"EQUINE AND EMPLOYEE SUPERSTARS IN OUR MIDST

Rood & Riddle recently had the honor to treat a local legend and superstar from the world of the American Saddlebred - Champion Grande Gil. In 2007, Grande Gil swept the Three-gaited open championships that make up the Saddlebred Triple Crown - the Lexington Junior League show, the Kentucky State Fair World Championship show and the American Royal in Kansas City.

Grande Gil spent nearly one month in critical care as a colic patient under the care of Dr. Woodie. Gil underwent 2 colic surgeries and also required consultation support from the internal medicine team to deal with pneumonia. In the end, the Champ proved to be just as tough in recovering as he is in the show ring, and was discharged in late February.

Grande Gil is not the only talent around here. During Grande Gil’s stay, billing specialist, Gretchen Grossardt, brought in a painting she is working on that features Grande Gil competing at the 2008 Lexington Junior League Show. Gretchen has worked hard over the years honing her craft and has earned respect in the art community. She was one of a select group of artists to participate in the Woodford Humane Society’s 2007-08 “Scenes of Gainsborough” fundraiser, and was the featured artist at the Central Bank Gallery January 23-February 12, 2009. Gretchen is listed in the Kentucky Arts Council’s Performing Arts Directory and also has her own website where you can see more of her work. Please visit www.gretchengrossardt.com "