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.
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 ~
Beautiful post Miss Lisa! Love the 'smiling' California Chrome! xo
ReplyDeleteWonderful blog. Lis
ReplyDeleteThe thoroughbred is an an amazing animal and athlete. I am so proud of your family for supporting the racing industry through the years We must continue to carry on the heritage.
Ronald Reagan likely said it best - 'There is nothing better for the inside of a man than the outside of a horse.'
ReplyDeleteLisa the world of horses and racing is so foreign to me & it has been such a thrill to get a proper intro through your eyes. My father-in-law use to love visiting the race tracks where we lived from Santa Anita to Emerald Downs and it gave us a good excuse to tag alone. I find horses to be so mystical and soulful and I can understand why ones heart would be lost caring for them. I enjoyed Claire's video about Raul; what a loving man. I hope all continues to go really well for California Chrome. He's captured my heart with that smile!
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So very moving Lisa, I love the story of California Chrome. Then I went back to read The Quiet Side.....how wonderful!
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Karena
The Arts by Karena
waiting for the big race this weekend! I actually stopped by to read your peony post again!
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