One Show That’s Exhibitor-Friendly
Dear Sir:

I am basically in agreement with John Strassburger’s Commentary “Not Every Show Can Be A ‘Show’ “(March 26, p.4). We do need more spectator-oriented competitions; nothing feels better to management or competitors than playing to a full and enthusiastic house.
But, at another level, it is the competitors, owners and trainers who put down their money, sometimes weeks on end, to assure the success of an event. How about making those “neither fish nor fowl” competitions really, truly exhibitor-friendly?

I recently participated at the Pin Oak Charity Horse Show (Texas). A group of dedicated and horse knowledgeable volunteers run the show, and it is an exceptional experience. Heading this list of volunteers is Lyn Walsh, a well-known horseperson in the amateur-owner ranks. Lyn has obviously paid attention and now incorporated almost all the missing links to provide exhibitors and related personnel with a beautifully run competition. How often is one genuinely thanked by staff members, all wearing a genuine smile, for being there and asked whether you had any ideas for further improvement?

McDonald’s donates their services every morning, standing ready as you exit the schooling area with hot coffee or an Egg McMuffin. And the gourmet coffee prices are cheap compared to $3 per 12 ounces in Ocala (Fla.)!

The highlight in my book was during the $30,000 grand prix, run at the end of the day in the covered arena. After the fifth or sixth horse had gone, the announcer apologized that management was going to put the class on hold until the blinding sunâ¿¿just then in the process of descending below the horizonâ¿¿had ceased to be a visual impediment to horses or riders as they navigated the course. As management said, “Safety for horse and rider is our prime concern.”

Many of us will never participate in the biggest leagues, but we may attend and enjoy the fruition of Mr. Strassburger’s advice to have at least some of these be really good shows.

Marilla Van Beuren
Wellington, Fla.

Another North American-Bred
Dear Sir:
A horse I currently own was omitted from your list of “North American-Breds In The Ring” (April 9, p. 28). Chief Speaker, a 1989 Kentucky-bred Thoroughbred gelding by Garthon, was also showing at Grand Prix in 2000, 2001 and 2002.

He was shown and owned by Christie Stillwaugh of New Jersey. Together they earned bronze, silver and gold medals from the U.S. Dressage Federation. Christie trained him from training level through Grand Prix as an amateur rider. I purchased Chief Speaker in 2002 as an upper-level schoolmaster.

Cynthia A. Reynolds
Johnson City, Tenn.

Down The Same Road
Dear Sir:
I just wanted to thank you for Denny Emerson’s column “Few Of Us Are Like Wiley Coyote” (March 26, p. 61).

It was reassuring to read that the feelings I am currently undergoing regarding my own fears and limitations are valid. But more importantly, it was great to read that someday I will get over it. It was especially heartfelt to be allowed to know that people of Mr. Emerson’s caliber of horsemanship have been down the same road. I sincerely appreciate his candor and honesty.

Pat Holland
Hanover, Ill.

Thanks For The Hope
Dear Sir:
Denny Emerson and Robyn Dunning have made me feel ever so much better.

I lay in bed in February reading about Bruce Davidson (Feb. 6, p. 60) while nursing a broken leg and organizing the feeding/care schedule for 20 horses. I was most impressed because he had bred, raised and competed his own horses.

While not aspiring to Mr. Davidson’s level, when I began to try to walk in mid-March (I broke my leg on Jan. 8), I felt despair. I had lost muscle tone and gained weight. For the first time in 49 years of riding, I felt old, tired and vulnerable.

Then Mr. Emerson’s column “Few Of Us Are Like Wiley Coyote” (March 26, p. 61) reminded us to just do the best we can. I now go out to the barn and look at my three foals with renewed hope. I stroke my wonderful, 16.1-hand Anglo-Arab, whom I bred and raised, and I think, “Wow, I’m closer than I was in February.”

Then I remembered Ms. Dunning’s wonderful article (“A Return To The Horse,” Nov. 14, p. 42), and I knew that I had to return to my “soul of the child whose only desire was to experience the horse.” A friend has supplied a safe horse to begin riding, but they still provided the inner light and hope.

Thanks!

Pam Salem
Seymour, Tenn.