There are plenty of reasons to attend the 2010 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games, set to officially kick off tomorrow, Sept. 25 until October 10, at the Kentucky Horse Park in Lexington, among them:
1) Kentucky
2) Canadian reiners competing on a world stage
3) Thoroughbred farms
4) Gorgeous horses
5) Kentucky
Did I mention that already? Over the weekend, I discovered another reason. The HORSETAILS 2010 art exhibit, which marries three of my favorite passions – music, art and the equine. An incredibly insightful idea. Fifty-two artists were chosen and each given a small replica of a violin and a bow. The bond is naturally the string. For centuries, horsetail hairs have been strung across the bow, a characteristic unique to string instruments.
Horse racing aficionados, you might remember Bernardini, sired by A.P. Indy in 2003, with a pedigree that includes Seattle Slew and Secretariat. Bernardini won six of his eight career starts and amassed over $3 million in earnings, before retiring to stud. His first foal crop arrived in 2009, and yes, that is his tail hair. Painted by Joanne Mehl.
One of my favorites, Lucilla II, by Helene Steene, tail hair donated by owner Her Royal Highness Princess Haya Bint Al Hussein.
And finally, Doc, the champion vaulting horse and quite possibly the only Belgian ever to compete in the history of the World Equestrian Games, donated a few of his tail feathers for this piece by Steve Armstrong.
HORSETAILS 2010 is a unique and exquisite way to visually appreciate the bond between the horse and orchestral music. Visit www.horsetails2010.com and meander through all of the pieces of stunning and charming violin art up for sale. Give yourself a moment and really appreciate it.