Scenes from a Racetrack

Some photos from Delaware Park on Wednesday. The horse above reminded me a bit of Secretariat.

They have a really beautiful paddock area there. 

More photos on Flickr. 

Thursday at the Barn

I should subtitle this post "I Love My Macro Lens".

Took my camera to the barn today. The light was really beautiful wherever I went.

This is Vagabond. He is such a handsome guy. A big, beautiful, warmblood by Consul. 

I fell in love with him the first day I met him (despite his somewhat cheeky nature, I think he knows how good he looks). 

He has the most amazing brown eyes... swoon...

'V' is pasture mates with Rosie but she has been stuck inside with a bad cut to her hoof.

Poor girl, I hand walked her a bit so she could get some grass.

"Food goes in this hole, please."

The eye of pretty chestnut Scotch. 

Young Sophie looks up from her hay.

Irish Rose dribbling some of her water then munching on hay. 

New girl, Tempi, goes out with Irish Rose. 

She's a massive Irish Sporthorse. They look like sisters.

I just opened a pro account on Flickr, click here to see more of my photos.

Last is Dayo, a big, bay thoroughbred that floats when he trots. 

He's such a lover, you can tell by his eyes.

The horse through all its trials has preserved the sweetness of paradise in its blood. ~Johannes Jensen

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!

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!

To hot to paint...

Yes indeedy the last few days have been killer here in PA with no sign of relief until Wednesday. Still then the temps are going to be above normal but at least they won't be near 100 degrees with dew points in the 70s. It is entirely too hot to paint. I was able to squeeze in a sign on Saturday with a portrait of the race horse Big Brown. I was so hopeful that he would win the Belmont. I guess the heat got to him as well! While searching through Big Brown's owner's website, IEAH Stables, I discovered that they own a mare I used to care for. Ferege was such an awesome filly when I knew her. Such a sweet personality, love to follow you around and get scratches and rubs. At least I know now that one of my favorite horses is in good hands. Maybe someday she will make a Little Brown.
Take care everyone and stay cool!


Big Brown Sign Auction