all in Lifestyle

Attending the Kentucky Derby Presented by Woodford Reserve this year for the milestone 150th edition of the race? Congratulations! You’re one of the lucky few (thousands), but for those of us not attending this year’s running at Churchill Downs — this writer included — there is still plenty at stake and many avenues to pursue.

To be human is to know both love and loss. Experiencing the highs and lows of life is both a universal and individual pursuit, inhabiting common ground between strangers and also being a singular journey that each of us must discover our own way through. Finding our way through loss, when we may feel least like ourselves, requires us to seek and hold on to the things that lighten a heavy heart.

The first time Marisa Isbell rode Jonny Be Bueno at Redwings Horse Sanctuary in Paso Robles, Calif., she could feel that he was a special horse. Even from the walk, she could tell that he was attempting to communicate with her and understand her with every leg aid that she applied.

Jonny seemed eager to converse with Marisa through the only way they could: body language. He was an incredibly sensitive horse, so he always responded right away, eager to figure out what Marisa asked.

The 150th Kentucky Derby Presented by Woodford Reserve is now less than three weeks away, and all qualifying prep races have concluded.

Well, ’tis the season where it’s hard to fit everything into a day. Being at the track almost full time plus slogging through tax season definitely does not leave time for consistent riding on one special bay gelding. 

In the past, when I get this busy and don’t have a seasoned horse, I end up forgoing riding completely. When I’m too busy to keep them going regularly, I also lack the energy for that “pre-ride” lunge.

newsletter sign-up

Stay up-to-date with the best from America's Best Racing!

Facebook Twitter Pinterest Instagram TikTok YouTube
Facebook Twitter Pinterest Instagram TikTok YouTube