1967-Voice Of The Tennessee Walking Horse 1967 April Voice RS | Page 28

THIS AND THAT
The following article was sent to us by an interested
VOICE reader who felt that its contents may be of inter­
est to the Walking Horse public. It is a re-print of the
story that was run in the “Quarter Horse Journal” and
offers mute testimony to what other breed representatives
feel about the Tennessee Walking Horse and the “status”
of our breed as a show horse. Some interesting parallels
are presented which we considered food for thought.
DANGER AHEAD
There are several reasons why the Quarter Horse is the
most popular horse in America, not the least of which is
owner-participation in competitive events.
Historically, the Quarter Horse is the one breed of horse
that a novice horseman could own. groom, fit, show at hal­
ter and ride in competitive events.
For almost two generations the American Saddlebred
was the nation’s most popular show horse. Then, for a
brief time, the Tennessee Walking horse was the most
highly esteemed. But neither of these breeds was able to
maintain its popularity, largely because owners began to
sit on the sideline and watch someone else train, groom
and show their expensive equines.
The gaits of the American Saddle Horse became so arti­
ficial that his use for pleasure riding was greatly diminished
and only experts could show and win with him. There was
nothing left for the owner to do except to pay the bills and
brag to all who would listen. The show career of the Tennes­
see Walker was designed for owner-participation, but in less
than a dozen years the method of showing and the need for
winning became so intense that the average owner was elim­
inated from personal competition.
Now, what about the Quarter Horse? Is he destined to
go the way of the Saddlebred, the Tennessee Walker, and
the racing Thoroughbred? Will his inexpert owners be
driven from the show circuit? Will his popularity fade be­
cause owners tire of paying the bills and of being ordered
around by the more proficient masters of the ring and arena?
Do not call us an alarmist or say that we are opposed
to professional trainers and showmen; neither charge
would be true. We are, however, seeking to protect the
future of these people by preserving the right of a major­
ity of owners to enjoy breeding, training, grooming and
competing on equal terms with their fellow horsemen.
Numerous people write to the Journal, lamenting the
fact that in shows where there are five professional train­
ers or showmen, the first five places invariably go to the
professionals, and what is left over go to the amateurs.
It is natural to believe that professionals show the best
horses and that they may do the best job of showing
and performing. One might assume also that protests
come only from poor losers. Such is not always the case.
Often, of course, professionals do contest the best horses
in a superior manner. That is their business. If they have
the best horses, they must win or look for another job.
But when non-professional owner-showmen with desir­
able horses decide they have no chance to place reasonably
well, they have one of two choices: hire a professional to do
their training and showing or get out of the game. Therein
lies the danger now facing the future of Quarter Horse pop­
ularity. If ever the time comes when only highly-skilled spe­
cialists have a chance for a trophy, that will mark the end of
Quarter Horse competition that now has no equal in all
hotsedom.
EDITOR’S NOTE: The following poem was sent in by one of
our readers just recently. We felt that our other readers would
eniov this piece and the idea behind it. We would like to thank
Mr. W. E. Mathews for his efforts on our behalf and that of
,u„’
Walking: Horse.
THE CHAMPION
By W. E. Mathews
Oh. what proud features, as he comes running into the ring
His hoofs pounding thunder and there breeze his flowing
mane.
His reach is so tremendous—those front legs are so strong
The power of his hind legs move him right along.
His muscles flex while stepping and nods his graceful head
Flows the ribbons on his right, like flowers are so red.
A king among his subjects, though the rider has control
His actions arc magnificent, he knows he’s in a show.
The crowd becomes excited, applaudes his mighty stride
Though sitting on the benches, they feel the thrilling ride.
He is now commanded flat walk and he walks likene’r
before
To a perfect rhythmic count of one, two, three, four.
His canter’s slow and graceful, on the Droper lead
Reminiscent of a rocking chair, it is that indeed.
Performed in both directions, his gaits are perfectly true
His eyes and ears depict alertnes, he’s looking for a blue.
Line up in the center and stand like statue there
While judge checks conformation and sees that all was
fair.
Of nature, man and environment, the judge likes what
he sees
This Walking Horse, the aristocrat from Middle Tennessee.
Chuck .Canton. (Photogna.jp hy
2208 S. Holtzclaw Avenue
Chattanooga, Tennessee 37404