A Steeplechase To Remember

Ian was very specific that we should be at his farm no later than 9:00 AM. He gave no further explanation. It was a big rush but we arrived at his Yorkshire farm precisely by the deadline. We then traveled across the county to Lancashire to attend a steeplechase. My husband Philip chided Ian about Yorkshiremen having to go to Lancashire for proper entertainment. Remnants of the War of the Roses--no doubt.

The light drizzle did not dampen our spirits as we watched the jockeys clad in brightly colored silks guide their mounts over menacing rock walls and around the challenging course.

Tents of every hue offered everything a gentleman farmer could desire on such an outing. I was particularly intrigued with the dark green waxed country coats.

Today, I seldom wear my Barbour jacket without remembering that steeplechase adventure.