A Day At The Horse Park

July 16, Wednesday: Off to the Horse Park for a look at all it has to offer. It opened at 9am and we were there right on time. First to the draft horse barn to visit the different breeds of draft horse. Yes, there are more than Clydesdale draft horses. These horses pull carriages around the park if you do not want to walk. It is amazing how how gentle these giants can be. After our visit with them we headed towards the area for the Hall of Champions. Of course on the way we made a quick stop by the farrier to check how the horses are shooed. Pretty interesting, he had a Shire draft in to be shooed with the Shire's friend just out the door. Apparently some horses like to have their partner around all the time. The farrier said he could shoe 13 to14 thoroughbreds a day but only 2 to 3 drafts. Alot more weight and alot more work entailed.

The Hall of Champions is an arena where they show a few of the retired horses that get to live out their lives in the Horse Park. Some were trotters, dressage, and saddlebred. Their records were very impressive even for people (like us) who don't really understand all of the details.

Then we walked over to a large area to see the Parade of Breeds. I am not going to explain all of the different breeds they showed but we thought it was very interesting even for novices like us.

Now to the Big Barn to see the Mommies and Babies. Now we were not sure what we liked best the horses or the Big Barn. This barn was built in the 1800's with wood and is still standing today. I cannot remember the dimensions but hope you can get an idea from the picture.

Back to the rig for a quick bite to eat and walk the dogs.

After our little break back to the Park to visit the International Horse Museum. We were there for 2 1/1 hrs and did not get all the way through before they closed the door. It started with prehistoric horses to modern day different breeds and everything that involves horses.

Tonight is a relaxing evening. We took the dogs for a very long walk. Actually I met with some people and talked with them while Larry took off across this field with the dogs. Good thing I stayed behind because he found a fenced area where the steeplechase is run and let the dogs off leash. They loved it ran and ran. They have not been off leash for 9 weeks. Needless to say they were a little tired on the walk back to our campsite.

Our campsite backs up to the primitive campsites. It must be about 200 acres. You can come in the entrance ...drive across grassy area and pitch your tent or sleep in your car. Not too bad!!!!