Tails from the In-Gate

When BreyerFest is hosted in-person at the beautiful Kentucky Horse Park in Lexington, it is supported by a team of hundreds of volunteers and staff – a team that we are eternally grateful for and without whom BreyerFest would not be possible. 

Part of that cadre of volunteers is our Equine Management Team, Carolyn and Debbie.  This amazing and dynamic duo manages the action- and equine-packed show hosted during the day in the Covered Arena, but in the process of running between the barns and the arena, they are often able to spot some truly magical moments.  This week on the BreyerFest Blog, we wanted to share one of their amazing memories with you.

"In 2019, at the BreyerFest Salute to Horse Heroes, we were lucky enough to host esteemed members of the United States Army.  One afternoon, as I was on my way up to the barns to inform our next equine guest of their show timing, I spotted a little boy walking up and down the aisle by Barn 7, where many BreyerFest guest horses are stalled.  I was lucky enough to be there at this moment, when he stopped in front of the stalls of Klinger and Mark to salute the Army horses though the stall gates.  Sitting outside of Klinger’s stall were some of the soldiers that accompanied these heroic horses to BreyerFest.

In response, one of the soldiers stood up, placed his uniform coat and hat on the little boy, and saluted him back.  The little boy beamed and continued to salute the horses up and down the aisle, before returning to the soldier.  Upon the return of his coat and hat, the soldier offered the little boy a Challenge Coin and brought Klinger out of his stall so the little boy could meet him up close, the little boy smiling the entire time.

What transpired in only a few short minutes, and that I only by chance was able to witness, will forever be branded in my memory as one of my favorite BreyerFest moments."

These types of connections, the small moments between horses, their owners, and fans, are the true heart of BreyerFest.  This incredible bond with, and a love of, horses is the common thread that connects us all.  We look forward to sharing more BreyerFest memories with you, right here on the BreyerFest Blog.