a day with the horses in Normandy

by Sharon Santoni

[blank]Here in our little valley we are not that far from Deauville, and it makes a nice day out to drive there for lunch and a quick flutter on the races, followed, if the season is right by a polo match.[blank]

[blank]I love going to the races en famille.  We are not experts on form or breeding, but it is fun to watch the line up before each race, then pick a name that sounds promising before placing a small bet.  Sometimes we win, sometimes we lose, no matter, it’s taking part that is fun.[blank]
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The polo grounds are in the centre of the racecourse, so it’s easy to move from one to the next.
Once inside the mood and the tempo change.  The horses still as stunning, but the action is totally different.[blank]
[blank]The polo matches attract a different crowd,[blank]
[blank] more chic …  more restrained,
 more champagne less coca-cola  …. if you see what I mean.[blank]

[blank]This is surely the only situation where elegantly dressed ladies are happy to use their  pretty shoes to flatten turf in between chukkas![blank]

[blank]how about you?  do you have a favourite venue for a family day out?[blank]

24 comments

La Table De Nana August 26, 2013 - 3:07 pm

We have a polo field in our area too..It's such a lovely sight~
Your pics are terrific.

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I Dream Of August 26, 2013 - 3:58 pm

Oh, it's like a Degas painting come to life. Beautiful photos, Sharon! Thanks so much for sharing your day with the horses! XO

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Emm August 26, 2013 - 4:34 pm

Great pictures! especially the polo, and the last one. Reading along, I was just at the point of wondering if they still had spectators walk out to push down the turf, and there were your pictures. The sport has evolved in recent years — women can play now, as well.

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david terry August 26, 2013 - 6:01 pm

Sharon!!!! Perhaps I've become spoiled, but?….I've just looked through this post three times, and I'm really, really shocked to find that it's not ABOUT me or my work.

I've never felt let-down by your blog, but I do now.

Sadly-sadly-and-even-more-sadly-than-ever,

David Terry
http://www.davidterryart.com

P.S. am I the only person who thinks that Degas is the most accomplished painter of horses ever? He doesn't have to "do" all the deatils….he gets the movement.

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Nib's End August 26, 2013 - 6:54 pm

I was at Churchill Downs one Sunday with my sister and rather than choosing a horse, we chose the oldest, most patched-up, weathered looking jockey in the saddle. He and his horse won! Unfortunately, we hadn't bet anything. But the horses were still lovely to look at and admire. Your photos of the polo ponies are lovely too, although I must admit, I am admiring the outfit of the woman in white linen just as much. Elegant–both of them.

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Sarah August 27, 2013 - 5:43 am

One of my fondest memories of a trip to Paris was attending the Salon des Antiquaires at the Hippodrome d'Auteuil. The salon tents were set up in the center of the field and the Sunday horse races were taking place on the surrounding tracks. We dined in an outdoor tent where the horses raced by. It was such a thrill to be just paces away from the thundering horses.
Had an extra smile at reading David's comment above. Love his sense of humor! '-)
All the best ~ Sarah

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joan mckniff August 27, 2013 - 6:32 am

Buck up Mr. Terry. I came here, for the first time, because of your work. So no moaning.

joan

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Colleen Taylor August 27, 2013 - 7:00 am

Gorgeous animals these horses are indeed. The linen lady & her hat are stunning! That last shot is truly a gem. XO

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peggy braswell August 27, 2013 - 7:06 am

These are wonderful photos + how blessed are you to have those horses + riders near you. xxpeggybraswelldesign.com

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Ms Lemon of Make Mine Lemon August 27, 2013 - 8:42 am

There is something about horses that bring a family together. Thanks for sharing the champagne and the cocoa cola of life.

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sharon santoni at my french country home August 27, 2013 - 8:42 am

Thank you, I love to watch polo, especially if one of my girls are on the pitch!

xx

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sharon santoni at my french country home August 27, 2013 - 8:43 am

Thank you Jeanne, everything about a day like this is pleasing, I loved it

xx

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sharon santoni at my french country home August 27, 2013 - 8:44 am

Women can and do play a lot! There was a girl playing in this match, but foolishly she didn't have a guard across her face – I'm always terrified of a ball or mallet smashing into a pretty smile!

xx

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sharon santoni at my french country home August 27, 2013 - 8:45 am

Get a grip David, and go comfort yourself with all those lovely comments left for you on your giveaway 🙂

xx

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sharon santoni at my french country home August 27, 2013 - 8:46 am

Now that's a nice racing story, just the sort of things I'd do! And yes, the white lady was very striking

xx

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sharon santoni at my french country home August 27, 2013 - 8:47 am

David – sense of humour?! I thought he was deadly serious!

I've been to Auteuil in just the same situation, and loved it too

xx

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sharon santoni at my french country home August 27, 2013 - 8:48 am

Thank you Colleen, I love that last shot because you can see how relaxed and confident the horse and the girl are, plus somehow the light was just right

xx

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sharon santoni at my french country home August 27, 2013 - 8:49 am

You are so right Peggy, as someone famous said " it's amazing how much good the outside of a horse can do to the inside of a man" … certainly works for me!

xx

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sharon santoni at my french country home August 27, 2013 - 9:49 am

Thank you M! and yes horses do have that effect

xx

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david terry August 27, 2013 - 11:30 am

P.S. In regard to my previous comment (and I was, indeed, joking)?…I don't know if non-Americans are particularly addicted to the phrase "relate to" (I like to think they're not), but all too many Americans are.

I had dinner recently with a friend who's been dating a woman who's pretty, but not much else. During dinner, I mentioned a movie I'd enjoyed, and she rolled her eyes in boredom before declaring "I dunno…I mean, I just couldn't RELATE to it…". Her date/my friend stared for a moment and then flatly announced "Okay, we GET it…the movie wasn't ABOUT you. That happens sometimes, you know????"

I don't know if they're still dating.

—–david terry

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Emm August 27, 2013 - 7:32 pm

Degas, and some of Dufy. There's one of the paddock at Longchamps that's quite wonderful, as I recall.

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Karen Albert August 27, 2013 - 8:15 pm

Sharon, I do miss the polo at Rancho Santa Fe and the races at Delmar!
It was always a fun time!

xoxo
Karena
2013 Authors Series
"Love Where You Live"

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Karen (Back Road Journal) August 28, 2013 - 2:30 pm

Wonderful photos…the strength and stamina of horses is amazing and you captured it so well.

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ChaumiereLesIris September 2, 2013 - 12:29 am

Must spend more time in Deauville. Thank you for the reminder!

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