Number 1 Stall at Claiborne Farm, September 24, 2011.
I had heard about the Secretariat Festival when it first started and always said I would love to attend. Last year I did because it fell during the time I was in Lexington for the World Equestrian Games. I had so much fun and enjoyed it so much that I figured I would attend every year as it falls around my birthday and it would be a treat to myself. When the dates were announced this year I thought, "Money's a little tight...I should probably skip it." But then they announced that Penny Chenery, Secretariat's owner, would be there and I knew immediately I was going. So I went ahead and my requested time off from work, booked my hotel (THANK YOU, Priceline!!) and made my reservation to tour Claiborne Farm.
I had such an amazing time! Met some wonderful people, re-connected with others, and stood in line for 3-hours to meet Miss Penny. If you have found this blog because of Secretariat and are unfamiliar with this festival, sign up for the newsletter on their website (scroll down to the bottom of the page). I was told about a big announcement in the next few months... ;)
A few weeks ago, I was trimming Dino's tail and I kept what I trimmed off. While I was visiting Claiborne Farm, I asked an employee if I could leave the hair behind. They were kind enough to allow me to do so. This is probably my favorite picture from the whole trip.
One of my favorite things about going to Kentucky is simply going to a bookstore! Because its 'horse country' it is so much easier to find books and dvds. This time I came home with three books: Horsepower: A Memoir, Jane Savoie's Dressage 101, and Kottas on Dressage. I also got three new dvds: The Life & Times of Secretariat, Zenyatta: A Living Legend, and John Henry: The Steel Driving Racehorse.
Back to topic: Dino is well. He has put on a lot of weight since switching solely to alfalfa hay. His right lead canter is about 75-80% consistent now. I'm itching to try it under saddle, but we've had nothing but rain lately. Figures. But I do have a new goal for next year: canter serpentines, probably just a three loop with simple changes in the middle. I know it sounds so simple to some people, but it would be a huge accomplishment for Dino and myself, and I'm looking forward to the challenge! :)
