spirit & goodwill ~

The Cowen family, the Porter family, TCPC Youth Minister Jonathan Hansen & his incredible crew! We all worked tirelessly after church, after school, after work, between ballet, book club, chorus try-outs, and trips to the Vet!

On October 31st the bonfire was lit & the party was on!

Guests arrived at the barn via hay wagon thanks to Mr. Cowen & John Deer.

Fresh Fall foliage tied with muslin, colorful homemade pendants, family saddles propped on farm fences, a gazillion white lights, and that big beautiful black barn provided a visual feast of the season’s offerings!

Just add hay, hot food, iTunes & 100 teens & you have yourself a hoe-down!

My apologies for the iPhone photos. They were so grainy & blurry so I edited them & added grunge with Snapseed to try and fake you out.

Hey! Do you know how hard it is to snap photos while square dancing Gangnam Style?

Mine were there!

The pizza guy was there too.

Also on queue ~ my son’s best friend.

Sumo Wrestler Spencer Cowen. 

He might as well know right now that I’m hanging on to the video of him dancing Gangnam style in his Mawashi & Nikes for some other special occasion.

Yes there were dance contests, prizes for best costume & then everyone headed out for the bonfire & a good old fashioned game of capture the flag ~

in the dark!

It was wild.  Trust me.

A big Thank You to TCPC and to the Cowen family. It was most definitely a night to remember!

First photo | The Walt Disney Co.

All Other Photos | Lisa Porter