Slight Detour: Horsin' Around, Etc.

This is a big week for horses and horse lovers.

On Saturday, the following horses will "run for the roses" at the 152nd Kentucky Derby.

The list below shows the horses' names, trainers and current odds. The latter can change right up until post time.

I have selected one entrant, based solely on his name but will also reserve final judgment until after I've seen the horses and heard their stories.

My picks are always subject because of the criteria I choose to consider.

Since I don't bet any money, it's all okay.

After the Derby, I always pull for the Derby winner because I like to see Triple Crown winners.

Anyway, along with the big Derby race, it's pretty much full-fledged horse season in our area.

It may not involve running for the roses but it's definitely a season of chasing individual dreams involving their beloved 4-legged friends.

Horse owners will go to shows, set off on trail rides or in my case, concentrate on "just how pretty they are out in the field."

The pastures should be ready in the next few days for Lily, Lefty and CB to go racing, bucking, rearing and kicking each morning before settling down for breakfast.

And, those moments prior to their grazing are always stunningly beautiful to watch.

So, that's my main horse sport, while others I know do all of the above, including some practice for trail riding classes at horse shows.

Last night marked the first "trail obstacle" night at my sisters' indoor arena in Colburn. It's one of the activities sponsored by the Emerald Empire Arabian Horse Assoc., and last night's initial gathering included six horses and riders.

Two sisters, a mother and daughter and two good friends (both former students) showed up to learn pointers about scoring well in a trail class and to practice maneuvering through the obstacles.

So, it was fun for me to drive over the the Tibbs ranch with my camera, do some visiting, some watching and take a few photos.

The day was filled with some amazing rural scenes, so I've included the arena work along with some of the other eye-catching aspects of my day.

Hope you will enjoy the photos and check out some horse activities.

The horsing around will continue from now clear through the early fall months, so there are lots of opportunities for horse lovers of all kinds to enjoy these amazing animals in their respective environments.

Happy Wednesday.

BTW: I have picked "So Happy" for now.