Pages

Jan 8, 2016

Photo Blog: My Time with Runhappy in Texas | Retama Ruffian

I heard Runhappy was going to Texas after the Malibu and I was hoping I would get to visit him while he was here. Over Christmas break, a friend of mine also visited the colt. I decided to message the Runhappy Facebook page, crossing my fingers. We had agreed on meeting on Saturday but the weather forecast showed that Sunday was a much better day to go. When we arrived, Cordell was just taking Hap back into the barn. I was surprised to see so many people.


DSC_0027.JPG
When I first got into the barn, Cordell was teaching a young girl how to feed Hap peppermints. It’s easy to see the pure happiness on Cordell’s face as he looks down at Runhappy. I found out Cordell had been working for Gallery Racing for forty plus years and had even walked Hap into the sales ring at Keeneland!
DSC_0038.JPG

Almost immediately, Madison Scott, intern for Bloodhorse, senior at the University of Kentucky and President of the UK Racing Club (yes, I do think she’s awesome!), introduced herself to me and agreed to a photo.


DSC_0058.JPG
Laura, Runhappy’s trainer, answered the endless questions that we all had while Happy happily accepted all of the mints he was offered. Fun fact about this colt, he will eat all of the peppermints and apples you give him, but he isn’t a fan of carrots.
DSC_0080.JPG


Hmm...which one is the Breeders’ Cup Sprint winner again?
DSC_0204.JPG


With all of his visitors, Runhappy wasn’t able to get his daily nap in on time. He suddenly became YawnHappy. ;)


DSC_0291.JPG


After thirty minutes or so in the barn, Runhappy was taken back outside to roll and graze. Something happened during this time tho…


DSC_0526.JPG


Someone’s horse got loose while it was being lunged. And as you can tell, Hap wasn’t too happy to see the horse.


DSC_0537.JPG


Runhappy was taken back to the barn so he could relax and stay safe. The loose horse was eventually caught and Happy was calmed.


After this episode, everyone began saying their goodbyes and taking their last photos. I didn’t use all of my photos in the photo blog, so I’ve included a few more below.


DSC_0184.JPGDSC_0105.JPGDSC_0113.JPGDSC_0210.JPGDSC_0433.JPGDSC_0305.JPGDSC_0306.JPGDSC_0561.JPGDSC_0559.JPG
A HUGE thanks for the Laura and the entire Runhappy team for allowing me to come out and see this amazing beast of an animal we call Hap. And of course, a big thanks to Hap for letting me interrupt his sleep. We love you Hap!

No comments:

Post a Comment