The Bucket List - An Update

It's been three years since I first discussed "The Bucket List" so it's time for an update.  The original Bucket List (only equestrian) was published in March 2017.  I'm happy to report that I've started checking off some of the boxes but I've added a few more to the list.

Here's an updated Bucket List:

1) The Breeder's Cup
We have our tickets for the 2020 Breeders' Cup at Keeneland.  Hotels are already sold out and I'm going to exhale to deal with the crowds but where will I go and see this kind of horseflesh in two days?  We love Keeneland so it's going to be fun and our seats are covered so even if it rains, we're there.  Only eight more months to wait....

2) Stallions
We managed to see American Pharoah but we still have not made it to see Justify yet.  So a trip back to Coolmore to see him gets added to the list.  The others I'd like to see:  War Front (at Claiborne), Curlin (at Hillandale), all of the stallions at Lane's End.  We have plans to see Gun Runner at Three Chimneys later this year.  We were able to see Pioneer of the Nile before he died, Giant's Causeway (before he passed) and California Chrome before he was sold to Japan.  I wish we had made it to see A.P. Indy (he died last week).  But we have seen some other great ones too - Tiznow, Megdalio D' Oro, Uncle Mo, and Tapit among others.  I'd add Into Mischief to that list now as well.

3) Saratoga

Saratoga is still on the list and we won't make it to New York until 2021 at the earliest.  Cannot wait for my August junket to this paradise of horse racing.

4) The Preakness

We have plans to attend both The Preakness and The Black-Eyed Susan in May with friends who have box seats on the finish line so we'll be going in style.  Looking forward to my first Triple Crown race in real life.  I have a hat but it's not like this one!

5) Aachen

Aachen is still on the list.  Maybe in 2022 or 2023. 

6) Del Mar

Del Mar is still on the list and eventually I'll make it to Southern California to see this historic venue.

7) The Horse Show Bucket List

As my horse showing days are winding down at the upper levels, I've checked off most of the list here.  A few more I'd add (and I am not certain I'll make it to these as an exhibitor now) are Aiken and Blowing Rock.  I had hoped to go to Aiken this spring but with my injury that's now out of the question. I showed at Blowing Rock as a child but wanted to show there again as an adult. I may still get there but not likely this year. But the ones I checked off - the WCHR Finals (three times), Capital Challenge, Harrisburg, Washington, Devon, the Florida Circuit (Ocala) and Upperville. Ribbons from all of these - tri-colors from Capital Challenge and Ocala.  So even if I miss out on Aiken and Blowing Rock, I've surpassed my goals in this category for sure.

A few non-equestrian events on my list now......

8) The Greenbrier Carlton Varney Weekend

I have plans to attend this fun weekend in March 2021.  

9) Skiing in Europe

We are considering a trip to Switzerland in 2021.   Stay tuned.

10) Budapest

I had wanted to go to Hungary on a trip to Europe in the early 1990's but was not able to fit it in but finally made there in 2019.  It was freezing cold but I loved it and would love to go back but in the spring.  The zoo looks amazing and did I mention Herend?

11) Salzburg

I have never made it to this idyllic spot in Austria.  It's on the short bucket list for sure, in winter, so I can visit the Christmas Markets.

 

Don't have a Bucket List?  It's amazing how you'll check off your list if you make one!  Life's too short. Buy the shoes and and just do it!