May 18, 2013

Old Friends has only a few absolutely, strictly observed holidays:  Derby Day, Preakness Day, Belmont Day and Breeders’ Cup Saturday. The Saturday crew all being race fans, we close at some point on those afternoons and dash for the nearest TV. So last Saturday there was no 3:00 tour, but the 10:00 and 1:00 tours brought us some especially nice visitors. Particularly considering the idea about…ahem, decorating? that occurred to Special Ring (read on!).

 The gator that used to do the feed hauling and other farm work having bit the dust a few weeks ago, the big golf cart has been pulling double duty as farm vehicle and tour-mobile (as needed), so we were extra grateful to the folks on the 1:00 tour who thought to reserve it ahead of time. So the timing was perfect. We had the golf cart recharged in the nick of time and as Barbara played host in the office Michael was in the back yard hosing and scrubbing the mud from the farm chores off of it. Voila! A freshly washed, mostly dry chariot arrived to whisk the group off to their adventure on the farm! And to make a good thing even better, the insights provided by tour guide Laura and questionable driving provided by the chauffeur (me) were supplemented by the services of Old Friends’ very best tour guide…Buddy the office cat, who decided to accompany us. At least, part of the way. After all, he had to return to supervise the junior office cats, Lucy and Desi.

Buddy leads a tour

Most of the tour was more fun than eventful. Gulch posed, Danthebluegrassman wanted Flick’s carrots, Ogygian wanted the whole bucket to choose from, and Bull Inthe Heather wanted a back scratch. Popcorn Deelites and Special Ring did their favorite routine, Ring avidly stealing the thunder from Seabiscuit movie star Pops by showing his identification tattoo for people to photograph (and for more carrots, of course). Their part of the tour over, we headed down the hill to the corners of the four paddocks occupied by Pops and Ring, Patton, You and I, and Prized. Patton was being his usual sweet natured self, gently accepting treats and—rare for a stallion, but typical of him—allowing his admirers to pat his nose and stroke him. Or, starting to. Down the hill thundered Special Ring. Wait a minute! He wasn’t ready to give up all that attention. Not just yet! Reaching the puddle that had collected from the recent rain, Ringy gave it his all (see the photo)! The runs where the humans are, even at the paddock corners, aren’t all that wide, and Ringy was very determined.

Ringy splashes a tour

He didn’t just paw the water a little, he kept it up vigorously for about two minutes, managing to splash most of us and—just as he hoped—to completely steal all the attention back from polite Patton (who you can see looking puzzled in the background). If you’re wondering why no people are in the photo, they’d all jumped back. Luckily, Ringy’s captive audience (canvases for his abstract painting? human Moneighs?) were gracious about his antics. It’s all in a day’s work for multiple G1 winner and inventively intelligent Special Ring.

 Apologies for the low quality of the above photo, which I grabbed my phone and snapped. Below are some better ones Laura took this Saturday.

 And just a reminder that you’re invited to the Memorial gathering this Monday, May 27, at 1:00 pm, when we will honor the Old Friends who passed during the last year, the superb Marquetry, Canadian Horse of the Year Benburb, the dependable and loving Eternal Orage, Kano Doble alias Mick, and from Merefield, Buzzovertomyhouse. We miss them and hope you’ll join us on the farm, 1841 Paynes Depot Road, Georgetown, Kentucky, to remember them.

Beth

Delay of Game

Regal Sanction

Afternoon Deelites

A. P. Slew and Escapedfromnewyork

A. P. Slew

From Sylvia… Homecoming Event 2013

We were stunned at our recent homecoming event with the large number of folks who came out to support us.  It poured rain all day.  Even with the wind and rain, we had a couple hundred guests pass through.  It made me consider that it really does ‘take a village’ to do what we do at Old Friends.  Our volunteers are truly amazing individuals without whom we could not exist.  I want to thank each and every person who helped and I’m just praying I don’t forget to mention someone.  Please forgive me if I do. 

The morning began with Moneigh Mary, Cindy, Garnetta and Peg setting up the auction in our barn.  They stayed all day long running it until we packed up at 6ish.  Over at the tent, Patty Stinnett was working on securing the tent roof and had gallons of rainwater dumped on her.  She also made a donut run at our local bakery for us and she cannot even eat donuts. Now that is above and beyond the call of duty!  Alex LeBlanc took our morning tour group out and came back soaked.   As a matter of fact, Michael and Diane, Beth Shannon, and Rick Horton were rain-soaked for most of the day.  Sarah from Georgetown College helped out all morning.  Viv Rowe, Laura Battles, Viv Morrison, and Rick Capone were all on hand to pitch in.  Mercer VandenBurg worked the beverage station after fixing breakfast at his church all morning.  Mary and Jason Matthews provided a wonderful cake! Roberta and Bea were working hard in the office and gift shop. Our trusty tour guides Charlie Brown, Tom Beatty, Rick Horton and Beth Shannon were on hand to guide folks around in the rain. Barbara Fossum and Barbara Bowen did a great job working with our auctioneers.

The list of our Donors of auction items is astonishing and too lengthy for me to do justice.  From our local signature horse farms who donate halters, to our supporters far and near who sent auction items this past year for this event – we thank all of you most gratefully. 

Our very good friends, Shades of Grass came to play music and had to squeeze into a small, semi-dry corner of the tent.  They did a fantastic job.  Everyone enjoyed their music so much!   Tom Sayre and Curt Sharff have kindly been our auctioneers for years now.  They are the best!  Furlong’s BBQ dinner was delicious as always.

We thank our sponsors, Ale 8 One and Southern States for their continued support these past years at this event.

Special mentions should go to Michael Blowen, our founder, as I watch him running completely non-stop for at least a 60 day stretch this time of year. Michael sets a high bar for the rest of us.  Diane White is the constant, consistent, quiet tower of strength behind all of us.  Nothing is too small for her attention and we would be lost without her.  Janet and Kent work very hard around the clock caring for the horses.  Our regular core volunteers who couldn’t volunteer at this event; Linda, Teri, Rachel, Martin, Kelly, Tim, Nick, Rick, Ellen, Carol and Elizabeth are diligent and dedicated individuals.    Bea Snyder volunteers in the office and gift shop six days a week.  All year long.  She attended Ferdinand’s Ball on Thursday, ran our booth at Beulah Park on Saturday, worked Homecoming all day Sunday and…. was back in the office on Monday.  Her dedication is an inspiration to me.   

This event is the end of our busiest week (Derby week) in our busiest month of the year.  We are all already exhausted by the time Homecoming arrives.  Our volunteers persevere and get us through each day all year long.  Truly, they are the backbone of our organization.  On a daily basis, all these folks give of themselves, hold us up and allow us to operate.  They are the greatest group of people you can imagine.   We can never thank them enough.

P.S. from Michael: Sylvia often goes unnoticed in the back organizing all of our Old Friends activities from soup to nuts.. and I do mean nuts. She doesn’t allow the smallest detail to escape her attention. She’s one of the only people at Old Friends who can keep the small picture and the Cinerama view in perspective, simultaneously. All of the retirees owe her an awful lot.

April 27, 2013

Kentucky Derby week is here, the Rolex Three-Day Event just ended, and Old Friends is rockin’! In spring, people head to the Blue Grass for the premier experiences in American racing and eventing, it’s all about the horses, and we’re thrilled that so many visitors include Old Friends in their travel schedules. Besides the regular daily farm tours at 10:00, 1:00 and 3:00, big buses are bringing large groups of very nice people to meet our equine retirees. It’s all hands on deck for Michael and us volunteer tour guides. The horses oblige readily—more carrots! It’s a pleasure to introduce them to first-time visitors and we hope they will return. It’s also a happy time of reunions with our human “old friends” who’ve been with us for the long run.

On the subject of reunions, don’t forget that our Kentucky and New York farms invite you to our parties this week! On Derby Day, Saturday, May 4th, the Third Annual Kentucky Derby Party hosted by Old Friends at Cabin Creek will be at the National Museum of Racing in Saratoga, 4:00-8:00 pm. If you’re nearer to Kentucky, join us on Dream Chase Farm in Georgetown on Sunday, May 5 at 3:00 for the Ninth (wow!) Annual Homecoming. Depending on which party, enjoy our memorabilia auctions, contests and guest stars. Both fundraisers offer good food and a cash bar, of course. See our web sites (links in the sidebar) for details. Come support us and have a fantastic time!

Last Saturday we were lucky. The sky threatened rain, but it never happened. The horses enjoyed a busy day with lots of attention and treats. Some tours covered the main part of the farm, seeing Sunshine Forever, Kiri’s Clown, Prized, Patton, You And I, The Name’s Jimmy, Popcorn Deelites & Special Ring, and Creator. Other groups trekked up toward the back where they were welcomed by Commentator, Star Plus, Tinners Way, Williamstown, and Swan’s Way. Especially pleased were the horses whose paddocks are on both routes, Gulch, Sarava, Afternoon Deelites Mixed Pleasure, Little Silver Charm, Clever Allemont, Ogygian, Bull Inthe Heather, I’m Charismatic & Arson Squad, and Danthebluegrassman & Flick. The mares and geldings in the back 40 acres, too—Hidden Lake, Delay of Game, Futural, Affirmed Success and all—had a busy day of admiration and fun.

My favorite event this Saturday was I’m Charismatic’s visit with Mary and Jason Matthews who enabled his retirement to Old Friends and have remained his most loyal supporters and pals. Tinners Way also enjoyed spending time with some of his most devoted admirers. Tinner has put on some good weight and looks more than ever like his great sire, Secretariat.

Or maybe my favorite moment was when 30 year old Ogygian showed off for a tour and raced with them along the fence, favoring us with a glimpse of that rambunctious spirit and power that made him an incomparable race horse in 1985 and 1986. Our two oldest residents, Ogygian and 31 year old Clever Allemont are both doing beautifully. Clever and his neighbor Mixed Pleasure (28 himself) have a friendly rivalry going for love and attention during tours. These two have become buddies. Stallions are too territorial to share a paddock, but they do form bonds with other stallions in neighboring paddocks. Some of our strongest bonds between stallions over the years have been between Creator and the great Ruhlmann (1985-2008), and the lifelong rivalry/friendship between Awad (1990-2011) and Kiri’s Clown. Clever Allemont and Mixed Pleasure have developed a comfortable, playfully competitive friendship of their own. Ogygian, on the other hand, is rather condescending when it comes to his neighbors, preferring to form his deepest bonds with a few people of his choosing. It is one of the greatest good fortunes, and the greatest honor, in my life that he has let me into his.

Speaking of Ogygian, I should mention that as usual he has a descendant slated to run in the Kentucky Derby. Frac Daddy (conditioned by Ken McPeek, once Sarava’s trainer) is Ogygian’s great-great-grandson, Frac Daddy’s sire Scat Daddy being a son of juvenile super-champion Johannesburg whose dam Myth is Ogygian’s daughter. Polish Navy (1984-2011) is also represented, Falling Sky’s damsire being Sea Hero (son of Polish Navy and Derby winner of 1993). Old Friends is represented in the Oaks on Friday, too. Seaneen Girl’s damsire is Afternoon Deelites, and finally, though not a direct descendant, Will’s Way can be proud of Oaks starter Midnight Lucky. Willie’s dam, Willamae, was a true “blue hen,” a mom of a number of good competitors. Remember Willa On The Move under Chris McCarron in the 1988 Ashland Stakes at Keeneland? Another half-sibling of Will’s Way was Citidancer, who was damsire to Midnight Lucky…hmm, that makes her Willie’s (half-)great-niece, eh?

So here’s to a safe and exciting Oaks and Derby, and a good race for these talented youngsters who carry on our Old Friends retirees’ proud legacies.

Beth

Some photos from this weekend by Laura Battles

Ogygian enjoys a roll.

Ring shows his i.d. Pops won’t show his (if he did, we’d know he’s not really Seabiscuit).

Creator

Sunshine Forever

April 20, 2013

Last Saturday morning Arson Squad traveled to Keeneland for a guest appearance in the paddock. The Bloodhorse posted a wonderful account with videos and photos (see link under “More” on the sidebar). Arson returned to the farm happy and relaxed, and was his best buddy, I’m Charismatic ever delighted to have him back! If you didn’t catch Arson Squad’s Keeneland appearance or want to see him again, he invites you to visit him at OF’s Kentucky farm, just 20 minutes from Keeneland.

Saturday was a beautiful day at Old Friends. Tender, sweet April grass has burst out in all the paddocks, so the farm was full of happy horses. Plenty of guests came to admire them. Laura, Alex and I were kept busy doing the honors. Barbara had plenty of action in the office. So we were happy, too. We love spring when things get lively!

I know many of our supporters enjoyed getting Val’s weekly update, so the Saturday crew will continue that tradition, along with other posts by OF bloggers and guest bloggers. A brief introduction: I’m Beth, and if you’ve visited our Kentucky farm any Saturday in last 7 years we’ve probably met. Barbara Fossum has been holding down the Saturday office since fall, 2007. On weekdays Barbara works for the NTRA. She is a hands-on horsewoman with a deep knowledge of racing history and pedigrees. Laura Battles travels the world to photograph international racing. Between trips she helps out with tours. You can find her photos of the OF residents on our website and Facebook page. Alex LeBlanc, who recently moved from South Carolina to join the Georgetown College staff, finds time to do Saturday and Sunday tours and to get to know the horses. Many of them are already partial to her. A horsewoman and a great storyteller on tours, Alex is a valued addition to our weekends.

Now for the important stuff: The horses! Next to Arson Squad’s outing, Hidden Lake caused the most comment last Saturday. She must have had a lovely time rolling in the puddle near the mares’ waterer, since she was an absolute mud cake. Queenly as ever, she graciously doled out kisses with a very dirty nose.

Commentator was playful (that’s news?), and the late afternoon sun brought out the rich tones in Gulch’s coat as he stood gazing with quiet satisfaction over his domain, his jeweler-exquisite conformation outlined against the spring green.

The Name’s Jimmy is responding well to the special care he’s getting for arthritis and was striding around his paddock with assurance, spotting the tours and waiting at the fence to cadge his share of the carrots. But my favorite part of the day was Williamstown’s sparkle this spring. “William,” a son of Seattle Slew, held the speed record for a mile at Belmont Park from 1993 to 2003. Though he too has arthritis in a back leg, he’s gorgeous when the mood strikes him to trot or gallop. An independent spirit and a bit of a tough guy, he’s impressive even when he stands still, big and nearly black with a broad white blaze and four white socks. When he trots, those white socks flash like stars. Lately he’s been so spry that he sometimes joins in the races between Commentator and Swan’s Way who live in the neighboring paddocks.

Commentator vs. Swan’s Way? How would a condition book describe that race?? But these two guys don’t care, they don’t spend much time reading PPs, they just love to run.

 Beth

April 22, 2013

Valerie Mulgrave, our primary Sunday tour guide and blogger extraordinaire over the past few years, decided she needed more time to dedicate to her other life. After working all week and helping Janet on Saturdays, she understandably needed one day to herself. We will miss her gifted commentaries and unique voice. While we won’t be able to replace her, we’re going to try to substitute a solo voice with a large choir. We’ll have blog posts from some of our volunteers and an occasional special guest.  We’re looking forward to hearing from more of Old Friends’ friends.

Michael

February 1, 2013

Marquetry     1987-2013 

Old Friends lost Marquetry, one of our most beloved stallions, today.  It was unexpected and for me, among the most difficult losses in some time.  Marquetry broke a leg, apparently getting a little too wound up in his stall during some especially windy winter weather.   He was euthanized when it was apparent his injury was too profound to treat. 

Marquetry was an excellent racehorse who hailed from lines of very good racehorses—Horse of the Year Conquistador Cielo, Mr. Prospector, Raise a Native, and Northern Dancer.  Marquetry himself won nearly three million dollars in four years of racing.  Once retired, he sired Eclipse Award winners Artax and Squirtle Squirt.  That is an amazing resume by any measure. 

Even beyond his racing pedigree, Marquetry was a one–of-a-kind, unforgettable horse  He was a tall, sort of lanky, bright chestnut horse with unusual and striking white markings that visitors never failed to comment on.  While his markings alone made him stand out, it was his eyes that stayed with you.  He had the brightest, most inquisitive gaze; it was the look of a little boy who found everything in the world wondrous and amazing.  Even at age 26, he never lost that youthful light in his eye.  It makes it even more difficult for me to think of that light being gone.  Marquetry never acted or looked like a 26 year old horse. He always seemed, acted, and behaved younger than he was. 

Along with that bright-eyed gaze, Marq was among the kindest horses I have ever known.  He loved people—men, women, and especially children.  Last fall I gave a tour to a school bus full of elementary kinds on fall break.  As the bright yellow bus pulled up and off-loaded the kids, Marq threw up his head and came to the fence at a run, neighing the entire time.  He hung his head over the fence, closed his eyes and let dozens of little hands reach through the boards and pat him to their hearts’ content.  For the past two years I have had the privilege of accompanying Marquetry to the Secretariat Festival in Paris.  Those days were just about perfect for Marq, who genuinely loved the steady stream of people stopping by to admire him. He won over many fans at that Festival. 

But those are all public memories of Marquetry.  There are also my memories.  I actually met him the first time when he was still a breeding stallion, at a farm open house.  I remember watching him watching all the people, thinking that he was really engaged in all the activity around him.  When he came to Old Friends, I realized he did, in fact, love having people around him. 

Late in 2011 Marquetry underwent emergency colic surgery and recovered in the small barn for a couple months. I used to go in to visit him—no treats due to the surgery, mind you—and those were the times I most enjoyed just hanging around him. At some point in the past, Marq had lost his front teeth and as a result, it wasn’t an issue to let him “chew” on my sleeve or even my hand.  And he loved to chew on me, creating massive amounts of slobber in the process and making sure he shared it.  He also loved to just hang out, my face against his, my arm draped over his neck. Sometimes I ran a brush over him, sometimes we talked, and sometimes we just stood silently.  I treasure those memories the most, the times I felt like Marq and I were just friends, hanging out as friends do, no words necessary.   The thought that he is gone is just beyond my comprehension.  

I know there are others at Old Friends who will miss him just as much, and that was among Marquetry’s gifts.  Everyone who met him loved him, whether they were a life-long horse person, or whether they had never even been close enough to touch a horse.  Either way, Marquetry affected everyone who met him with his kindness and class.  And there is no better epitaph than that. 

Rest in Peace, Marquetry.  You were one of the best, ever. 

-Val

Tuesday November 13, 2012

A few photos from a visit to the annex farm last weekend…