A day to remember at Jones and Hughes Stables
A day to remember
Have you ever had a day that you know you will never forget? I had that kind of day today. I was welcomed with open arms at J&H Stables. I had no idea I was in for such a gift. It was like…well, it was like a dream come true if you love horseback riding like I do. I especially enjoy future two year olds. Imagine you are in the center ring of a big horse show listening to the joyous sounds of “Atta Boy! Yeah man! respect and friendship made it clear that he was in the middle of something that will be a day to remember.
The first horse that really caught my eye was a five-year-old owned by Joe Dan Reed. Speaking of entertainment, it was almost as if he audibly said, “Look at me.” And every time he looked up, his animated gait impressed me that much more. I just scratched my head before Jake brought out an All American Cash filly that was like getting a promise from a friend. Every step I took said: You haven’t seen anything yet! She promised that she was just getting started.
Well, Margaret Coy also has a two-year-old filly in the stable. You know how girls like to go out in front of each other. She climbed down the railing of that barn taking high steps and striding as far as she could. I remember thinking how proud she was that this was Margret’s filly and was glad to see that she was the type she would definitely listen to. Now I don’t mean to “shock you all,” but no faster than I could turn around, Jason made a pass on Charlie Stiver’s horse that made me want to scream. No pun intended just because he looks a lot like her.
I guess it was time for the hobbyists to show up because Al, Margaret and Bobbie rode their hobbyhorses next. While the horses were obviously well trained and doing a great job, that was not what impressed me the most that day. You see, relationships are important to me and it was clear that the relationships that had been built between the trainer, the client and each other were special. It gave me a warm inner feeling realizing that even though it’s a business, they take it personally. I’ve heard the expression “don’t take it personal” all my life, but I never really understood that expression. If it’s between one person and another… that’s personal. Okay, enough of Philosophy 101.
Well, horses are horses, but let’s be serious. Sometimes it takes a little more to hold my attention. Jim Curry was as entertaining as a three-ring circus. He told story after story that kept me in stitches. The funny thing about this is that all the stories about him were true! I don’t say who, but I understand one of Danny’s clients thought he was riding his own horse, but he wasn’t. When he got off, Jason asked if he liked his ride and the customer said “best ride I’ve ever had on my horse.”
I knew lunch time was coming because I looked up and there was Martha White. No, she wasn’t the famous cook with those great recipes. It was Al riding a white mare by Wicked Walker that would make a hungry man stop eating and stare. He rode every hair on her and when he went out for runs and walks you could see how proud Al was. No! not his performance. He was proud that he still had his back turned. Seriously, he did a great job showing off his mare.
All the customers went to lunch with Bob Porter and I thought they would never come back. The lasagna was reported to be absolutely delicious and Bobbie learned that those little black things in the salad are called olives. I didn’t know the Porters owned a restaurant, but what amazed me even more was that you can actually have a glass of wine right there in Russell Springs, Kentucky. I guess that explains why it took them so long. I stayed and had takeout with the crew at J&H Stables. I was afraid that if I left I would miss another good one and I didn’t want that to happen.
Oh my! I sure am glad I stayed. I watched a 5 year old Homer who can hold his own in any class. His head was so well positioned with his head up that I thought Danny was going to have to get the GPS off of him to see where he was going. And every step he took seemed like it would surely be his last because he was taking one more step off the back of him than a kindergarten kid playing mother. I’m telling you, that horse can really cover some ground.
Just when you thought it couldn’t get any better… it did! Danny brought out this magnificent and powerful three-year-old Jazzman colt. It didn’t take more than a single glance for him to realize that he really was something special. His ears were alert, his eyes sparkled and he seemed like he knew he was special. I know Charlie Stivers owns this brilliant horse, but at the time he was ours to behold. When Danny asked him to do a flat ride, it was obvious that the Jazz Man colt loved his job. He walked with perfect rhythm, moving his head boldly with each step. Each step was more charming than the last. By the time he was going to run on foot, he hoped this would never stop. But then he did and before he could put me off, Danny asked me if he wanted to ride. Do I want to ride? I thought, why would I pay to ride such a horse? I wouldn’t tell Danny that because he would have reached out! Was nervous? Sure, but let me tell you, this is one of the things that makes the difference at J&H Stables. Danny told me to hold him comfortably until he squared his shoulders. He told me that when he recovers, to let him go a little bit. My God, it was exactly as he said. I was no longer nervous about riding this mighty Jazz Man colt. I could just sit back and enjoy the ride. When Danny told me to go for a run and a walk, it was one of the most exciting moments of my life. This bold and powerful Tennessee Walking horse does what he was born to do.
The good times will be plenty and with good friends and our creator we will get ahead of all circumstances. But I’ll always have my… Day to remember.