Stars of the Show

While the entire Fall Festival at Danada was delightful, and while there were so many sights to see they cannot all be listed here, there was a clear star of the show to my eyes. My eyes including the lens of my Nikon, of course.
Finding the right location to sit or crouch or stand is the first basic in all pictures, of course, and steeplechase-style jumping is no exception. Once in position, though, the photographer is guaranteed action in a pre-determined location. Just be ready and the horses will show you exactly what you are looking for. At the Festival, two horses took turns doing their routines; one is shown here and the other will be featured in the next post.

An Obstacle in the Path

Leaving the animal cemetery and following the flight of the bright Scarlet Tanager, we walked along a beautifully shaded wide path further into the forest. Cool, pleasant and filled with interesting trees and wild flowers, we noticed an obstacle ahead of us. In seconds, we realized the roadblock was one of the jumps used long ago in the steeplechase events so important to the history of St. James Farm.

It is interesting to see horses jumping such objects on television and in movies, but up close it is much more challenging. These are not neatly-clipped hedges that are more visual than physical; these are giant logs, structured into a demanding jump over a fence. It made me think back to the grueling nature of steeplechase which we learned at the gravesite of The Honda.

Horse and Hound Cemetery

The on-site Horse and Hound Cemetery is in a shady, peaceful location north of the cluster of farm buildings seen in the previous post. The family dogs are at rest there along one side, and several of the McCormick horses are at rest to the other side of the fenced area and even beyond the fence into the treed area. One horse not belonging to the family is also buried and memorialized here.

The Honda won the St. James Steeplechase in 1985 and returned here to defend his title in 1986 after winning the St. Louis Steeplechase in that season. Owner Bob Oery, listing himself also as rider and friend, laid The Honda to rest here after his death during the event. Guide Ron Skleney brought up the dangerous nature of the event, with the death of a horse not being an uncommon event. Looking at the plaque attached to the cross one can easily see the emotion and love of the owner for the animal.

Our next post will look at another aspect of riding at St. James, one that will touch your heart.