The Slower Road

Yesterday afternoon, I had the opportunity to drive around the Kentucky Horse Park’s cross-country fields to see the completed and decorated marathon obstacles. Today and tomorrow, these will be busy with competitors walking the course and practicing their routes through the various obstacles. And on Saturday, of course, they’ll be filled with horses, ponies, and carriages … and surrounded, we hope, by lots and lots of cheering spectators. If you’re in or near Lexington this weekend, come on out to the Kentucky Horse Park!

If you recall seeing photos of the marathon obstacles from just before the 2010 World Equestrian Games, you’ll notice two major differences here: 1) the vines are doing a wonderful job of growing up and over the pergola on “Mick’s Mountain,” and 2) the grass is still green!

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

And here’s a view of the lovely new dressage / cones arena …

.

.

Here at the Kentucky Horse Park, we’re getting ready for the third annual Kentucky Classic CDE. I went over to the stabling area earlier today to see the “drivers’ lounge” I’d heard about …

.

.

.

… which looks rather lovely and relaxing. The only other thing going on so far (while I was there) was some horse-bathing. But competitors, organizers, and officials are all making their final preparations for the event, which starts tomorrow. Stay tuned!

.

.