Sunday, May 10, 2009

Mother's Day at the Races

I hope everyone had a great Mother's Day, I did! Today my mother got us free tickets to attend the Willowdale Steeplechase. The weather was brilliantly sunny and very windy but I managed to get some nice shots. I took over 100 photos so I thought I would break this post up over 2-3 days.
If you've never been to a steeplechase, it's a wonderful event for the whole family. Loads of activities for children, shopping, food, classic cars, carriages, Jack Russell races, pony races and horse races.




The morning started off with Jack Russell races.


Lot's of tailgating. I wish I had the money to do this! I believe the parking in this area is costs $375.


A lot of the outriders and carriage owners let children pet their horses. I love the pink braids on this sweet mare.



Gorgeous Chester County, PA landscape. The horse and rider complete the picture!


I just love this outrider's expression.


Antique cars, tailgating and dogs, a must at a steeplechase.


I loved this lady's turnout. She had a gorgeous bouquet of purple & white flowers next to her and her Clydesdale cross is named Fred. She let Zoe and I pet him.


Another nice hood ornament. Can you spot me?


Gorgeous carriages - I want one!!


Please check back for some race pictures!

12 comments:

Zan Asha said...

Ahhh, Jen, here are another set of pics where I have ENVY! When do I move to PA? Everything is gorgeous! Seems like you had a great day--Happy Mother's Day!

Unknown said...

Oh Jen...

Beautiful day and pics...you had a wonderful day I see full of fun and inspiration...Happy Mommy Day!!

Smiles,
Sonia ;)

First Draught Farm said...

I can't think of a better way to spend Mother's Day! Fantastic weather to boot! Will be sitting here on pins and needles waiting to see your additional photos. I miss going to the 'chases held almost every spring weekend in VA/MD area.

Linda said...

What a coincidence!! I went to the races, too, but not nearly as refined as the ones you attended! Ours were more like a page out of the wild west!

Paint Girl said...

How cool is that! I loved the Jack Russell races! Too cute!
Since I absolutely adore pink, my favorite color, I love the pink braids in that horses mane!
What a great day!

Jennifer Rose said...

ooh more great pictures! :D I love Fred lol I really want a huge draft horse :) Never been to a steeple race, which is odd because I am sure there are places around here that do them

Melody Lea Lamb said...

Yes, super pics! What a beautiful day and the horses are all so polished up for the event! Don't you love how people can do those complicated braids on their horses? Thanks so much for sharing these great Mothers Day pics!!

Kathleen Coy said...

Wow, what a day you had! Love all the photos, especially the rider radiating pure joy! And look at those little Jacks go! Looking forward to the rest of the photos. :-)

Five O'Clock Somewhere said...

What a spectacular event! Great shots. I used to go the something similar in NJ every fall called "The Hunt". It was actually a steeplechase, and the tail-gating was always a huge spectacle.

Blackfeatherfarm said...

Sounds like a PERFECT day !

Meghann said...

Wow, what a great day indeed! The weather was gorgeous and you got some really excellent shots :)
Can't wait to see tomorrow....

vintagepaletteart said...

You know how to have fun Jen and your camera takes such gorgeous pics! I have all kinds of envy going on here! =o)

Happy Belated Mother's Day!
*Lori