Over the years, I’ve noticed an interesting correlation in the automotive world: We love horsepower and horse power. There’s a definite connection there, and never has it been clearer to me than on a recent trip to Lexington, KY where I spent time with Land Rover at the Rolex Kentucky Three-Day Event. Surrounded by tens of thousands of horse people, as well as countless Land Rover owners and enthusiasts, it became crystal clear.
While listening to the announcers of the dressage competition on day one, I found it intriguing that they used terms like “rear drive,” “controlled cornering,” and “cutting apexes” to describe the horse’s performance. The trend continued the next day during the cross-country course where the horse’s power, precision and performance was under constant scrutiny by announcers, and put to the test over every jump.
Here is a community of people dedicated to a group of animals all about power, strength, and agility. The Rolex Kentucky Three-Day Event is the triathlon of equine eventing, a proving ground for horse and rider where they not only prove their prowess as riders but their horse’s well-rounded athleticism in all three disciplines. So, what better vehicle to be associated with such an event than Land Rover who continuously prove their ability to blend the lines between off-road capability, urban living and luxury?
You don’t have to be rich to have a love and appreciation of horses and cars. Quite a few automotive journalists I know also have an affinity for the equine breed (yours truly included). And trust me, we are not a highbrow, high-income bunch (no offense, guys).
I believe it has a great deal to do with harnessing in a great deal of power, controlling such strength, and the sense of freedom one gets cantering through an open field on the back of something so incredibly capable -- much like the rush one would get piloting a drop-top 911 down the Autobahn. Bliss.
I get a rush each time I saddle up to go for a ride that’s similar to strapping myself into a high-powered sports car. I know I’m about to experience something spectacular, something that will get my adrenaline pumping; even something that could scare me and teach me a valuable lesson. I’m nervous, excited, happy, thrilled and cautious all at once. I understand I have the ability to harness the power beneath me, but know I can easily make a mistake.
We must work together as one to make this union work, we must mutually respect one another and yet accept one as the proven leader (reader: the rider/driver).
Driving a powerful car is a lot like riding a powerful horse, and I see that connection now more than I ever did before. Even driving a mundane, everyday car is like plodding along on a weathered old mare; you still have to keep your wits about you because the thing you’re controlling can still overpower you at any moment.
Horse people and car people share a connection I’m not sure many of them realize. Even if you don’t particularly like the idea of jumping on the back of a horse to head out on a hack, you surely appreciate the power and strength these creatures have; just as you might loathe the idea of a long Sunday drive along a winding road, yet still appreciate the power and performance of the vehicle.
While listening to the announcers of the dressage competition on day one, I found it intriguing that they used terms like “rear drive,” “controlled cornering,” and “cutting apexes” to describe the horse’s performance. The trend continued the next day during the cross-country course where the horse’s power, precision and performance was under constant scrutiny by announcers, and put to the test over every jump.
Here is a community of people dedicated to a group of animals all about power, strength, and agility. The Rolex Kentucky Three-Day Event is the triathlon of equine eventing, a proving ground for horse and rider where they not only prove their prowess as riders but their horse’s well-rounded athleticism in all three disciplines. So, what better vehicle to be associated with such an event than Land Rover who continuously prove their ability to blend the lines between off-road capability, urban living and luxury?
You don’t have to be rich to have a love and appreciation of horses and cars. Quite a few automotive journalists I know also have an affinity for the equine breed (yours truly included). And trust me, we are not a highbrow, high-income bunch (no offense, guys).
I believe it has a great deal to do with harnessing in a great deal of power, controlling such strength, and the sense of freedom one gets cantering through an open field on the back of something so incredibly capable -- much like the rush one would get piloting a drop-top 911 down the Autobahn. Bliss.
I get a rush each time I saddle up to go for a ride that’s similar to strapping myself into a high-powered sports car. I know I’m about to experience something spectacular, something that will get my adrenaline pumping; even something that could scare me and teach me a valuable lesson. I’m nervous, excited, happy, thrilled and cautious all at once. I understand I have the ability to harness the power beneath me, but know I can easily make a mistake.
We must work together as one to make this union work, we must mutually respect one another and yet accept one as the proven leader (reader: the rider/driver).
Driving a powerful car is a lot like riding a powerful horse, and I see that connection now more than I ever did before. Even driving a mundane, everyday car is like plodding along on a weathered old mare; you still have to keep your wits about you because the thing you’re controlling can still overpower you at any moment.
Horse people and car people share a connection I’m not sure many of them realize. Even if you don’t particularly like the idea of jumping on the back of a horse to head out on a hack, you surely appreciate the power and strength these creatures have; just as you might loathe the idea of a long Sunday drive along a winding road, yet still appreciate the power and performance of the vehicle.
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| Photo: Miranda Lightstone |