Should horse shows be cancelled for the next month?

[SGray]

I called our NGB yesterday to inquire as to whether shows could cancel without penalty. There is a breed show scheduled for this weekend in my area. The policy is that it is up to individual show to decide but there would be notations made on the shows' records so that the 'cancellation two years in a row will negate the protected date' rule would not 'count' any cancellation made due to the events of this week.

[SGray]

I called our NGB yesterday to inquire as to whether shows could cancel without penalty. There is a breed show scheduled for this weekend in my area. The policy is that it is up to individual show to decide but there would be notations made on the shows' records so that the 'cancellation two years in a row will negate the protected date' rule would not 'count' any cancellation made due to the events of this week.

[Louise]

Boy, I'm really not sure about this one. My first reaction was that the shows should be cancelled. I know that, if I were showing, my heart would not be in it right now. Who cares about ribbons and placings at a time like this? I would not be showing.

But, we have to get back to normalcy sometime. Our lives will go on. Maybe it is best that we do it as quickly as possible. And, maybe, we should let it be an individual decision, depending on how everyone feels about showing.

[Erin]

I'm riding in an event on Sunday... at least, as far as I know. I haven't heard anything about it being cancelled.

Although I haven't been able to get an iota of work done since I first heard the news Tuesday morning, I do think it's time for people to start making an effort to get back to normal... to the extent that they're comfortable with.

I guess it's an individual decision more than anything. If the organizers of the event I'm entered in decide to cancel, I'd understand. But if the event goes on, I'll be there.

Just editing to say I checked the event's website, and it says it will go on as planned.

[Kryswyn]

I suspect many events in the local areas of the 3 attacks will be cancelled. But I see no reason why shows in other parts of the country should not go on as planned.

If an individual feels too much grief to go, that's their choice, especially if their loss is a personal one. But while all American's are shocked, saddened and outraged, life does go on, albeit with a deeper appreciation of life and loved ones.

~Kryswyn~
"Always look on the bright side of life, de doo, de doo de doo de doo"

[MHM]

I was thinking about this, too, not just about the cancellation of horse shows, but the Emmys, the Latin Grammys, etc.

While it would seem callous to continue as if nothing had happened, my personal feeling is that the terrorists were attacking our way of life, as well as their specific targets. It seems to me that the more we disrupt our lives, the more success we are granting their efforts.

Maybe as we try to get back to normal, we could make an effort to donate a percentage of entry fees or other expenses to the Red Cross or Salvation Army at each show or event we attend for the next month. If we're lucky enough to be able to go to a show, we should remember those who are not so fortunate.

[Smart Alec]

I think out of respect we should cancel shows at least for the next week...maybe more. I think it is a great idea to try to remain doing the usual things but sporting events seem more like a celebration and it just doesn't seem right to celebrate when we have so many other things to do and people that need help. Maybe horse shows could promote proceeds or ask for donations toward the Red Cross if they feel they must go on. I think that if they put the proceeds to a good cause to help those victims and there families--it could be a reason to keep the shows going. Just a thought.

[MGR]

While there is much tragedy. I feel that unless the people are needed to help in the rescue, we should continue as normal as possible. You can do your best in the honor of the lost and missing, a silent prayer or thought for them before you start the show. This way you honor their memory and show the world that they may have hit us hard but we did not fall and we go on.
Of course it is the individuals choice not to show but the event should go on -- maybe not as festive.


Just my feelings on this.

Maria

[ShowJumps]

It is a hard choice.

Our way of life has been attacked. I think we should defy that. Getting together at shows is a way to comfort each other. We shouldn't honor those who have died alone. The equestrian comunity is so tight knit; what better way to honor everyone than to get together as a group?

I do think a moment of silence should be observed and the national anthem played at the begining of the shows.

"No One Trains For Second
Place..."

[buryinghill1]

THE SHOW MUST GO ON
After you cancel horse shows, what else do we cancel? every sporting event? Schools? Dentist appointments? Gynocology appointments? Shut down the mall?
Come on. Let's LIVE.
What will stopping the wheels show our kids? We're losers? We're chicken? We give up? Blow up some more buildings? You win. We're losers.

Let's keep going. My father did not fight in the Pacific for me to sit on my ass in the living room and hide. We have to stand up, brush off the dirt and KICK SOME ASS.

My grandfather (a physician) was hidden by the French resistance throughout the entire war. A whole war! He stitched up thousands of men, and probably women. He was in a dark hole for years! He died in a FREE France! Not a German colony!

My mom watched Paris crumble. She gave blood yesterday and she's as "old as the hills!"
We are going on with their lives, crying as we go, but ... WE CANNOT SURRENDER!

KEEP KICKING! GO TO THE WHIP!

[Merry]

I think it's a splendid idea for horse shows to have a moment of silence for the victims, maybe play the National Anthem, and take up a collection to forward to the Red Cross. Yes, we need to continue with our lives, but with a renewed sense of patriotism and compassion for those personally affected by this tragedy.

"Charter Member of the Baby Greenie Support Group of North America"

[buryinghill1]

Great idea.
Shows could take a collection for the Red Cross, Salvation army or United Way.

[SLW]

Merry- your idea is fabulous and the only way that I would be able to compete this weekend.

IMO, this attack is so big that a weeks delay on non-essential activities is just being respectful and polite.

SLW

[Weatherford]

The biggest GOLF tournament in the world was CANCELLED today.

The SPONSORS and PLAYERS instead DONATED the $5 (or was it $15) MILLION purse to the NY/DC relief efforts.

Amazing!!

[Duffy]

Wow, Weatherford! That is wonderful!!

[RumoursFollow]

Thats just unbelievable Weatherford. What a wonderful display of human compassion.

I think that it is important for people to get on with their lives. As with any greiving process, there just comes a time when you have to move on and draw strength from what you have experienced. Some friends and I were talking about this last night actually, wondering what we would do if we went to war and would we ever return to the life that we knew on monday?

I'm glad the ACC canceled all of the college football games this weekend. Its hard for me to see myself cheering on Clemson when right now the main thought in my head is that all of those people died in NY and DC. One of my professors sent out an email today that said todays test has been cancelled, he'd gotten too many emails from students who said they just couldnt focus enough to study. Hes a CIA agent, he had friends that died in the Pentagon, and sadly, he understands all too well.

I say give it a week.. or two. But we have to pick up where we left off and show those idiots that we wont stand for it.

[Van Teal]

The Gold Cup at Devon is still going on, I believe it starts either today or tomorrow.

[Snowbird]

I don't think that we as Americans should allow the terrorists to put this country into a lockdown police state because if we do they WIN!

They want to show us how vulnerable and weak we are and that we can't handle the hardships they have had to endure.

I believe life needs to get back to normal as soon as possible. The big national events had to cancel because of plane transportation being totally incapacitated. We should show our confidence in our government by flying our flags and we should go on with life as usual.

While those who have suffered losses deserve to be respected I think we do that best by NOT letting the terrorists accomplish their ultimate purpose of destroying our world of freedom and security.

[fernie fox]

while I agree that life should get normalized as soon as poss.I think fun events this weekend should be cancelled.I know I could not give my best if I was competeing.My brain is fried with this awful situation.

[Snowbird]

We are free to follow our own conscience the best we can. But, because you may not wish to attend does not mean it should be cancelled. What we are defending is our individual right to do what we believe is right.

[Lucassb]

in the braids.

Also a moment of silence, donations to the Red Cross or other charitable group... very appropriate and useful ideas.

I agree with those who have suggested that we refuse to allow cowardly terrorists to impact our daily life more than is absolutely necessary. We can grieve and yet refuse to be cowed at the same time. While I am sure that the group of us getting together at the Regionals at Chateau Elan this weekend may be a little more subdued than we might be otherwise, we will still be there to encourage and applaud the juniors who are riding - and to lean on our friends a little bit as we heal from the tragedies of the last few days.


**********
To appreciate heaven well
�Tis good for a man to have some fifteen minutes of hell.
Will Carleton (1845�1912)

[SGray]

NOTICE TO DALLAS DRESSAGE CLUB MEMBERS AND COMPETITORS AT THE DDC'S YELLOW ROSE FESTIVAL

It is with regret that the Dallas Dressage Club announces the cancellation of our Yellow Rose Festival. We are cancelling this weekend's show dates of September 15 & 16th and are looking at re-scheduling later this year if possible.

With these week's events, we gave ourselves a deadline of today at noon (Thursday, September 13th) to make an objective decision, deciding to base this decision on the most up-to-date knowledge on the availability of the flights bringing our judges and technical delegate to the show. Flights anywhere, in all probability, will not be on schedule for quite awhile. We could not take the chance that some of the judges could not make it to the show.

Our decision was also based on the realization that with the horrific events of this week, priorities are to pause and reflect and to grieve for those lost, injured and irrevocably damaged physically, spiritually and emotionally. Emotions are flowing - we recognize and share the emotional need to cancel the show as well in honor of the lives lost and forever changed this week.

We understand the impact this decision makes for those competitors who were working toward final qualifying scores for the championships. We hope you understand that this is completely out of anyone's control. We also hope that you will be at our hopefully re-scheduled show.

The DDC board and show management will be contacting each of the competitors, via phone and email if available. We will be contacting all of our sponsors and advertisers, hoping they will allow us to move their sponsorship to a later show. We will be contacting each of our volunteers and members. We hope each of these will forward the notice of cancellation to anyone who might have been planning on attending our Extravaganza on Saturday night.

We regret the actions of terrorists have impacted the freedom of going on with our lives as normal. We regret the lives lost, the injured and those who will be permanently impacted by the hideous events of this week. I just got an email from one of my best friends who I've been wondering all week if she was alive - she works for Rand Corporation in the Pentagon and was in a meeting at ground zero. Luckily, she's only bruised and burned and will admittedly be impacted by this the rest of her life, but she was lucky to escape with her life. I had an old boyfriend - a corporate vp with Merrill Lynch who worked in the top floors of the WTC - I know he didn't make it. Other friends I don't know about. Each of us has stories to tell and burdens to bear and we all do it in different ways. Me, I had show details to concentrate on this week, so I did - it kept me centered and going on with my life - not giving into what the terrorists were trying to accomplish - panic and chaos.

We all need to do this - get on with our lives but acknowledge the incredible devastation our country has gone through - by pulling together toward common goals and in celebration of life - not by creating strife between each other. At least that's my opinion. As we had planned for in the Extravaganza, the DDC board wants to recognize the loss this great nation has experienced by a moment of silence. Sometime this weekend, realize other DDC members and competitors will be doing the same. Thanks for your understanding as we work around a despicable and unforgettable day in our history and look with hope toward the future.

Carol Farrow
President - Dallas Dressage Club

[M. O'Connor]

such as the air transport system being shut down, making travel impossible for some officials who have contracted to work this weekend--an advisory was sent out by the organization formerly known as the AHSA about the rules that pertain to situations that many shows may face this week.

[jgrass]

There doesn't seem to be a right answer here. If you cancel, you contribute to the disruption of society that is the goal of terrorism. If you go on, it seems like frivolity in the face of suffering.

I am scheduled to ride in a dressage show Saturday. It has not been cancelled. We are scheduled to hold a hunter show at my farm on Sunday. I called the VHSA and asked if they had made a decision about their sanctioned shows. They say none have been cancelled, so it seems that the going consensus is to carry on. Don't know if that is wrong or right. So, we're holding the show. I won't be surprised or disappointed if it isn't very well attended.

[Peggy]

I agree with Merry. Let the shows go on, but have a moment of silence/respect.

Cancellation of some of the "big" events (baseball games, Emmy's etc.) may be due, at least partially, to the logistics of moving people around the country or the fear that having a large group of people together would make an excellent target.

[jgrass]

I just had one of my judges call and say she would come if we held the show, but she felt it would be more appropriate to be in church. I'm not religious, but I really can't argue with that.
I think I'm going to have to cancel the show.

[Blue Devil]

These would be the only reasons justifiable for cancelling shows I think...

All mental health care professionals agree that returning to normalcy is the BEST course of action for people in a troubling/traumatic situation or crisis. A lot of children/young adults horse back ride and show; by cancelling the show you are reaffirming in their minds that the world is coming to an end.

This "we will survive" attitude was evident as NYC schoolchildren--many of whom are missing parents or guardians or whose apartments are covered in rubble or below Canal Street--returned to school today. If the children of the attacked city can regain strength by returning to school, horse show managers must keep shows running for the children and riders accross the US to return to normalcy.

**~~Emily~~** proud
member of the junior clique!
Emily@catchride.com

[Seven]

That some organizers have decided to cancel events for the next few weekends. Unfortunately, they don't list any of the events set to be cancelled.

I am scheduled to ride in an event on Sunday. Part of me still wants to go and escape from all this horror by doing something so ordinary and normal. Another part of me can't imagine concentrating enough to effectively ride my horse in the event, not to mention the consideration that maybe *I* shouldn't be out doing something frivilous while others are in so much misery.

I like the idea of a flag on my saddle pad. I think I'll have to go look for one tomorrow just in case we get to ride Sunday.

I sent an e-mail to the organizer of the event in which I am supposed to ride. I guess I'll have to see what they say.

[Snowbird]

We lost our barn some years ago. We lost three people and we lost 16 of our working horses that paid the bills. Our fancy show horses survived in another barn.

We faced this dilemma and opted to go on with our show. Why? for the children, because life goes on and we need to keep life going. Death brings a rebirth, if it doesn't then the death was useless. Generations need to pass on to the next the strength that it takes sometimes to go on instead of giving up.

Would those who died because of this heinous act if they were watching be pleased if we let the world they knew stop running, stop growing and stop improving. Would they be proud and pleased?
By giving the terrorists a victory you make their death a waste in my personal opinion.

I think the best way to fight terrorism is to not let them know that they even made a blip on our world. Let them have died for nothing and keep them from being the martyers they dreamed.

[Bostonian]

While certain consideration of a Nation's mourning during this terrible, terrible time caused NASCAR, NFL, Baseball, etc. to cancel competition; there was also thought given to removing temptation (and National symbols) from would-be terrorists.

While it's an individual decision for horseshow managers in the United States, clearly USET should think twice before sending the show jumping squad to the Nations Cup Final in Spain - without consulting the USOC and the Dept. of Agriculture - IF they can even get a flight out this weekend.

It would be a selfish and truly incompetent decision indeed to quite unnecessarily tempt fate and somebody should think first of the horse's safety - they don't have a voice.

Let us hope USET's executives do not mismanage a very sensitive situation.

[hillary]

I spectated at a local schooling show yesterday. Over half the participants are children who are really beginning to show (mostly around 10 years old). They are scared enough - let's not punish them for this tragedy. Many people had the little ribbon pins on their polo shirts.

[Duffy]

I went to a polo match benefitting a local family services agency and it was wonderful to be with other people on an absolutely beautiful day, enjoying the company and the horses, (and the food, etc. /infopop/emoticons/icon_wink.gif ) They had a lovely anthem duet and a few moments of silence - both of which were lovely. Lots of people were dressed in red, white and blue. In all, I was happy to NOT feel terribly guilty, attempting to have a good time - which was very nice.

[NoGreatMischief]

I was at my barn's final show in its schooling series today. Obviously, the show was on, but we did observe a minute of silence before the first class.

The animals were still, the music was off, and we all reflected on just how d*mn lucky we are to be afforded the freedom to devote a beautiful, cloudless late summer day to something that brings us together and makes us happy.

What made it more striking was the sound of the small twin-engine plane that happened by overhead during that minute. It took my breath away.

It's a lot like nuts and bolts - if the rider's nuts, the horse bolts!
~The Horse Whisperer