An Equestrian Fall

You don't have to even ride today to partake in all things equestrian, from the soft sofa in your living room on your iPad or in your cozy den with the television remote in hand.  As someone who doesn't travel much anymore (horses and cats keep me home) and because I really love where I live and don't want to leave, I've learned to partake in the events from afar that I used to witness live. Here's how you do it.

The Washington International Horse Show is the only real "indoor" horse show left - it's still held in downtown DC and you should witness it firsthand one day if you can.  But you can watch the live feed here (for free) so you can see the six and seven-figure warmbloods competing almost like you were there. Today is the last day of the show.

What is left of the National Horse Show starts this week in Lexington, KY at the Kentucky Horse Park. It's not the same not being in New York but it's still the best of the best in this country in the hunters.  If you want to get a sense of what it used to be like then watch these movies which have clips from the real deal.

The Horse in the Gray Flannel Suit is my favorite horse movie.  Kathy Kusner does the riding in the clips from Washington.  It's a great movie.  If you have seen it then treat yourself. 

Another one (which I have not seen yet) is Wall of Noise.  

 

Wall of Noise is a 1963 racetrack drama about a respected horse trainer who becomes the owner of a racehorse with the help of another horse owner’s neglected wife. This film explores the power of love, wealth, and dedication.

And I have not seen The Horsemasters yet either. 

The Horsemasters follows a group of students as they work tirelessly to earn the all-important British Horse Society certification. These things aren’t just handed out as party favors, you know.

Another favorite is the story of Nautical, a true story, called The Horse With the Flying Tail. You can watch the movie on-line here for a small fee.

The Breeders' Cup races start in a week and it's my favorite time of year for horse racing.  Two full days of the very best of the very best in horse racing, this year from Churchill Downs in Louisville, Kentucky.  You can watch it on live television for sure.

(Breeders' Cup Pillow)

You can enjoy this stuff from the comfort of your own living room!