A day at the local horse farm

I spent today at the Danada Equestrian Center about five minutes from my hotel.  It is the former home of commodity trader Daniel Rice and his wife Ada.

The Rices made their mark in the 1965 Kentucky Derby with a bay colt named Lucky Debonair which finished first and won $112,000.  The following year, Advocator, another bay colt and Rice thoroughbred, placed second in the Derby.

Currently the property, somewhere around 700 acres, is owned by the DuPage County Area Forest Preserve District.  Danada has a Kentucky-style barn, with center stalls and an indoor track so the horses can be worked during the inclemet Chicago weather.  Usually there are approximately 30 horses on the preserve.  And you know the horses are well cared for when anyone can go through the stables anytime the Center is open.

Most of the current equine residents are draft horses used for horse-drawn hay and sleigh rides.  Some horses also work on the Danada Model Farm that uses 1950's machinery and practices.  The thoroughbreds and quarter horses at the Equestrian Center are used for summer camp programs where kids and adults can get hands-on experience.

The staff members are open, direct, and like able.  Beyond that they may be the most passionate horse lovers anywhere.

Is that a great face or what?

Charlie & Chopper