The Other Side

If you're a regular visitor here, then you probably know that instead of writing about the latest & greatest of the moment, I prefer to write from my heart about the other side of the moment ~ the quieter side. I write this blog from our home, in the heart of the Bluegrass ~ Lexington, Kentucky.

Horses are my husband's business and the reason we are here ~ 

He comes from out west, Arizona to be exact. Raised in a horse-loving family, he started early, mucking stalls, cleaning tack and riding Western on Porter saddles ~ made by his great-grandfather, Newton Porter.

Most mornings he is on the other side, the barn side, with only one thing on his mind, helping horses to breathe easier. To have a healthy & happy horse though takes the dedication of many ~ Breeders, owners, trainers, jockeys, exercise riders, and grooms who always, always put the horse first.

Speaking of…I love this photo that he snapped of groom Raul Rodriguez and his best friend, California Chrome ~ Taken after his Derby win, they were waiting to board the plane for the flight to Maryland.

Out of the limelight, on the other side, Raul is the private groom to California Chrome and plays a vital role in the daily health and well-being of this sweet & often smiling horse.

This morning I was reading the Twitter feed of Claire Novak who is the Online Features Editor at BloodHorse.com and I was moved by her wonderful video below. The short film beautifully documents my message about the vital role that Raul Rodriguez plays, out of all the limelight, on the other side, in the daily life of California Chrome.

 Claire Novak (@ClaireNovak) May 17, 2014

If you are unable to view this video on your mobile device, click here. I'd hate for you to miss it! 

After the video, I'd love to tell you a more personal story that I published 4 years ago about how lovingly these gentle animals give back. Our daughter will tell you, "There is nothing better than hearing a rider speak their first words while on horseback, or sharing the amazement of a student as they touch the soft nose of their equine partner for the very first time."

Read more of her story on The Quiet Side.

Happy trails ~

California

Thinking about California this morning ~

 

Giannetti Architects

 

Family & friends, new & old, all up & down the coast ~

 

Etsy

 

Praying for calm ~

 

No.81

 

Keeping you all in our hearts as you battle the forces of nature & the unkind hand of man ~

 

 

Interiors | Giannetti Architects   Photo | Lisa Romerein

Water and Air Series, No.81 Painting by Steve Giannetti
Courtesy of Brooke & Steve Giannetti

To learn more, visit Brooke Giannetti at Velvet & Linen

Grace

When I talk about her life ~ I'm really talking about our life.

She was everywhere ~ Still is.

Her favorite place ~ The cool grass at the top of Spring.

The unfathomable knowledge behind her silver face.

She grew into her name ~

Our gentle girl named Grace.

It's Spring again Gracie.

We sure do miss you. xo

Rolex Kentucky Three Day Event

Dressage, Cross-Country, Jumping, and more!

Rider and horse competing with precision, obedience, stamina, versatility, and endurance all carried out with elegance.

 

From beginning to end it was a whirlwind of excitement spread over three consecutive days. There was so much to take in ~ When I wasn't watching the competitions, I was admiring lovely ladies, dashing lads, adorable dogs, and shopping. All the while trying to snap great photos along the way.

This is a post of very few words but I still want to share some photos of the highlights, to give you a taste of the Rolex Kentucky! Next year you have to come to Lexington and we'll go together! See, I saved you a seat!

A welcome reception for competitors and their sponsors was held the night before at Spindletop Hall here in Lexington.

Established in 1935 on 800 acres of land, it's considered "a new place" and is the residence of the University of Kentucky Faculty, Staff, and Alumni Club.

The young set from Dubarry of Ireland led the way ~

Cocktails with some of the nicest folks from around the world that you'll ever meet.

I enjoyed visiting with Olympian & International CDN Eventer, Selena O' Hanlon ~

While MR. caught up with Carol Davidson, mother of International 3-day Event Rider, Buck Davidson.

The wonderful evening came to an early close out on the veranda since the tests were to begin early the next morning.

I am not the best at taking action shots so I borrowed a few ~

Buck Davidson during his Dressage test ~

Photo courtesy Buck Davidson Eventing

and Selena O' Hanlon on the Cross Country Course.

Photo courtesy Equine Canada via O' Hanlon Eventing

I did manage to smile my way into the media area and snapped this photo of Selena during her Jumping test!

Did I mention that Land Rover was also a sponsor?

Speaking of …

One of my favorite places to land at the Rolex is out on the cross country course at the Land Rover Pavilion.

Out on the countryside you can see much of the course.

The atmosphere is family-like, fun,

and very dog friendly.

The tailgating is amazing!

Land Rover's tailgate contest is always a feast for the eyes,

Not just for viewing, tailgate contestants were friendly and generous, encouraging these Lab lovers to linger.

Hostesses offered little sandwiches & gentlemen offered refreshing cocktails.

  If you have a horse, you're in heaven at the Rolex.

If you don't, the young set at Dubarry will make you wish you did!

Coming full circle, I am reminded that horses and riders are the reason I'm sharing my 3-Day.

Horses and riders supported by devoted owners, trainers & mothers ~ 

Grooms and therapists and veterinarians ~ 

Friends and fellow eventers ~

Who come to cheer (and tweet and re-tweet) their teammates on.

They are what make events like the Rolex 3-Day so special.

They are all winners!

  We are dog-tired after the 3-Day and Derby is on Saturday!

This year we'll be in Lexington, and cheering for California Chrome in the comfort of our old Kentucky home!