Lucky Breaks: Visiting a Kentucky Horse Farm

In 1984, a college friend from New York called to say he would like to fly into Cincinnati, visit me, and tour a horse farm in Lexington, Kentucky, in which he held a few shares. I looked forward to the days ahead, and I telephoned the farm to make arrangements. The manager told me that, on the day that fit best with our schedule, we could begin at 8:00 in the morning but would have to finish promptly at 10:00 because a private tour would be offered shortly after that hour.

My friend and I awoke early and drove to Lexington. The sun was shining brightly, illuminating a farm more glorious than a painting. Words can hardly describe the loveliness of the rolling pastures, the perfection of the board fencing, the beauty of the barns, the grace of the trees, and—best of all—the elegance of the horses descended from long lines of champions. Our guide led us from one barn to the next, describing in memorable detail the life stories of famous horses born and trained on the farm. My friend and I felt honored to be shown such kindness, let alone courtesy.

We were permitted to ask as many questions as we liked, and we never were hurried along or cut short in our conversation. We returned to our car at about 10:20—a little later than our prearranged departure time. I had opened the driver’s door and was standing nearby while my friend paused near the passenger door while we thanked the manager for such a wonderful tour. I noticed another vehicle coming up the long tree-lined drive to the farm; in the back of my mind, I thought that the private party was approaching and that we should be leaving.

The car pulled alongside mine and parked. A man stepped from the passenger door and gently unlatched the back door. While he held it open, a woman in a hat emerged. My friend and I recognized her instantaneously, for she was Her Majesty the Queen, Elizabeth II, Head of State of the United Kingdom and the Commonwealths. A huge smile spread across my friend’s face while I nodded slightly, not knowing what I should do. The Queen and the man who had held the door for her walked toward the manager who had bid us goodbye. Meanwhile, I sat behind the steering wheel until my friend had snapped his safety belt, then we drove away.

Queen Elizabeth II with William Farish III on Oct. 9, 1984

At Farish’s Lane’s End Farm in Woodford County

Courtesy KyPhotoarchive, Lexington HERALD-LEADER

After a stunned minute or two, my friend, still smiling, said, “We saw the Queen of England!” I could hardly believe what had happened! No wonder that we had been asked to conclude our visit at exactly 10:00 a.m.! We were not supposed to cross her path as we had done.

That evening, the news on my television mentioned that the Queen had visited a horse farm in Lexington earlier that day. My friend and I could verify that story!