Second Stride Inc. founder’s home in Louisville is full of equine art

One’s home decor is as a great deal a reflection of their individuality as the garments they have on, the meals they take in, and the people they expend their time with. This assertion certainly retains legitimate for Kim Smith’s household in North Oldham region, which is loaded with equine artwork, add-ons, and Kentucky Derby-related décor.

Smith is the founder and govt director of Next Stride, Inc., a neighborhood nonprofit firm that gives qualified rehabilitation, retraining, and placement of retired thoroughbred racehorses. Via the method, Smith and her staff present retired thoroughbreds the treatment and good quality training they have to have to do well in the next stage of their lives. Her interest and like for all points equine can be viewed all through her Cape Cod-fashion household.

Early enthusiasm for horses

Smith’s horse obsession commenced when she was just a kid when her father bought her very first pony.

“He fibbed to my mother that we were being likely to the grocery retail store,” she advised The Courier Journal, “(but) we ended up acquiring a pony.”

She later on commenced doing work at stables, cleansing barns, tacks, and horse stalls in trade for riding lessons.

“That (fascination) just sort of stored rising,” she said. “I just turned immersed. … I would uncover stray horses all the time … and have to come across residences for them.”

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Smith eventually converted her passion into a occupation, and her home displays this devotion.

Equine gildings

By means of the entrance doors — which boast double leather-based horse collars — the home’s entryway capabilities an equine sculpture placed on a piece that Churchill Downs outrider Lee Lockwood at the time had atop his horse. To the right, a Pegasus centerpiece created by Smith’s mom rests in the center of the dining desk.

In the kitchen area, Kentucky Derby eyeglasses are set up on a serving tray with a bottle of Woodford Reserve, the formal bourbon of the Kentucky Derby. A dishcloth printed with a mint julep recipe lies subsequent to it, as does a new bunch of mint that Smith grew herself. On the kitchen area island, blue placemats with embroidered jockey silks sit under the desk options, prepared for entertaining.