Return Visit was Inevitable!
Wednesday, May 28, 2008
Thelma (Stocki) Matthew knew they'd have to go back there some day...
My husband Glen and I were so impressed by the beauty of the country and the horses when we attended John Gerbas’ 60th birthday party last year that we decided to make a return visit this month (June, 2008). We took along our two horse-crazy great-nieces, their mother, and Grandpa (Glen’s brother) and Grandma. On Saturday, we led the way to the Kentucky Horse Park, just off I-75, a few miles from Lexington. The girls were in heaven! They loved the miniature horses, learning to groom horses at the Big Barn, watching the dressage and drill team displays at the Parade of Breeds show, and riding ponies. They even enjoyed the museums, which cover the history of horses and horse-racing from pre-history to the current day.
John Gerbas met us for dinner that night and the conversation included everything from BNI reminiscences to the latest news on his family and horses. He extended an invitation for us to visit Keeneland Race Track and see his horses being exercised the next morning. Five of us took him up on the invitation and met him at 6:30 AM on Sunday morning at the track. Four of his horses were in training that day, including Shake, Rattle & Run and Free Country. He has great hopes for those two, who were both exercised on the big track for the first time that morning. While we waited for John’s horses to be brought out to the track, we were given a grand tour of the facilities. John’s trainer put each of our nieces up on his pony and gave them some tips on horsemanship when we visited the barn John’s horses share.
The girls got to see Silver Wing Farm later that day. John invited us to come out and see the horses and have lunch. Livia and Evelyn enjoyed helping Jessie (John’s intern) groom and feed the horses. Their favorite was Silver Embers. We were all reluctant to leave, but very happy after a wonderful weekend. Thanks for adding to our fun John!
(For accompanying pics, please visit PHOTO ALBUM Section)
