Monday, December 04, 2006

Going to see a man about a horse


Early Morning Exercise
Mohawk Raceway,
Campbellville, Ontario
November 9, 2006


I was on my way to Toronto with a colleague to meet some clients - about a two-hour drive from London. We stopped for gas just off the 401 and we noticed we were right next to the racetrack. I took out my camera and shot through the fence. Somewhat oddly, I felt a sense of peace as I tripped the shutter. Maybe it was the gray morning. Perhaps it was the constant thrum of hooves on dirt. Either way, I felt like I was a temporary witness to a very different world, and I wanted to remember that moment.


Part of me felt like I was intruding. Another part of me felt whoever this gentleman was, he was probably used to being in the limelight. Regardless, no words were exchanged, and I barely got a sideways glance as he impassively rode on past. I wonder what he was thinking.

Your turn: So what was he thinking? Feel free to use your imagination.

12 comments:

srp said...

He isn't in the racing stance so it's just a relaxed work out. Somehow I could very easily see him start to sway and hear the words.....

"Chicks and ducks and geese better scurry
When I take you out in the surrey,
When I take you out in the surrey with the fringe on top!"

Great picture!

Sandy J said...

Reminds me of Churchhill Downs when we lived in Louisville, KY.

Rebecca said...

I think he's feeling the same thing you were...just peace and calm.

(ps - I used to be 'Daily Laundry' and had a textamerica blog for a while...remember the Merican that used to bug you about freelance?)

Anonymous said...

just out of the blue...hmmnn. "wonder what's for dinner tonight?"

or maybe.."come on horsey, lets win tonight?"

my imagination is wearing thin tonight.

Ms Mac said...

I love that phrase, "going to see a man about a dog" but the amount of times my sister and I were disappointed that the dog never came home with him....

Anonymous said...

No idea what he's thinking, but I'll tell you what I'm thinking: That contraption looks really odd. What IS he riding on, and what does it do?!

Anonymous said...

I love horses. My dad was in the rodeo business for years. Now, tho, he only has one horse on the property. I'm hoping to have a few on our farm soon.

Btw, when I saw the photo below this post, the first thing I though was coffee beans. Turns out it's chocolate, lol.

Thumper said...

He's thinking, "Wheeeeeeeee!"

I would be...that's what I think every time I ride my bike, too ;)

... Paige said...

He was thinking...

I wish I had worn longer pants my ankles are getting cold. And that guy over there is taking a picture of me. Humph, my luck he has his own web site. Yelp, I can see it now...Me and my short pants will be plastered all over the internet for every one to see. Oh joy!

kenju said...

He's thinking:

"I wonder if I turned off the iron this morning?"

sage said...

He's thnking, "how much longer do I have to look at this horse's rear end. It looks like the horse is looking over at you.

Anonymous said...

He is thinking....

"Gee... the guys who get to ride ON the horses sure do have a better job than me.... Man... what did they feed this thing, broccoli?????"