I thought it might be nice at this time of year, as we head into 2008, that instead of writing a “how-to” article or a perspective on the horses or training, let’s reflect back to 2007 and consider how we achieved the many goals and objectives we set for last year.

We often hear about those riders, horses or breeders in the spotlight and read about their successes and accomplishments (in this magazine, for instance). We regularly see that spotlight focused on the medals they earned, the ribbons they won and their future goals.

But what a rider is attempting to achieve in the sport is often a complex puzzle that he must piece together as he goes. There are many areas in this sport in which to focus, and the riders must often choose which of these pieces they’ll concentrate on, including riding and showing, working with owners, training methods and developing sales methods.

And within the sport there are many other structures that must be in place in order for a rider to make these choices and to earn these accolades, including national and regional organizations, local associations and breed societies, to name just a few.

In fact, there are so many groups that comprise this sport that we often forget how many people are involved in a rider’s achievements! Often, those who we find in the spotlight are there because of a lot of hard work behind the scenes.

As I look forward to new competitive goals—as one who is out there “doing it” in the sport—I think it’s time for us to step back for a moment and recognize those who have given a tremendous amount of support in our equestrian disciplines.

We recognize our sponsors for supporting education, specific venues, competitions, riders and the national organization, the U.S. Equestrian Federation, to fund teams. But without these many valuable and dedicated sponsors there’s no way all of the accomplishments we’ve made could have been achieved. While it’s true that sponsors often receive attention through advertising, promotion and articles, we could do more.

It’s equally important to recognize another group that’s often overlooked—the volunteers. And along with the volunteers are those people who work incredibly hard, even in jobs that aren’t strictly volunteer in nature, but behind the scenes in the breed societies, national governing bodies and other vital organizations. Without their dedication and expertise, we wouldn’t be able to go out and do what we do in the sport because there would be no awards to earn.

There are so many people giving so much of their time and energy toward this passion that is equestrian sport that I think now is the time to look back and to recognize their dedication. So thank you to all of those people who commit themselves to the sport behind the scenes so that we may go out and try to achieve what’s been developed for us and attain our time in the spotlight.

Very often when the going gets tough or when we disagree with something we become complainers. “Why can’t we make these rule changes? Why can’t this or that be done?” But complaining does nothing. If a person has a complaint, he should do something about it.

But at the same time we should keep in mind that there’s a lot of energy, time and resources being put into this sport, and most everyone is trying to do their best to make a difference. There are always improvements to be made in equestrian sport, however, so constructive criticism is most welcome and valuable; complaints are not.

So, as you prepare your competitive calendar for 2008, take a moment to look back and thank those people who have allowed you to achieve what you have and who continue to commit their time and energy to the future of our sport.

In addition, when you have a complaint this year don’t just verbalize it. Make a suggestion. Consider the people behind the scenes and help them to make our sport better. Everyone’s input is valuable. There are countless people trying hard to make this a smooth enterprise, from breeding all the way to Grand Prix, in all different disciplines.

If someone special comes to mind after reading this article, someone who you feel has done something special for this sport such as a volunteer or sponsor, take the time to write a thank-you note or e-mail. Let’s make sure we really acknowledge their behind-the-scenes work. Without them we wouldn’t be able to go out and achieve the results, the recognition, the satisfaction, or the enjoyment for which we’re all striving.

Scott Hassler, the National Young Horse Dressage Coach, resides in Chesapeake City, Md., and has trained many horses to Grand Prix. The U.S. Dressage Federation Sport Horse Committee chairman since 2001, he helped establish the sport/breeding record-keeping system now active in the USDF and U.S. Equestrian Federation. He began writing Between Rounds columns in 2005.