Aiken is known as Horse Country. It is here that stables train race horses for big races like The Kentucky Derby and produce winners. It is also here that Polo Games, Steeplechase, Horse Shows, and other horse events occur. Once it was the site where the horse-loving wealthy retreated to escape the winter (thus, a Winter Colony). Some of the streets of this small city are even left unpaved for the horses to transverse in comfort.
I have lived here since 2014. Although my husband and I did try to attend a race event in 2015, the day was too cold for us, and we ended up abandoning the idea to seek a warm restaurant instead.
As that was the sole time I had been connected to any horse events and it was approximately 8 years ago, I did not have the connections nor the experience to know about these events, what to expect, or actually how to attend.
I happened to pick up a newsletter (HORSE) at a local library. It sat on my table for a week or two, until I needed a newspaper to start a fire. I tore out pages of ads that did not interest me for the fire. However, a couple of those pages had events listed that were of interest. When I later looked them over, I discovered that the Steeplechase and Horse Show were coming up. I also saw an ad for some talks that were related to horse events in Aiken.
It was a BIG DEAL for me to decide on a whim to go to the Steeplechase event and Horse Show weekend. First, I had to find tickets and location for both events. I started my quest by going online. I found that the tickets for the Steeplechase were sold out. Bummer. No need to pursue that one then.
As I looked further, I found that there was that very day a talk about the Steeplechase that afternoon. I located the place, attended the talk, and discovered that, although online ticket sales were closed, it was still possible to get tickets for the Steeplechase. A lady at the talk directed me to a vendor, where I was able to obtain both the entry ticket and the parking pass. Another lady had asked the instructor where the event was being held, which was helpful info for me, also.
Second, I ended up having to make up my mind to go alone. It turned out that none of my Leather house friends wanted to come, because a storm was predicted to roll through on the day of the event. Shoot, weather changes a lot in my area…and there were five days to go! Rain or shine…it was that kind of event. I had learned that the event actually did not start until noon…and that the first race was at 1p. So, I decided to go mid-day, hoping that the rain would lessen or actually end.
And, third…well, it turned out the easiest, I wanted to have fun. I found the gate (green) for my parking pass. As I was parking, I could hear the national anthem indicating the opening of the event. I had forgotten to bring my camera, but since it was still raining lightly, I thought I was better off with just my phone.
I wandered across the racetrack to the infield. I had been warned that I might not be able to see any of the racing due to crowds around the racetrack. Once there, I realized that many ticket holders were sponsors or companies who reserved spots with tents and food along the perimeter. There were some open areas where ticket holders did not show perhaps due to the weather forecast. There were also bleachers, which totally defeated me. Still between the bleachers, crossing gates, and open spaces, I was able to see some small part of five of the six races. I quickly realized that my phone camera was inadequate for this event, so I quit trying. Instead, I just watched and thrilled. Such beautiful, athletic animals!
I also wandered the infield vendors and food stalls. I ended up with a book, good food, and interesting conversation with delightful people. I was even able to gather info about a possibility of volunteering for the Equine Rescue near me.
Even though I did not stay for the last race, I had had a full day. I had walked 2.35 miles around the perimeter of the infield, interacted pleasantly with people, seen some magnificent animals, and came away with a book by a local author. It had been very nice day after all, for the rain had ceased, and the sun came out. I was beat! It was time to go home.
Now, how does this tale relate to the title? Well, for those of you who are social, who have no fear of being among crowds, who understand and may move among the horse crowd, nothing. But, for those of us who are unsure in crowds, prefer alone time (introverts) and who can only stand afar and admire/dream of owning a horse, this was taking a chance ~ doing something outside my comfort zone, doing something I had wanted to do but never expected to do on my own. It was the chance I took on myself, and it paid off.
Feathers of My Mind 