Inn at Grist Mill Square

We spent a wonderful relaxing weekend in Bath County, Virginia and came across this lovely inn in Warm Springs, Virginia, just reopened by new owners in February. Can't wait to venture out to this spot.  The dining area is charming and reminds me of places in Bucks County, PA, one of my favorite spots.  Put this on your places to go.



The complex is made up of several houses and buildings and includes a pool and tennis courts. The rooms are reasonable, all under $200 and include breakfast.



The restaurant is in an old mill.



There is a small bar area in the dining room, very quaint and cozy, clubby but rustic.  Just my style!  This is the wine cellar in the restaurant.  Notice the mill wheel!



There is also a small store:



Some of the rooms are in this house:



Others are in here:



Take a look inside:



Looks great doesn't it?

Baby April's Progress

Baby April has come a long way this year with three horse shows under her big belt.  This her first few months:



The photo below is at her first rated show this past August.  She has much promise and we can't wait to get her ready to start her 3'0 career (and probably much higher than that).  The picture is a bit distorted, her head is not really that big. But she makes up a pretty picture.  Good years are ahead of us!

Enjoy your weekend.  It is COLD here today!



1st Dibs Does Equestrian

In my next life I am going to be an equestrian decorator.  And the best place to accessorize is the web site 1st Dibs.  There are endless possibilities there and it is ever changing.  Take a look.

This Hermes saddle bin will make the best side table.  Also comes in dark green.  Maybe one for each end of the sofa?

 

This 1850 Staffordshire cup is a trophy from a steeplechase race.  The stories this one could tell.....



An original "Jocko" lawn jockey, one of a pair no less. See my post on The Lawn Jockey for information about these.  And hard to find.....yes, indeed.

For you martini or art deco lovers out there, this black deco cocktail shaker is lovely.  Picture "The Great Gatsby."  This will never go out of style.

This sign from the 1920's would look superb in a bar or a tack room.  Would be a great gift for your fox hunting friends.

This is a horse thermometer. Not sure how it works but it looks good.

From a vendor in Dallas comes this chair and ottoman covered in a horse feedsack.  So clever.  Makes it look vintage.  Really cute.

Nothing more timeless than an old weather vane.  This could go in any room in the house.

An arts and crafts piece, that could also go art deco. 

And for an early Christmas present, this Hermes bracelet is timeless and expensive.  But fabulous.....



Invisible Ink RIP

Invisible Ink died an untimely death and will be memorialized at the Kentucky Horse Park on September 16th at 11 am.   The lovely TB stallion (Thunder Gulch-Consuistress, by Conquistador Cielo) battled a life-threatening illness as a 2-year-old.  He made a remarkable recovery and placed second in the 2001 Kentucky Derby as a 55-1 long shot, running behind Monarchos, who ran the second fastest Derby ever behind Secretariat.  He died of a neurological disorder at a farm in New Freedom, PA.



His story is truly remarkable.  As a 2-year-old in training in Ocala, he developed a cut on his ankle.  It did not heal as quickly as it should have and he was treated with antibiotics and Bute.  His eating and drinking soon faltered and he developed colitis.  His condition deteriorated from there. He could not eat or drink and his blood and body functions broke down.  His blood protein levels dropped so low all the fluids he was being administered flushed into his body and he developed edema.

"You could barely tell where his head and body joined," said owner John Fort.  "His stomach area and testicles were the size of a beach ball.  From the appearance of the throat and stomach, it was as if somebody had poured battery acid down this horse's throat.  It completely stripped the skin and ulcerated the horse's stomach to the point it hurt him so badly he could not swallow water."

His weight fell to 500 pounds.  The insurance company gave the green light to put the horse down.  The vets were giving him so much plasma that it cost $1000 a day. 

Dr. Copelan, one of his vets, suggested they give him buttermilk that was left out in the sun to reintroduce bacteria and help restore his immune system.  They found a local farm as a supply souce and left it out in the Florida sun.  They fed the buttermilk directly into his stomach with medication.  It worked!

In two months he had turned the corner and he soon began to look like the horse he once was.  The following May he ran in the Kentucky Derby.  It is an amazing story.  Miracles do happen. 

"Unbridled Passion" - Must Read

Jeff Papows' new book "Unbridled Passion" is a must read for those show jumper riders and those who just love to watch. Interestingly, Papows is an accomplished software industry executive who is the former President and CEO of Lotus Development Corporation. 

Included in the book, obviously McLain Ward and the lovely chestnut mare, Sapphire (on the cover).  Ian Millar and Big Ben, and others.

He is doing a book signing this week at the Fidelity Classic (the well known Jumper Classic in New Albany, OH). 

 

The Equestrian "Look"

Maybe you are not an equestrian but perhaps you want to look like one.  What I am referring to is not how to wear boots and britches but instead, how to look like you are in the horsey set, at any level.

First suggestion, boots and jeans. Not cowboy boots but a good pair of paddock boots or something that looks like them.  You have lots of choices, either black or brown, zip or lace up (I happen to like zip).  You can buy a pair for as little as $65 on Dovers.com.  These are a bit more expensive.

For rainwear, you might try these Aigle boots from J. Crew. 



Dubarry Boots also work well.  These boots are great for cold weather.  They are comfortable, warm and waterproof.



Everyone has their own taste in jeans, but I like mine straight and since I ride in jeans a lot, it makes like easier to wear chaps.  But to each his own in the jean world. Here are a few suggestions though.  I like these Lucky Jeans.

You need a belt and you have lots of options here depending on your wallet. If money is no object then go Hermes.



If your pockets aren't that deep (mine aren't that deep) then go needlepoint:

Or try just a nice leather belt like this one from Edgewood (they make bridles):

Wear a "horsey" shirt.  This one from Ralph Lauren will work:



Or chose a polo:

Even better, a t-shirt with an equestrian theme, like one from a horse show (HITS, WEF, Hampton Classic, Washington, Harrisburg, etc.).  This one is from this past year's World Equestrian Games in Kentucky:

Now you need a jacket.  It is going to get really cold here in the east later this week, so the jackets will be coming out.

Go quilted.  Always in style, have lots of choices.  Or Barbour.  This one is by Burberry.

This is Barbour:



If weather allows, then you may want to consider a hat.  A baseball hat with a horse show logo or a racing logo (from a stable or a race) works well if you need to tame down bad hair.  A straw hat works well in the summer and in winter, go to Barbour. 

Happy dressing.  

Equestrian Influence in Fashion

It's Fashion Week in NYC, for spring.  But for most of us, we are just starting to think about a few new pieces to add to our fall 2011 closet.  The good news for those who aren't yet thinking spring is that equestrian is in. 



Zappos.com has tons of "riding boots" for those who want to save Vogel's ad Dehner's for the ring.  These are Aigner I believe.

If you prefer brown, try these for a more "polo look."  Frye made these.



I am loving these slippers from Ralph Lauren.  They come in several colors:



Zara is also getting in on the action and has some great looking (and great priced) boots as well.  I like these "Newmarket boots."

These are also great looking:

This bag can go anywhere, even to the barn:



Net-a-porter is also getting in on the action.  Take a peek a few "equine inspired" objects of desire from some more upscale designers.

This Gucci belt is simply timeless. 

Better be riding a lot to keep your figure so you'll look great in these Burburry pants or jodphers as we call them:

This Yves Saint-Laurent blouse reminds me of a "ratcatcher".  Timeless.





And even Tory Burch is getting in on the action.  Pair this with the Burburry pants and the Aigner boots and you're ready to ride, or go out for a night on the town.