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