Quarter Horse Ladies Who Lunch- a Preakness Tradition

By: Brittany Bevis

Each year, a group of horse enthusiasts from across the country, most hailing from Ohio, make the trek to Baltimore for the second jewel in the Triple Crown, the Preakness Stakes. Although they might come from separate disciplines and different breeds, it is the overarching love of talented horses and an appreciation for high stakes competition that keeps these ladies coming back year after year.

“There were about 20 of us this year,” says Susan Stocker. “We come from all over, mostly in Ohio. On Preakness Day, we dress up in our fancy dresses and beautiful hats and go to the race.”

“This was my third year going to the Preakness. [Going to another race] is absolutely on my bucket list. We’ve looked at getting Derby tickets, but even for the Preakness we have to get them clear back in February. You have to get them so far in advance.”

This year, Stocker joined fellow Quarter Horse enthusiasts, Annie Schneider, Julie Majernik, and Laurie Lesitsky in the fourth row where they were able to witness California Chrome continue on in his quest for the Triple Crown.

“When the horses run by, they’re so close it feels like you could get hit with dirt!” she says. “When you watch on TV, it’s very thrilling, but to stand right there and watch them run by is very exciting!”

“I bet a trifecta, so I had to pick three horses for 1st, 2nd, and 3rd. They could come in any place. I expected California Chrome to win. Then, I also picked Ride On Curlin and General a Rod. General a Rod got nosed out of third place or I would’ve won my trifecta!”

Like many in the stands on Preakness Day, Stocker was rooting for California Chrome. Interestingly enough, even before the colt won the Kentucky Derby in impressive fashion, Stocker already had him picked as her personal favorite for the Triple Crown title.

“Before the story even came out about California Chrome’s background, I was looking at the list of horses that were going to run in the Derby,” she says. “My Quarter Horse’s name is HBF Silver N Chrome, so when I saw California Chrome, I knew that had to be my horse. Then, the story came out about the people who raised him not knowing much about the racing industry and just taking a stab at it. To come to where they are now… we all dream of it, really.”

Aside from seeing all of the fabulous fashions and the general sense of anticipation and excitement that comes along with race day, Stocker’s favorite part of the trip was watching the horses during the post parade.

“I’m so used to seeing our hunter under saddle horses and western horses,” she says. “These horses are lean and fit in such a way that you don’t see ribs but the muscling looks like a marathon runner as compared to a weightlifter.”

“Some of them appear so businesslike and others are bouncing around and chomping on the bit, ready to go. It’s really fun to see all of their different personalities, like all of our show horses. To be that close and to see the jockeys perched up in those tiny saddles and short stirrups sitting on top of all that power… We talk about how fast our Quarter Horses are when they come out of the gate, but wow, when they come out and go by…”

Although Stocker didn’t have a winning ticket to turn in at the betting window following the big race, she and her friends came away with a memorable experience they will treasure and look forward to repeating next year.

“Julie and myself train Quarter Horses and Annie is one of my customers,” Sticker says. “Laurie is a horse show mom. Her daughter trains and shows. One lady in our group does mounted shooting events and another lady has Friesians. We’re all in the horse industry from different disciplines and even breeds. Also, it’s fun to meet people in the grandstands from all over who make the pilgrimage every year to the Preakness.”

“I would love to be a part of the history of another Triple Crown winner and to be able to say that I was at the second race and I saw California Chrome in person. He looks like he still has a lot of run left in him, so I’m not worried about the longer distance [in the Belmont]. He looked like he still had plenty left to turn on.”

Good luck California Chrome!