So some of you may not know this about Ken and I. But days like today brings lots of fond memories!! Before Ken answered his call to be a warrior , entering the Army, going to Vietnam which really changed his life course forever- he was a race horse jockey! At the same time he was a jockey he was also in beauty school to be a hair dresser. :-). He would go to the salon on Saturdays still wearing his silks and change the winners circle of pictures around his stations mirror. The ladies loved it. Lol. He has messed in the business a few times since then. When we were first married Ken gave up his owner\operator life on the road to be a trainer at a race horse barn. I was licensed to be his groom, stable hand and care taker of the pregnant brood mares. Now let me tell you- there is nothing more rewarding than caring for a mare that just might be the mother of the one in a million winning foal. But then to witness that sweet baby foal be born and stand for the first time and run to his mom to nurse - you just are in awe with the hope - this one just might be it!! But then working with the two year olds - breaking them to ride, seeing the will and spirit to run in them... Makes you hopeful- theres a chance!! Then going to the races...OMG!! I mentioned I was the groom. What this means is I got to handle the horse preparing for the race. I led the horse to the paddock for inspection and saddling. I then got to leg the jockey up on the horse and lead the horse to the track and hand over the reins to the pony horse (Ken & Casper the pony horse). THEN- I got to go to the gates and wait for Ken to make his way to the gates with the horse & jockey and take hold of the lead rope again and hand it over to the loader. Hearing the gates load then the anticipation of them opening for the start of the race is so exciting!!! So following and watching the triple crown races has great meaning to me (us). I am so blessed to experience this kind of excitement, appreciation, and great memories with Ken (& our family) But the best is the wonderful times Ken & I have shared and the memories we have made through the love of the sport and love of the animals!!
Posted on: Sun, 08 Jun 2014 01:59:52 +0000