The 70th annual running of the International Gold Cup was this past weekend in The Plains, Virginia! While I miss my family of friends in Oregon I am fast learning to love this amazing horse community here in Virginia. We had way too much fun shooting at this event, met some fabulous people and I even got a ride in a fancy Porche by days end! Did you know that you could haul a regular bumper pull horse trailer with a Porche Cayenne? No way I say! Sign me up!
Between enjoying the display of beautiful hats and tweed jackets in the VIP tent while partaking in divine (that one was for you Nicole!) hors d’oeuvres splashed back by a sip of champagne, watching some of the days seven races or the terriers do their barking and chasing, we were well educated about this adrenaline rush of a sport known as timber racing or steeplechase by various owners, riders and grooms. And I thought I was ambitious at the thought of someday taking jumping lessons. Whoa, these folks go full racing gallop towards solid logs. Yes, I said and meant SOLID logs and they aren’t low either!
Our team was able to get some amazing b roll as we were allowed ON the field and likewise offered the exclusive backstage pass to go into the stabling area and follow a horse from it’s preparation, to the paddock, to the course, and then onto the race. It was a treat and I am so thankful that Bendure Communications invited us.
The Marine Corp is small so I find it very serendipitous that the interviews and subsequent episodes presenting themselves are more often than not associated in some way with a Marine. The Double L Tack Store happened to be owned by a Marine who served in Korea for two tours and this past weekend we had the honor of meeting Nick Arundel who received Purple Hearts from both Korean and Vietnam! What a great interview it was. What amazing stories I imagine he holds and what an incredible philanthropist he is in saving the now Great Meadow land from development!
I could go on and on about the day and all its special moments but you’ll just have to catch the episodes to get a glimpse inside was this years’ International Gold Cup. I can’t wait for more!