My favorite entertainer has always been Elvis Presley.
In fact, in 1972 at the age of 8 years old I was blessed to attend my very first live concert - Elvis Presley "Live at Madison Square Garden".
The subsequent album produced from that live concert is my favorite of all time. Artist Stephen Wilson recreated the album cover for me in an amazing piece of art that hangs where I can see it every day!
Elvis had many animals, including a chimpanzee and monkeys, but favorite by far were his horses. During his time at Graceland, he would build a herd of 35+ horses, often giving them to family, friends, and acquaintances. He had five horses he was close to and rode often. His first and favorite was a golden palomino named Rising Sun.
Although Elvis had several hobbies, being with his horses was his favorite. It was also important that his close friends and family were able to share that hobby with him, so he bought them horses as well.
"That was the start of always having horses at Graceland," said Priscilla Presley.
"He loved the life and energy they brought. Taking care of the horses and going out to the stables was probably the best time of our lives. I think it's great to carry on that legacy and that tradition. Visitors to Graceland get to see and feel what he experienced."
Elvis rode often and spent a great deal of time with his horses. In honor of his favorite, Rising Sun - it is now a tradition to always have a palomino at the estate to represent Elvis' love for that horse. He was devoted to the care of all of his horses and would tend to them after every single ride by personally untacking them and cooling them out.
Elvis especially enjoyed greeting his fans at the gates of Graceland on horseback, riding either Rising Sun or his Tennessee Walking Horse, Bear.
"He would dress for each occasion," says Priscilla. "When he got on Bear, he would dress up in a suit and a hat and actually put on a show and gait the horse in front of the fans so he could show off his horsemanship. Fans would go nuts. When he rode the palomino, he would change into western clothes and have races up and down the front lawn of Graceland. The police would be called to direct traffic because 300 to 400 cars would be lined up on Elvis Presley Boulevard to watch Elvis at play."
Reminiscing about enjoying the morning view of the horses she recalls. "Elvis' office faced the back of Graceland and the stables, and he would see the horses out there and say, 'This is the most beautiful sight, to look out my window and see these great animals having fun.' "
Kristin and I continued the tradition of her family ranch in Nebraska, the +J Ranch, near our home in Florida and it is only fitting that our first horse was named "Elvis", joining two of our many combined passions together.
Thank you, thank you very much.
Chef Bob Aungst
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