Thoroughbreds and pumpkinheads

Kentucky horse farm in the fall

There is no place like Kentucky in October and April. And when you make it to Kentucky during these two months, you have to take a trip to Keeneland, whether you gamble, like horses, or not. I’m not much of a gambler and despite this, Keeneland is one of my favorite places to visit.

Keeneland Paddock

Keeneland is not your typical race track. It is smaller, quaint, and certainly has more class. In fact, there is not a better looking crowd that I have encountered than at Keeneland during the races. I’m partial of course, my grandfather raced horses here, but before you prejudge me into one of the blue bloods that many stereotype the horse people in central Kentucky to be, we are far from it. Our farm is not outlined by the traditional white or black four-post fences that I have always envied. He did not have Bob Baffert or Nick Zito train his horses, he trained them himself. And rather than smoking cigars and shaking hands in the Keeneland Clubhouse or Jockey Club, he spent most of his time down in the barns, talking to the trainers, groomsmen and the others trading tips. Which is a big reason, why I love Keeneland, it’s in me.

My grandfather with his race horse

This trip, I enjoyed driving around the horse farms taking in the beginning of fall. The leaves were just beginning to turn and the drought that this area of the country is under is evident in the burnt grass and crispy brown leaves in the trees. Despite the needed rain, it is still beautiful. Central Kentucky is preparing to host the 2010 Equestrian Games. By the amount of construction and infrastructure being put into place, it will make for quite a visit for attendees.

Limestone rock wall

I also was able to take a breath on our farm down by the peaceful creek. It was nice to escape all that has been going on and breathe in fresh country air. The tenants that rent a house on our farm gave us some 2-day-old eggs. There is nothing like fresh eggs, they just taste and cook differently than store bought eggs.

Little Eagle Creek

I spent Saturday morning at Evan’s Orchard. Watched the children pick out just the right pumpkin from the Pumpkin Patch. A real pumpkin patch. Not an artificial one setup in front of a church or store. I ate a fried apple pie made from the apples on the orchard…they (that’s right, more than one) were amazing. What a great place to take the family for a fall morning before the crowds get too big.

Pumpkin Patch

I’m recharged and ready for a few intense weeks at work until I return in November for hunting season. An annual rite my high school buddies and I make a point to pilgrimage to each fall. Sometimes we fill our freezers, but mostly we fill our time with laughter and stories about the one(s) that got away. I’m looking forward to some more quiet time in the woods once all the dry leaves fall to the ground and the frost covers and quiets them in the early morning hours.

The farm