This is the tale of our second trip to Breyerfest, our first since 2004. This time we wanted to make a real impression and use Karma Farms' HOA Colonial Spanish Horses to teach the history of America's First Horse. Our participants who were actually in the show were:
Left to Right:
Vickie Ives and Rowdy Yates, Tomlyn Speir and Fernando, Cooper Townsley and Thunderheart, Jennifer Maddox and Magneto, Will Clark and Pescante Rojo, Cheryl Townsley and Song for a Chief, Curtis George and Child of the West Wind, Dorene Scanlon and One Dance Left and Paul Gabel and Farewell Angelina.
2nd Row:
Conner Townsley, Don Maddox, Morgan Patton and Kelsey, our Pony Express crew.

Our Breyer model, Rowdy Yates, America's Most Decorated Colonial Spanish stallion, still ready to go at age 21, is still as beautiful as he was when he was named a Breyer model in 2004. His model is now retired, but Mr. Yates is going strong.

It was a long haul from East Texas to the Kentucky Horse Park in Lexington. It was a 2 day drive with stop-overs in two wonderful state parks where we could camp with the horses. Will and Cheryl look relieved as they unload Little Red and Chief at our stalls at the Kentucky Horse Park.

Moms Janet Maddox and Renee Clark helped every step of the way including helping to set up and man our information and tack stall. John Fusco's gift posters from Spirit and Hidalgo added lots of color and interest. Thanks, John!!

Rowdy and Vik would carry the Karma Farms flag in the opening ceremonies.

We practiced outside in the open practice area just to warm up our horses and get the spacing right for the Grand Entry of performers. We decided to wear our Karma Farms T-shirts and save our period costumes for our show.

Paul Gabel, our oldest rider, had flown to Texas from NYC, picked up his trailer and pulled 3 of the horses to Lexington in his rig. Dorene Scanlon flew down from NY to join him and Paul picked her up at the Lexington airport. Now they were finally aboard the "pink" horses and ready to ride.

Back from practice, Tommi and Ferdie lead the way back to get ready for our first appearance in the Grand Entry.

Some of us gathered at the stall for a quick picture before the Grand Entry: Paul, Dorene, Jennifer, Will, Vik, Tommi, and Renee.

We looked great in the Grand Entry, and the horses were super. By now the worst of the stage fright was over. We ready for the real show, and it was starting to be real fun. Folks loved our horses! They were naturals for Breyer's "Stars and Stripes" theme at this year's Breyerfest-- America's First Horse is still her best!!

With the non-mounted folks in Charlie and Faye Patton's rented golf cart and the rest of us horseback in period tack, we headed for the arena while our neighbors in the stall row watched.