barren granite . We had hoped to ride to the summit , which affords one of the most magnificent views to be found anywhere . However , after looking over the
snow and ice-covered slopes , we decided to leave
that for another day . " Perhaps next spring , when Mother Nature has
changed her coat from crystal white to bright green , we will saddle up our favorite Walkers and ride to the summit — and we hope you can ride along with
us on that trip , too !”
BACK AT THE RANCH — None the worse for their long and trying trip through the snowy mountain terrain , these sturdy Tennessee Walking Horses show their worth as their pleased riders cool them out after their journey .
And , Jack , the satisfied amateur doesn ’ t mind pa , ine But by barring him from this class and that rlass and limiting his fun more and more with each -new ’ rule ,” you are cutting the amateur out of the
nnrse world - leaving more professionals than " an .
tels ” to pay them . Remember he can always " take Ls marbles and go home .” There are other sports
tv , at cater to the amateur !
Now let ’ s reverse things - if there were more amateurs there would be a demand for more horses , and Zr , re horses demand more barns , and more barns rnth private and public ) demand more trainers !! This
would result in bigger entries and more profitable
Thows which in turn would give show committees ore money to produce top rate shows , with funds ™ Lrp more judges for various divisions , which would
provide the public a truly " big show ” and , at the P i ! mp seeing all those amateurs , there would mdoubtedly be those who would think , " Well , if he
d ° do it so can I ,” and a new amateur is born . Tnd so the snowball goes . Bigger and better horse v^nciinessfor everyone concerned ! Ind no one is " left out ”! And if the amateur goofs ,
he can ’ t blame the pro . And for the most part , he ’ ll qhrnit it was a great thrill even if he didn ’ t get the
Sfhut if the pro doesn ’ t get the blue , the owner mu ’ f A Vnnw whv ' So , perhaps , there would be less C . eb E , » tb , p . o , » ouW lb ,, ,« io
stranglehold they have on the owner - the amateur _ the poor soul who , remember , pays the bills .
Sincerely ,
Mrs . Rex B . Foster , Jr . Rangemore Walking Horse Farm RR4 , Waterloo , Iowa
SHOULD AMATEURS SHOW AGAINST PROFESSIONALS ?
Thfe following letter , was written to Mr . JACK WARREN , well-known professional trainer from Spring Hill , Tennessee , after a telephone conversation regarding a proposed ruling that would restrict an Amateur from showing against a professional , just as a professional is restricted from showing against an Amateur in an Amateur class . We do not have the details of the conversation that preceded this letter , but felt that there was some good thinking in the letter itself .
Jack Warren Stables Spring Hill , Tennessee
Dear Jack ,
Back to that subject we touched on slightly on the phone ; don ’ t they realize they ’ re biting the hand that feeds them ? Remember , that amateur pays those big bills — the last of the big-time spenders — but above all , remember , he pays .
Why are the professionals so afraid to let the amateur ride against them ? If he is a highly skilled professional in the field of horsemanship , why then is he afraid of the untrained , not so skilled amateur , who is riding for the love of the sport ?
Could it be man ’ s vanity ? Isn ’ t there a bit of the " show-off ’ in each of us , regardless of our field or sport ? If so , then let the pros " show-off ,” but not at the expense of the amateur . Just let the amateur have the same opportunity ! Remember , he ’ s paving for it !! 6
58
MICHIGAN WALKING HORSE NEWS
by Mrs . J . Wade Titus Galesburg , Michigan
held the^n^ ^ ° ZSe Associati <> n of Michigan ( WHAM ) ant Cha^1 ^WurdS Banquet at Andy ’ s Restaur ! event
’ Mlchlgan , April 2 , 1966 . The gala a delicious WeP fttended and everyone enjoyed
conversation PlUS stimulating Walking Horse during thp • *° r most ° f us > this was the first time and disniQc Wln * er that we all met together to visit
Mrs RTTQ^Tt7ear , S new borses an^ coming events . Horse Farmf r , HAYNER ( VaUey DaIe WaBdng give thp ir . '* . lesdur £> Michigan , was asked to amazoo fnr ? C ! tl0n and Dr- JOHN SACKETT of Kal-
Mrs . FRAPMrST ? cfnt ^HAM ) acted as toastmaster . of the Awa h ^ MILLER of Paw Paw was chairman
MAXINF and was assisted by Mrs . and ribboneINGM^N ’ also of Paw Paw- The trophies fill , the dinn WGre ovely > the table decorations beautidelightful excebent — all together , it was a very for Sprincr ^ to . start the coming of much-looked-
Dr John c “ g *”’* Horse Show Season .
CHAMPlON ’’ kett presented the " OPEN GRAND and exhihifpH award to Country Jake ’ s Go Boy , owned GER nf Mn i S ° beautifully by Mrs . R . E . MURBARs egon , Michigan . Reserve award went
VOICE of the Tennessee Walking Horse