I really loved horses as a girl. Growing up, I devoured stories like Misty of Chincoteague and Black Beauty. I used to try to draw the majestic creatures, too. Sure wish I had some of those old sketches now! My friend Samm had a horse for awhile, and she let me ride him a couple of times...
A few years ago, I went horseback riding in the Hollywood Hills with Susan and my sister-in-law, Anna. Anna had competed in equestrian events when she was younger, so she was right at home. Susan didn't care for it too much, but I was in heaven. Around Utah, we see noble equines all the time, and I've really been itching to ride.
Of course you know why I'm blogging about horses, don't you? It's Kentucky Derby Saturday! The 135th Run for the Roses will commence this afternoon. I have decided not to join the hoopla over Friesan Fire, since the word Friesan typically refers to a kind of cow. And I Want Revenge just strikes me as an unhealthy and unChristian attitude. Dunkirk is a very pretty grey horse, but I'm putting my money on Advice (who doesn't benefit from it?) or Pioneer of the Nile (a very exotic name, don't you think?) Not that I know anything, but it's fun to be part of the festivities.
But the horse I'm pulling for sentimentally is Join in the Dance, for no reason connected to the sport of kings whatsoever. You see, when I was getting ready to graduate from college, Dan Fogelberg's "Run for the Roses" was popular. Literally, it traces the life of a Derby horse from birth to the BIG MOMENT:
Born in the valley
And raised in the trees
Of Western Kentucky
On wobbly knees
With mama beside you
To help you along
You'll soon be a growing up strong.
All the long, lazy mornings
In pastures of green
The sun on your withers
The wind in your mane
Could never prepare you
For what lies ahead
The run for the roses so red --
And it's run for the roses
As fast as you can
Your fate is delivered
Your moment's at hand
It's the chance of a lifetime
In a lifetime of chance
And it's high time you joined
In the dance
It's high time you joined
In the dance --
From sire to sire
It's born in the blood
The fire of a mare
And the strength of a stud
It's breeding and it's training
And it's something unknown
That drives you and carries
You home.
And it's run for the roses
As fast as you can
Your fate is delivered
Your moment's at hand
It's the chance of a lifetime
In a lifetime of chance
And it's high time you joined
In the dance
It's high time you joined
In the dance --
As graduation loomed, I was excited and terrified, and to me, this song was the perfect extended metaphor for that pivotal moment in my life. Had all my pasture days prepared me? Would the breeding and the training and that "something unknown" be there to "drive me and carry me home"? Regardless, it was time for me to "join in the dance."
As I've faced other milestones in life, I've often thought of this song, and it never fails to impel me forward. So today, I'll sip on some mint juleps, and I'll put on a spiffy hat, and I'll cheer that long shot on. Run for the roses, baby, fast as you can. It's high time you joined in the dance.
Beth
Looking forward to it this afternoon. Remember our fun day in Louisville (I'm sure you do)? Tour of Churchill Downs, the Louisville Slugger factory tour, the stay at the bed & breakfast in an old, classic part of town, and Shakespeare in the Park (was it "Taming of the Shrew"?) That was a fun day.
Posted by: Paul Opel | May 02, 2009 at 07:49 AM
Tony read the names of the horses to the kids and we all picked one (just by the names)
Me- I want revenge
Mary- Pioneer of the Nile
Anthony- Join in the Dance (which he then proceeded to dance every time we said the name)
Amelia- Chocolate Candy (what do you expect from a three year old?)
Enjoy your mint julips!
Posted by: Mary | May 02, 2009 at 11:16 AM
There are Friesian (Friesan) horses. They are beautiful, strong creatures, but certainly not up for running with Thoroughbreds. Martha Stewart has quite a few, I think. They are a smaller draft horse breed originating from the northern Dutch province of Friesland.
I just wanted a horse that loved to run to win. If it's in their heart, then I'm happy.
Posted by: Julie | May 02, 2009 at 09:17 PM