World class

On Monday afternoon I stopped by Phillip and Evie Dutton's open house at their training facility, True Prospect Farm, in West Marlborough. Phillip, as you probably know, is a world-class event rider and trainer who is going to compete in this summer's Olympic Games in London.
Phillip said one reason for holding the open house was to thank the community for its support after the devastating barn fire at True Prospect last May that killed six horses and displaced some young people who lived and worked there. Phillip introduced the guests to several of his magnificent horses, describing their bloodlines, histories, particular strengths and personalities, and then tacked up one of them and demonstrated some dressage moves and took him over a few jumps.
"This is an easy horse to ride," he said.
"Yeah. An easy horse to ride if you're Phillip Dutton," wisecracked the guy next to me.
It was so interesting to get to see the beautifully kept stables and the indoor arena, and I had fun catching up with some neighbors. And I liked the lettered dressage cones they used to block off one driveway -- a nice touch.