What has Denny done for the sport lately?

[ss3777]

What has Denny done lately for the sport?

"Denny.... I think the ULR's are very smart to stay out of discussions like this. From an onlookers perspective, too often (not always) it seems the COTH BB is not the place where rational discussion and opinion lead the way. The ULR would be eaten alive-- maybe not by everyone-- but I think they would think twice about voicing their opinion after reading through this thread! This BB.. despite what you and your followers think.. is not the be all and end all of discussions in eventing. I think there are leaders out there, though maybe not in cyberspace. This BB is one source. It seems that you are very good at getting people on this BB all fired up, but really, what are you doing outside of this BB to make the sport better? Everyone should get out from behind their computers and try to implement real change."
Caldreamer


There are a lot of thought provoking comments in this person’s first post. Congrats Caldreamer, I believe you have successfully fired up you first BB. I agree with you this BB is not the end all of discussions in eventing. Thank the god’s of eventing we do have this particular outlet to brainstorm about the sport that we love that does need to make some changes. Isn’t it grand that folks from all over can offer different opinions and insights? Good for anyone out there that is willing to take a chance and voice something that may be unpopular. Who respects Ostriches? OK back to the title of the thread, here are a few of the things that Denny does for the sport:

Organizes schooling HTs in two different states (no HTs, no sport)
Educates countless ammies and pros (no riders no sport)
Breeds eventers (no horses, no sport)
Dares to tread where others won’t (no voice no sport)
Namely, he is super nice to everybody, doesn’t demean anybody, doesn’t belittle anybody, and tries to treat all eventers as part of a big family and this list could go on forever!!!


"Attitude reflects leadership"

[kdail]

From Caldreamer "Everyone should get out from behind their computers and try to implement real change."

Caldreamer: How about getting out from behind YOUR alias and telling us who you are and what YOU'VE done for the sport? Easy for you sling poo from the safety of an alias. Step into the current century - the exchange of ideas through cyberspace is a great way for people to get the word out and get "fired up" as you say.

A candle loses nothing by lighting another candle.

I applaud Denny for speaking up and rallying people into action. Do you really think that action extends only to typing on our keyboards?? Please.

Other ULRs should get on this board and give input, the way Denny does. I'm disappointed that they don't, or if they do, they don't identify themselves. Hard to respect that. Maybe they are lurkers, but even if they just chimed in every once in awhile to let us know they are aware of the issues that concern the masses of us who support the industry that puts food on their plates, that would be a step in the right direction.

Kathy Dail
Smurf from Winston-Salem, NC

[Jumphigh83]

Amen Kathy! Any jackass can kick a barn down...and IF (really big IF) Denny never did another thing "for the sport" he has established himself as a legend in the sport of eventing. He is brave enough to stand up for what he thinks and he doesn't (but could) hide behind a screen name. I think SS summed it up nicely but was a bit too modest on Denny's behalf. I cant believe anyone wold even ASK that question but that just tells me that they arent really familiar with the history of eventing to actually have to stones to make that statement!!! :eek::eek:

[Jeannette, formerly ponygyrl]

Relieved to see it's a rhetorical question this morning!

Don't forget one of his key contributions - broad dissemination of bad jokes! (ok, and plenty of good ones. Or some, at least ; )

[mbarrett]

What an attitude. I think a lot of the posters on this BB do plenty for the sport of eventing. Denny is an eventing guru.

Many of us smurfs sit at events volunteering our time, roasting in the sun, swatting bugs, getting soaked, the list goes on. (I will be fence jumping in August, I bet it will be a hot, long day. Doesn't that count for something?)

WE support the sport thru our dues and participation in the sport in MANY ways: taking lessons, riding in clinics, buying tack, buying horses, feed, bedding, hay, eventing, supporting the ULR's by being the peons who fence judge for them, scribe in dressage and set fences, park cars, etc.

It's unfair to say we don't do anything for this sport. If it weren't for the LL folks, there wouldn't be much upper level eventing.

I think we have every right to post our opinions on this BB!

[facinated]

I have never met Denny Emerson, but he does seem to be unique in his efforts to say what he thinks,and very savvy about keeping his name in the public's mind. Obviously a good businessman. I doubt that the man would be insulted by a question. It is a fact though that when someone asks a question on this bb that does not go along with mainstream thinking they are attacked. Professionaly, and personaly. They are usualy mis-quoted and twisted and the resulting absurdity is still attributed to the original question asker. One of the first slams is that the person has no credentials to speak, if they offer back those credentials they are called conceited or arrogant. One absolute certainty in the horse world is that less than 10% of the people do over 90% of the winning. If you do not like what you are hearing, that should be a sign that you need to listen.

[FairWeather]

How about the simple fact that he takes time to talk to us peons and graces us with wisdom he has learned over decades? (and decades, and decades and decades :lol::D)

He Volunteers.

He inspires thought.

He is one of the main driving forces of a national registry, so breeders can follow horses, and people can track pedigrees (among other reasons).

He braves this BB to put his thoughts out there, and how many other BNT's do you know who would (or are) do that?

I think its really a very simple answer actually.


He LEADS!

[LisaB]

I seriously don't think any eventers, smurfs or others, are sitting on their laurels brooding about all the bloodshed!
But not everyone is the same. Some of us are better on the computer than they are in person. Some are better in closed door meetings. Some are better at writing articles. But I think everyone is trying to do their part in their best way.
My instructor is holding free x-c walks to everyone at certain events as well as a 4 day camp and some fix a tests. Why now? Because she feels that she can contribute to the education of eventers. And wants to open up her doors. She has plenty of students so she's trying not just drum up business but she sees a lot of mistakes out there that could be corrected with a simple course walk with a qualified person. She sees an opportunity where she can contribute and help out our dilemma to her best abilities.
Denny is an excellent surmiser. He can write eloquently his thoughts and ideas. He not only communicates to us, the wider audience, but also to his peers.

[flea]

Faciinated...I don't see much slamming of the OP. Mainly listing of contributions by Denny and other posters.

[FairWeather]

The original poster didn't slam Denny, she quoted someone else who did.

I'm wondering what that person has done, personally.

[facinated]

The tone of the OP is sarcastic, and negative, as is the nature of many of the comments so far. Just watch today. By page 3 people will be lynching Caldreamer for saying Denny is a jackass.

[magnolia73]

Mmm. Denny is out there teaching people- even teaching people who might be at the crossrail stage of life. He charges a very reasonable fee and helps people learn more about riding safely. He maintains a property with XC jumps that he will give you lessons over so that you may practice skills. Plus he is enthusiastic about the sport.

I think he probably does a lot more than most. He's very accessible to normal people. He shares his knowledge so freely. I did a clinic this past winter and came back with a gazillion ideas in my head. Ideas and concepts that I can use on any horse. That I can share. And the "fee" for access to this information was laughably small compared to other people of his caliber. And I got the impression that he enjoyed having us amateurs there. That he welcomed us to take away as much as we could and seemed to have a good deal of respect for us all.

[flea]

Well Facinated...you are right, the tone of the OP is sarcastic and negative. Which may be why she or he will end up with like replies. If the question had simply been, what are Denny's qualifications and how is he participating now, and not had the attitude and accused the rest of the board of do nothing complainers, the replys would have been in the same vein. If one wants objective answers one needs to ask in an objective way. Obviously the OP wants to stir up something since that particular attitude was taken.

[Maria]

Here is my small contribution to what I feel Denny is to the sport. He probably doesn't remember me from Adam's house cat, we've met twice down in S. Pines, over the New Year's Holiday.

He is the eyes and ears. He hobnobs with the best, but will hang with the rest.
He doesn't shy away from a challenge. And he will challenge.
He will play devil's advocate.
He speaks his truth.
He is a leader. He is a friend. He is an advocate.
Knowledgable, quick wit, friendly, approachable and human.

If I had to guess what he has more than anything is a caring, love and respect for the sport and the people that has not waivered in the years he has been involved.

[FairWeather]

Granted I know I confuse easily, but the OP didn't slam Denny. If she did, where is it?
She Quoted someone who was being bishy, but again, maybe i'm all confuzzled in my old age?

[Jleegriffith]

I really don't know Denny very well at all but I made the trip down with Fairweather and crew over the New Year holiday. I was recently back in the saddle after a broken wrist and my regular instructor was seriously doubting my sanity to jump with no strength in my hand/arms:lol:

My first meeting with Denny was when I arrived with a horse missing a shoe and had to meet the farrier. My other horse was screaming his head off and tearing things apart so my husband had to walk him down so he could see my other horse. Denny gratiously allowed me to use a stall and didn't make me feel like a total idiot. He said he had horses who took a while to grow up..he was probably lying but it made me feel better:D

Every day he spent hours with us talking theory. What makes a great event horse. What makes a great rider. He didn't focus as much on the individuals as he did the overall picture of how things should be done. I had never met him before but he made me feel totally comfortable. He was very interested in every horse. What were their bloodlines? What had they done? What was our experiences and so forth. It was like talking with an old friend. He had knowledge of all sports and talked about how all disciplines mess together and even at his advanced level he was still going to watch clinics and becoming inspired by some of the up and coming riders. Denny and Fairweather got totally geeked out on TB bloodlines which clearly was a passion they shared. I just sat and listened and went home with some ideas on how I should start shopping for horses:yes:

I also got the feeling he truly loved to teach and enjoyed the process of watching a green horse being trained correctly so they could go up the levels. He was very impressed with my one horse and he even rode him which was the coolest experience for me. He thought my horse had the qualities to be competitive in the "new" format of eventing. We all talked about what type of horse it would take to be competitive now and how the sport had changed over the years. We got history lessons along with riding lessons.

Furthermore, Denny is supporter of U.S. Military and has reduced his prices for active duty military and family. His prices are affordable making it possible for adult amateur to afford multiple lessons over a week.

I really hope to ride with him again.

[Fence2Fence]

Denny and May offer adult camps (long before camps became a trend).

I went to one. Learned more about horsemanship than I ever have, and my horses thank him everyday for it.

After one lesson, I stood with my horse to watch the next group. He looked at me, at the horse, and asked me if I'd remembered to loosen the girth. Wow. I was floored. Despite all that was going on, he was thinking of my horse's welfare. Yes, fortunately, I had. Another person mentioned taking a hack around the property, he nodded and cautioned "Remember, they are flesh and blood and they've done alot."

So, what has Denny done lately? He's instilling in riders that the welfare of the horse comes first.

[royal militron]

I second what Fence2Fence has said. Denny is instilling that the welfare of our horses should come first. I went to his camp last month. He is very concerned with all the horses welfare, and he said to many people that where thinking about hacking or getting on earlier than their scheduled lessons- just remember it's hot, these horses are going to be working hard- you know your horses fitness but they're working hard always keep that in mind...

Also my horse got a small belly ache one night so I brought him out for a hack (in hand)- Denny came to find us to check on things- see if I needed anything and to check on my horse. I really thought he was an amazing horseman and I loved listening to stories and his theories. He does talk alot about how things should be done in the whole picture and I enjoyed every minute of it.

He is very careful in all of his lessons to always set everyone up for success and I really enjoyed my time spent with May, Denny, and Sue Berrill!!!

[snoopy]

It is obvious that he CARES...and that is saying alot. Enough said.

[nature]

Many of us smurfs sit at events volunteering our time, roasting in the sun, swatting bugs, getting soaked, the list goes on. (I will be fence jumping in August, I bet it will be a hot, long day. Doesn't that count for something?)

I think we have every right to post our opinions on this BB!


Cute slip of the thought


P.S. Denny is the best!!!!!

fellow smurf
Karla
Texas

[pwynnnorman]

Tell you the truth, I'd like to see Denny (and more of his generation) more materially involved in leading the sport--on boards and committees. I think there aren't enough independent minds (literally, as in: "dependent on no one") involved. True objectivity is rare, I fear. And it's inevitable, isn't it? The more the sport evolves toward a, perhaps, business-driven "core," the more vested interests can seep in--perhaps even totally unconsciously. You see that in most sports, wouldn't you say?

And it's not just the policies. It's the practices. I've been having a conversation with friends about using the whip: how--increasingly, it seems--spurs are relied on more "routinely" and fewer riders think of doing stuff like switching their whips over. That's another ball of wax, of course, but this discussion about Denny reminded me of other valuable "arts" that might be getting lost as one generation gives way to another.

I wish they wouldn't "give way."

[herptile]

Wel said ss3777,I couldn't agree more!!!

[Dawnd]

My first exposure to Denny was reading his response to a hunter rider who posted a question before she tried eventing for the first time.

Denny's response:
"Just have fun. Don`t sweat the small stuff like dressage, etc.
When you come flying through the x-c finish flags in one piece, you`ll know what all the fuss is about. It`s pure euphoria, and the more scared you are BEFORE the more joy you will feel AFTER!
All the rest is trivia.
(In my opinion)"


To me, this is the single BEST thing that ANYONE can do for the sport, to love this sport for what this sport means to him.

(I still get chills when I read his post. And it made such an impression that I thought that it was a recent post but was well over a year ago.)

Caldreamer should be ashamed.

[bip]

<quoting denny> the more scared you are BEFORE the more joy you will feel AFTER!


Wow, that is really neat. I vaguely remember that post, but I didn't make a personal connection with the words until now.

[LexInVA]

This thread kinda reminds me of that song from South Park The Movie, "What Would Brian Boitano Do?". Heh heh heh...

[Jeannette, formerly ponygyrl]

Did you hear about the county commissioner who was up for re-election? He was making the rounds of his district, chatting with the residents, when he got to Farmer Jones' place. He stopped to visit a while, and the more they talked, the more things it turned out Commissioner Brown had done for the farmer over the years.

When the flood had washed out the road to the farm, he had made sure funds were released immediately to fix the road so produce could still go to market. He had come out himself and helped rebuild the bridge in the flood 2 years ago, had passed zoning laws which ensured Farmer Jones could keep farming, and just last summer had sponsored a local agriculture bill which increased demand for Jones' tomatoes.

Finally Jones said, "Ya know, I'm thinking of voting for the new guy, Smith, this election."

Brown was floored, and quickly repeated the list of things he had done for Jones while in office.

"Ayup. All true" said Jones.
"But what have you done for me lately??"

[ss3777]

"The tone of the OP is sarcastic, and negative, as is the nature of many of the comments so far. Just watch today. By page 3 people will be lynching Caldreamer for saying Denny is a jackass."


Nope, I was trying to start a discussion and be positive. Sorry if it read as sarcastic. I am one of those crazy open minded people that actually rejoice in folks having different opinions. Probably my friends would criticize me for "seeing both sides" to often.

[specialK]

what has Denny done lately...
last weekend he opened his farm to the regions Pony clubbers to have their annual fund raising event there...(he charges nothing for the use of his facilities). When we arrived early in the morning he was the parking attendant, directing traffic and answering questions.
He was also hosting ESPN who was at Tamarack to film and interview him for an upcoming special they will be airing Aug 12th at 7pm about the dangers of eventing. This was a full day proposition. THe ESPN crew had interviewed Darren, CMP and had attended the safety summit before venturing to VT to talk to Denny. There was a crew of at least 6 or 8.
Denny was willing to take time out of his busy day to pose for pictures with eager eyed pony clubbers and engaged them in conversations.
Denny even directed the ESPN to interview some of the young eventers the crew had watched gallop around the xc course.
denny managed the entire day with grace...even a little blurb he had with Loftus while jumping a 4ft oxer!
This man may one of the greatest 50 horseman but just as importantly he is a top notch human being. I'm thrilled that my little daughter wantsto grow up and be just like he is!

[CarrieK]

The tone of the OP is sarcastic, and negative, as is the nature of many of the comments so far. Just watch today. By page 3 people will be lynching Caldreamer for saying Denny is a jackass.

It seems to me that folks here on the eventing forum aren't as vicious as perhaps you've seen on other forums.

OTOH, I can see your point. I can easily see why folks here would circle the wagons 'round him. There are lots of warm feelings toward Denny, if for no other reason he listens and responds to us LLRs and eventing enthusiasts with a great deal of respect. He doesn't call us Smurfs, he doesn't sneer and opine that since we've never ridden in the Olympics or anywhere near that level that we don't have a valid opinion. Lots of folks appreciate the time he spends here.

If someone questions his motives, thinks he is merely "talking" to hear the sound of his own voice, or perhaps whipping up with masses for some personal agenda, or merely coming off as holier-than-thou toward TPTB or BNRs or whomever..well, I don't think they've been paying attention.

ss3777: the title of your thread is a bit snarky, even tho your post isn't.