MRF Celebrates Summer, 2014

     Good Evening,
     Its that time of year again when I thoughtfully collect myself and prepare for a new year in the classroom.  Usually, I write about the summer days that sweep by at an accelerated speed compared to winter days.  I reflect on the genuine freedom of spirit that flows in good weather and of course I rejoice in the extended time spent with my animals.  Lately, I have been challenged by friends to post statements of gratitude as my Facebook status.  The requests got me thinking; why not simply show everybody just how grateful I am for the summer of 2014. 
Well....why not?

Moose River Farm Celebrates Summer (Youtube link)

Exploring Kentucky

     Good Evening,
     Conferring for the last time with our group of caregivers, Rod and I secured our seat belts and headed on our way out of the Adirondacks.  For the next four days we were free from the hectic schedule that dictates our daily lives.  While we explored Kentucky horse country, somebody else was going to care for our four legged family.  
    Along the way we visited the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in Cleveland, Ohio.  This museum presents the larger than life performers of my youth in a real and tangible manner.  What I realize is that most of the 70's male idols were actually petite men with large talent and an ability to pump up a crowd of 30,000 in a drum beat. 
    From Ohio we headed south toward Louisville and Lexington.  While immersing ourselves in the Thoroughbred industry we gazed upon Kentucky with an eye on retiring there someday.  Perhaps our future lies within the miles of railed fences and acres of lush, calcium rich pasture land that stretches across the bluegrass.  Dedicated to M. deCamp, C. Diver, R. Craig, H. Craig and R. Craig for their exemplary care of MRF in our absence.  Thank you all!

 An ominous funnel cloud guided our way to Ohio.

Standing next to Mick Jagger's stage costumes emphasizes how petite he is.

Pink Floyd fans might recognize this enormous balloon character from The Wall.

The hosts on Great Day Live seemed genuinely interested in my book and life with animals.  The interview is available at the following link.

Great Day Live from Louisville

Iconic twin spires identify Churchill Downs. 

 2006 Kentucky Derby winner, Barbaro's cremated remains are buried below the pedestal of this majestic statue.  

Hanging out with 2007 and 2008 Horse of the Year, Curlin.

 Very handsome indeed.

Michael Matz's 2013 Kentucky Derby contender, Union Rags stands at stud at Lane's End Farm.

 Who is that masked man?

2003 Kentucky Derby and Preakness winner, Funny Cide lives at the Kentucky Horse Park.  Since he was gelded before his two big wins, a career in the breeding shed was out of the question.

 Visiting with 2013 Kentucky Derby winner Orb is part of the free tour at Claiborne Farm.

   War Front is Zenyatta's 2014 filly's sire.  His stud fee is a mere $150,000.

....And speaking of Zenyatta, Blame is the stallion who ended her racing career with 19 wins and 1 second place finish out of 20 starts!

Thoroughbred immortality... 

 Three days after I returned from Kentucky, I signed books at the National Museum of Racing in Saratoga Springs.

And who should I meet in the gift shop?

 Why that's Ron Turcotte, Secretariat's jockey.  I shared a picture of our family including Easau, my grandson of Secretariat.  

Turcotte's license plate is a tribute to Secretariat.

Of course we had to purchase some Secretariat souvenirs!

photos by R. Phinney and M. deCamp

More Girls and Horses....MRF Riding Recital, 2014

     Good Evening,
     The MRF Riding Recital, An Evening at Moose River Farm, was held under a patchy blue sky on the balmy evening of July 21st.  Once again, my students displayed their progress in the saddle for family and friends.  The horses performed beautifully and a great time was had by all.     Photos by Michele deCamp 

 The generous crowd mingles prior to the show.

 Haley adjusts Lowtchee's girth in preparation.

 Everybody likes to visit with the horses in the barn.

 Final preparations are made in the tack room.

 Saige and her mom share a love for horses.

 Lydia gives Trinity's mount, Spirit, a comforting touch.

 The crowd settles at the arena.

Before the first ride a few words are expressed on behalf of Sandi's years as a school horse.  Now at 30 years old, Sandi is officially retired!

 Jean leads Lydia and Tango to the ring for the first ride.

 Lydia and Tango demonstrate the skills of a new rider.

 Next, Alex riding Spirit and....

 Alexis riding Joshua....

 ...demonstrate the skills of riders with many years of experience.

 In the third group, Brooke and Spirit,...

 ...Natalie and Tango...

 ...and Laura and Zambi show off their acquired skills.

 Natalie is a veteran rider, now cantering on Tango.

 The fourth group includes Trinity and Spirit....

 ...Haley and Lowtchee...

 ...and Jenna on Tango.

 These three ladies have been riding for several summers.

 The final group of the evening includes Jordan and Zambi...

 ...and Saige on Tango.

Congratulations to all of these fine riders and their horses!  Well done ladies!