Checking in on a living legend: Storm Cat (the photo blog)

Original story/online slideshow about a visit with Storm Cat, published in the DRF Weekend issue of July 21:

http://www.drf.com/news/storm-cat-checking-living-legend

Here are some other photographs from that visit....

Above:  The Overbrook Farm stallion barn guard gate, which countless visitors passed through over the years to visit with Storm Cat.  Storm Cat is no longer at the main stallion barn but, instead, is in a barn on a main farm road.  The location helps farm workers watch out regularly for Storm Cat and his barn mate Clock Stopper.

Above/below:  This full-size Storm Cat statue, sculpted by Gwen Reardon, stands watch between Overbrook's stallion barn and the breeding shed (below). There are three copies of this magnificent bronze: this one, one in storage and a third which waits in the farm cemetery.  Storm Cat will, some day, be buried there, near his dam Terlingua and other Overbrook horses - such as fellow stallions The Minstrel and Carson City.

Above/below:  Storm Cat's old stall in the stallion barn.  Overbrook is now leased out, and, on occasion, yearlings occupy this stall.  I'd like to keep my yearling in Storm Cat's old stall!  The entire farm is beautifully maintained, and anyone who has visited recognizes the great care put into the farm's design.  Absolutely world-class.

Above/below:  The Overbrook Farm office is still in use.  Among the fascinating mementoes, trophies and artwork is the actual garland of roses worn by Grindstone when he won the 1996 Kentucky Derby (below).

Above:  Among the many trophies in Overbrook's office is Storm Cat's Young America - his only stakes win. Such history....

Above:  Chris Young, the grandson of Overbrook founder William T. Young, keeps a hand in the game.  He owns a few racehorses and speaks with the utmost respect about both his grandfather and the impact Storm Cat has had on his family's life.  He and others make sure Storm Cat's every need is met - including the old stallion being seen regularly by the vet and dentist.  

Eduardo Terrazas, who, along with Armando Reyes, tends to Storm Cat on a daily basis.  Eduardo worked with Storm Cat when Storm Cat was a young stallion.  He left the farm from 1999 through 2009, during which time he began his own business - Terrazas Thoroughbreds.  When he read that Overbrook land was available for lease in 1999, he made the move back.  For him, it was like coming home.

Above:  Although it was very hot on June 22, Storm Cat readily came outdoors for a few photos.  He looks absolutely remarkable for 29.  Just look at all of the colorful tones in his glossy coat, and his pronounced muscle tone.

Just think of the impact that this name has had on the breed.   

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A heartfelt thank you to Overbrook Farm - including Chris Young, Ric Waldman, Carmen Covert and Eduardo Terrazas - and Wes Lanter, for their kind assistance.