🐎 A Horse‑Crazy Girl at Heart

I’ve always been a reader, and like any self‑respecting teenage girl, I was mad for horses. I even managed to own a couple (much to my parents’ dismay), but I loved them, and back then I was a pretty fair horsewoman. Probably not now — but that girl is still in me somewhere.

As a young reader, I devoured every horse book I could get my hands on. The first book I ever owned — not borrowed from the library — was The Snow Filly

As a young reader, I devoured every horse book I could get my hands on. The first book I ever owned — not borrowed from the library — was The Snow Filly. I read it until the cover curled. Then came The Black Stallion series. If I’m remembering correctly (and it was many years ago), that wild black stallion eventually ran in the Kentucky Derby. Fiction, of course, but when you’re a horse‑crazy girl, who cares? Those stories were about heroes — and that’s all I needed.

Somewhere in those pages, my love for the Kentucky Derby was born.

The Magic of Post Time

Now I watch the Derby every year — and today is the day! The first Saturday in May. I’m not glued to the TV for the hats or the pomp or the endless pre‑race chatter. I only care about post time. I usually turn on the TV about 30 minutes before the race, just in time for the moment that still gives me goosebumps:

“Riders up!”

The bugle rings out. The horses leave the paddock in the post parade, heading toward the track and the starting gate. My heart starts pounding, and I try to pick a favorite — but who am I kidding? They’re all my favorites. I’d be a terrible handicapper.

The excitement builds as they load into the gate. Some horses walk in calmly. Others rear, dance, or fight the moment — nervous, anxious, full of fire. Then there’s a beat, a breath, a stillness.

And then they’re off.

The most exciting two minutes in sports is underway.

And I cry. Every single time. It’s just so amazing. If I ever get to go in person, I know I’ll embarrass myself. Who cries at a horse race? Everyone else cheers, but not me — I sob my heart out. Those magnificent horses are running with everything they have, and the thrill never fades.

I just love those two minutes.