Ruling the Broodmare Band

Champagne Glow, dam of Belmont Stakes winner Ruler On Ice, was in her stall when I arrived at Jim and Pam Robinson’s Brandywine Farm near Paris, Ky. I took their portrait with their dogs Tyler and Einstein. Then Pam and I walked to the barn and the afternoon light was shining through on Champagne Glow, highlighting her beautiful coat. Pam mentioned that Champagne Glow was 23 years old. She looked fantastic.
 
Pam lead her out to a grassy area by a barn where we took photos-- head shots, conformation, grazing. Then as we walked back to the barn, Champagne Glow stopped and posed, head high as she took it all in.
 
“That’s the look,” Pam said. “She knows she’s special. And she’s opinionated. All the good ones are.”
 
Ruler On Ice was bred by the Robinsons and their Brandywine Farm in partnership with Rob Whiteley and his Liberation Farm. Smart and easy to work with, Champagne Glow was represented on last year’s 2010 Belmont Stakes day when Champagne d’Oro won the Acorn Stakes on the Belmont undercard.
 
Champagne Glow was bred back this year to Roman Ruler, sire of Ruler On Ice. She did not  have a foal this year. Her yearling, a 2010 A.P.Warrior filly, was purchased by Bill Casner as a present for his wife Susan.
 
“She has big, strong attractive horses,” said Pam. “There is no reason older mares can’t give you a nice foal.”

The June 18th issue of The Blood-Horse featuring Ruler On Ice on the cover has a great piece on Ruler On Ice's pedigree written by David Schmitz if you are interested in learning more.

Jim and Pam Robinson with Tyler and Einstein.

Champagne Glow conformation pose. Order this Photo.

Champagne Glow enjoying some delicious green grass. Order this Photo.

Champagne Glow posing for the camera. Order this Photo.

War Horse won Best Broadway Play at the Tony Awards this week.  Friends and reviews say it is fantastic. Check out the life-size horse puppets!