Cross Country at Fair Hill

I had a wonderful time yesterday at the Dansko Fair Hill International. It was the cross-country phase of the event which is always a favorite. As a spectator you get a nice little hike in walking from jump to jump watching some of the top riders and horses tackle very scary (to me) obstacles. 

Honestly I don't know how some do it!

You can click on any photo to make it larger. 

More photos on my Facebook Page - Gypsy Mare Studios

Devon Hunters, etc.

The photo above is Scott Stewart riding Carols Boy.

He won leading hunter rider at Devon this year.

I enjoy watching hunters at this level. They make it look effortless.

Not sure what to think about this.

All I can say is it was like 100 degrees out.

Would you like a small dog strapped to your chest?

Loved these drift wood horses. Perfect for my garden, right?

My Mom and Zoe trying to stay cool in the shade.

Beautiful grey warming up.

I love the Devon grandstand!

The Jumpers

Steeplechase

For anyone not in the know, steeplechases are horse races that are on the turf, usually several miles long and often include large fences. They were started in the UK where the horse and riders would race from church steeple to church steeple, across hills and fields, jumping whatever obstacles came into their paths. This is my final post from the Willowdale Steeplechase (the first two covered the pony races and other festivities).



Riders up, goggles down.


Would you believe they have breathe right type nasal strips for horses?


Blue jockey in the paddock.


Warming up a nice grey thoroughbred.


"See, it's not that high. Just watch out for that big ditch on the other side!"


Approaching the start.
They don't start in a gate like flat track races.


A jockey falls right in front of me in the second race. I was too startled to get a good photo!





Up, up and away!



Thanks for going to the races with me!