We knew it was going to be a great day from the get go. As soon as we got out of the car this transport vehicle appeared and the driver asked if we would like a lift to the entry gate. Perfect.
"OK ladies...here you are...call me if you need a ride back to your car later."
This was a first class experience from top to bottom.
One of the classes we were very interested in started out in the ring and ended up on the lawn, where each entrant set up a picnic (which counted in the judging).
As usual, there were flowers in every direction. An incredible amount of preparation went into this event. There were so many plants grown, they were set on bleachers so they could be easily taken care of.
Flags were flown near the entrance.
So here we go.
This entrant prepared a meal of Chinese food and dressed the part with her Mandarin jacket. Her Jack Russel traveled with them in their wicker vehicle.
As you can see, hats are everywhere... in and out of the ring.
Start tuning into the hats. There are many to come after this one.
At noon they had the ceremonial national anthem....
I usually lose my marbles taking photos at Walnut Hill.
Part of this competition involved cross country driving (through the woods, water, over bridges etc.). Below is an example of what is out in that area...staging also took place near here.
It would not be the same if I did not get a shot of this man. Every year I find him. Classic.
And look who was hanging out by one of the boutiques. A sweetheart.
After the pairs/cones class they had one called the Old Guard. Everyone driving was over 65 (and some were in their 70s and 80s) demonstrating that this is a life long sport.
Next, we watched a couple of coaching classes. Be sure to check out the videos below.
And then there was this Newfie pulling a cart.
Even the babes wore great hats.
On the way out I forced my pals to let me take one last shot. I'd say we all had a great time.
Bill Remley, who has been the backbone of Walnut Hill, passed away earlier this year. His wife and daughter helped make this year's show possible and did an outstanding job. This has been going on for almost 40 years and developed into the largest Carriage Competition in the world.
Coach Class
What a great day. And it was only 40 minutes away.
Night all.
8 comments:
Oh my! What a fabulous event! I would have loved it! Seeing your photos was the next best thing to being there. Thanks!
What a wonderful tour of this marvelous event. You make me feel like I was there. And, the best things, of course, are the horses. They all looked perfectly groomed, and so well mannered. And, of course, beautiful, beautiful, beautiful!
Thank you Lori. I think that's the third time I've been to the Walnut Hill Horse Show courtesy of your blog. It really is a glorious annual event.
Thanks again, Mike and Ann.
Oh what a stunning event - Oh what a stunning post. I loved every minute, description and image you have here. The horses, the hats, the flowers, the ladies (what a beautiful model you had in the hat boutique) and I felt all choked up that the man who started this event, passed away only this year. Thanks again, Lori. I could share in something which I thought existed only in old-fashioned movies. Jo
Friesians!!! Great pictures! That food is making me hungry lol.
Wouldn't it be nice to be able to travel in buggies again? Beautiful horses, carriages and yummy food!
What a group of fantastic photos. I enjoyed them all including the food ones!
Maybe T-Bone and I will make it next year and you can take our picture :-D.
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