Day 29: Heat Stroke and Happy Kids

Despite temperatures in the blast-furnace range, and a nasty crop of bug bites that are pestering the life out of us, the kids thought they reached heaven today. They were beyond thrilled to spend the day at the Kentucky Horse Park. Our time there began with a trail ride for Kelsey and a pony ride for Kendall (her first time on an animal). The heat was oppressive, so there was no cantering, only walking. But you'd have thought each girl won the Derby, judging by the smiles on their faces.

We took in three live shows: mothers and their foals; a variety show in which different breeds were highlighted, from miniature horses up to the huge and beautiful Friesians; and a parade of sorts in which some of the resident retired champions were introduced. The off-show times were spent indoors in the International Museum of the Horse. Its exhibits do a great job of illustrating the crucial role played by the horse in the development of human society over the millenia. The museum has doubled in size since I last visited, and the new half features an indepth--and very interactive--study of the Arabian breed.

We learned that of the more than 150 defined breeds of horse in the United States, at least 40 of them are represented at the Kentucky Horse Park. It's really an impressive place. We were glad to be there on a weekday; the crowds can be awful on the weekends, making it difficult to get up close to the animals.

By the time we left in mid-afternoon, the temperature was 97 and the humidity was overwhelming. After a long swim in the pool, we're feeling much better and are enjoying our happy memories of the day.

Kendall on "Dudley"

Kelsey on "Pocahontas"

"Cigar," a champion that raced throughout the world and earned just shy of $10 million

"Harley," a Friesian

a Tennessee Walker

"Sassy," a 4-month-old miniature horse