Kentucky Horses and Bourbon and More

Manchester Farm Sunrise in Lexington Kentucky

In April of 2019, I visited in and around Lexington, Kentucky to photograph horses and two stops on the Bourbon Trail.  I was with a group from Canon, even though I saw one photographer carrying a Nikon!  I capture images with the new mirrorless Canon EOS R.  On this trip, I brought the EF 17-40mm and the RF 25-105mm lenses.  At the racetrack, I borrowed the Canon 100mm-400mm lens.  

Curious Horses Wondering Why I Was Up so Early!

The first stop was the Manchester Farm of Lexington, Kentucky for some sunrise photos.  This was about a ten minute drive from our host hotel but it still meant a very early morning wake-up call.  The iconic white fences you see at these farms I found out cost something like $14 a foot, so DON’T TOUCH THE FENCES.  If I visit again, I’m going to contact Manchester for a tour.  By the way, the dogwoods were in bloom.  I don't see that often in Phoenix, so I had to photograph.  

Racing Action at Keeneland in Lexington

Right next door was Keeneland Racecourse in Lexington.  I had time to wander around and walked outside the horse stalls, talking to workers as I went along.  Horse people, I’ve found, are the friendliest people around!  They welcomed me as I peeked around taking photographs.  

In the Stalls at Keeneland

Post Time at Keeneland was 1pm, so our group walked over to the 3rd and 4th turn on the grass to get action photos.  I’m used to this because I’ve photographed Turf Paradise in Phoenix.  To capture action, I had to make sure my shutter speed was at least 1/1000 of a second.  I was secretly hoping for rain this day so I could capture mudder horses.  That opportunity just doesn’t happen in Phoenix.  But it was dry.  Not a problem!  

Dogwoods in Bloom

High Dynamic Range Capture in the Cask Room at Buffalo Trace

Next up was a visit to Buffalo Trace Bourbon Distillery in Frankfort, Kentucky, part of the Bourbon Trail.  Hanna the intern helped get the group around to capture great images in the cask room and elsewhere on the grounds.  

Shaker Village Scene

Another stop was at Shaker Village in Pleasant Hill. In the early 1800s, there was a religious order that was celibate so they died out.  But they left behind interesting buildings.

Maker's Mark Bourbon Waiting to be Bottled

Our final stop back on the Bourbon Trail was Maker’s Mark of Loretto, Kentucky.  It’s OUT THERE.  Lots of driving on very narrow roads, what I call “Irish Freeways.”  Then, up pops a distillery.  After early morning photos, Christopher our tour guide showed us around, ending at the cask room and tasting room.  Here I found out to be considered bourbon, it needs at least 51% corn.  What an education.  And what great bourbon.  

Special Mint Julep Bourbon and it was GOOD!

My entire photography portfolio is on SmugMug.  And, here's my Instagram feed.

Until My Next Adventure,

See You On Down the Road!

Jim Patterson

Here's a slideshow of all of my photos.... ENJOY!

Shari Rowe at Arizona Horseman’s Challenge and Expo 20 April 2019

Before watching, listening, and photographing Shari Rowe at the Arizona Horseman’s Challenge and Expo on 20 April 2019, we had time to watch some of the horse and horse trainer competition.  I'm used to rodeo, but these competitions for trainers take some eight hours over a few days.  

Then Shari and her band went into the arena and I got a close up and personal view of them, watching to make sure I didn't step in horse #%$#.  

I photographed Shari a few years ago (2016) at Country Thunder Arizona.  

My entire photography portfolio is on SmugMug.  And, here's my Instagram feed.

Until My Next Adventure,

See You On Down the Road!

Jim Patterson

... And here's a slideshow from my time with Shari Rowe.

.. And a few photos from the horse competition.

At the Roadrunner 13 April 2019

I've lived in north Phoenix for over 18 years.  I thought I knew interesting and great places to visit and photograph in my area.  And then I found the Roadrunner Saloon in New River, about 14 miles straight north of me, off the I-17.

What fun!

It's a large bar with a band stage and bull riding arena.  So I contacted them to make sure my camera would be welcome, too.  You never know nowadays.  

First off, the burgers are massive and good.  Next time, I think I will try it with their cole slaw.  There were just too my fries!  

Anyway, I walked over to the arena and they had the little people mutton busting (children riding sheep), then the novices or first timers rode very very tame bulls.  

Then Hollywood Yates and the Hitmen played.  

That was followed by the serious bull riders.  I was a wee bit surprised because these were serious bulls and serious riders.  The competition was better than I thought.  Sadly, the arena was full and I didn't get a chance to photograph from my usual perch on the top row.  That will be for another visit.

Special shout-out to Josh, the Roadrunner videographer, for coming over and saying hi.  





I've also posted photos on Flickr and on my portfolio site on SmugMug.

Until My Next Adventure,

See You On Down the Road!

Jim Patterson

... And here's a slideshow from my visit to the Roadrunner!