Bank of America Travel Rewards for Horse Lovers

I have this almost-useless Bank of America Card. It would be useful if I had any money. I checked my “rewards” page on a whim yesterday and found that I’ve racked up a substantial number of points, but not near enough to get one of the two really great rewards offered for horse lovers. If you have a spouse or family member savvy enough to put every expense of a card, check out the details of your rewards program. Maybe there’s something really fun waiting for you. Here’s what I might be doing if I’d spent all my money with Bank of America:

310, 000 Points will get you an original watercolor painting by renowned equine artist James L. Crow. Coincidentally, in my Wordless Wednesday post last week, I featured James L. Crow. I love his work. It would make me supremely happy to have a portrait of Marksman Millie done by him.

Here’s what you get for coughing up your 310,000 points (found at Manage Your Rewards.com:

An original 14 x 18 watercolor portrait by famed equine artist, James L. Crow, “one of today’s best known and most collectable equine artists. Crow’s unique use of light and his gift to capture the magnificence of the horse has made him a best-selling artist in print form, with his originals consistently selling for five figures. James L. Crow has been a professional artist since 1955, specializing in sporting art since 1979. He strives to capture the spirit and epitome of equine beauty, which is evident in his works. Crow has become a premiere artist through his fine originals and limited editions that illustrate his love of these beautiful spirits. Crow’s works have been exhibited in prestigious galleries and museums around the world and published in magazines and books, including Racing In Art, The Art of the Horse, Equine Images and Maryland Horse. A collection of Crow’s fine prints are available for viewing at the Collector’s Gallery in Lexington, Ky., or online at Horse Art Gallery.

Morgan, courtesy horseandhound.co.uk

WHAT’S INCLUDED:
• 14″ x 18″ water color painting.
• Framed and double-matted to museum quality.
• 2″ cherry finished frame.
• Shipping and handling.
• Shipping insurance.
CONDITIONS:
• Please allow 10-12 weeks.
• Recipient to provide photo or video of subject horse.
• Limited to one subject (horse).
• Non-returnable item.
• Once points are redeemed, the transfer of points is permanent and non-returnable.

I would have to give the following award to a friend with good riding skills so as not to reveal publicly my own pitiful lack thereof. But what an opportunity!

For a mere 70,000 Points:

Whatever your level of riding expertise, you can always learn more from Lynn Palm of Palm Partnership Training – One of the Foremost and Respected Horsemen of the World. You will receive one day of personal instruction with Lynn Palm www.lynnpalm.com at her Fox Grove Farm in Ocala, Florida or Royal Palm Ranch in Bessemer, Michigan. Package includes 6 hours riding, lectures and/or demonstrations. Fox Grove Farm, in the heart of horse country, is beautifully situated on 30 acres with big live oaks, lush green pastures, rolling hills and brown wood fencing. Amenities include an outdoor pool, grill, and deck to fully enjoy your stay. Enjoy the private English Pub, the “Red Fox Inn” located in the main house. Here you can have fun at the bar, play billiards, darts, or cards. And, for those who like to dance the music will get you on your feet! Nestled on 100 wooded acres alongside the Black River Byway, Royal Palm Ranch is an equine facility featuring the best in training and teaching equipment for the ultimate experience. Royal Palm boasts a top-notch facility featuring indoor and outdoor arenas with covered observation risers and P.A. system. The indoor arena includes wash and vet room, tack and clothes lockers, lounge and kitchen, VCR and video viewing. The ranch includes miles of riding trails. Lodging is arranged at Big Powderhorn Mountain Ski Resort in quaint chalets just two miles south of Royal Palm Ranch. Camping facilities are also available. Family-style meals are prepared at the ranch daily.

Lynn Palm

WHAT’S INCLUDED:
• Full-day personal instruction including six hours of riding, lectures, and/or demonstrations.
• Training disciplines include Dressage, Quarter Horse in Dressage, Versatility (active competitors, those who want to improve hunt seat or western discipline), All-Around, Horse Care, Family Partners.
• Two-night lodging at the farm or ranch to enjoy all the amenities of the farm or ranch.
• Two-night stabling for horse at the farm or ranch.
• Dinner for evening of arriving day.
• Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner for day of training.
• Breakfast for morning of departing day.
• Depending upon scheduling, enjoy Fox Grove Farm’s favorite night at the cookout/bonfire. Food is cooked on the grill or open fire with other refreshments at the bonfire. French wine is served to those who choose. Great time for making new friends!
• Autographed photos.
• Unforgettable Rugged Lark DVD.
• Beer, wine and spirits are not included.

You could turn this into a family vacation!

So in this day of the decline of credit, maybe it’s to our advantage to pull out the plastic again.