| Every now and then you go some place or do | | | | someone did well and we were happy for them? |
| something just like you have done many times, | | | | Lets face it, there is only one blue ribbon |
| but somehow this time it is different. That | | | | winner in each class. I would not even take |
| was my experience this week end going to a | | | | my horse to the show if I required a blue |
| horse show just like I have gone every year | | | | ribbon in order to be satisfied. Obviously |
| for the past thirty years.Wow, talk about a | | | | we are in competition and winning is the |
| learning experience, this years Indiana | | | | objective but I say that sportsmanship is |
| Celebration was a horse show to remember. | | | | just as much a part of winning as it is of |
| | | | losing. There is no excuse for rudeness on |
| I love horse shows and I especially love the | | | | the part of any one in attendance.Family |
| Tennessee Walking Horse. At this years show | | | | ValuesWhen I go to a multi-night show I |
| it was more than just a horse show. I was | | | | really look forward to the fellowship after |
| able to learn about greed, competitiveness, | | | | the horse show. Many of us have campers and |
| family values, and integrity.GreedDid you | | | | enjoy getting together after the horse show. |
| know that there are people out there that | | | | This can be fun for everyone that is |
| want it all? Yes, they do not want anyone | | | | involved, from mom and dad to grandmother and |
| else to win any of the blue ribbons and | | | | the kids. Even the family dog is involved in |
| trophies. You see I actually like people. | | | | part of the action.But at this particular |
| If you like people then you have compassion | | | | show it seemed that too much drinking, bad |
| for their feelings and their dreams. When I | | | | language, and character bashing were the rule |
| go to a horse show I enjoy watching the | | | | instead of the exception. Many times we |
| little kids that are happy weather they get a | | | | confuse having an opinion with being straight |
| ribbon or not. They seem to be content just | | | | out vulgar! |
| to be riding the horse.It is especially | | | | |
| interesting to watch the ladies class. Women | | | | While this bothers me in all circumstances |
| seem to be more natural at riding then men | | | | it is especially alarming when kids are |
| do. | | | | present. Bad language and poor sportsmanship |
| | | | are learned behavior. Adults should lead the |
| They sit up straight and look really good in | | | | way in teaching the value of sportsmanship. |
| the saddle. While some are more competitive | | | | Actually we should sincerely be happy for the |
| than others. Just the challenge of riding a | | | | winners of each class. When we lose that |
| thousand pound horse seems to be rewarding to | | | | love and respect for others then we lose the |
| most.Now the professional classes are a | | | | love and respect from others.IntegrityDo you |
| different story. It is just awesome to watch | | | | walk the walk and talk the talk? That is the |
| the trainers as they ready their mount for | | | | question we should ask ourselves. Attending |
| the competition. It is so obvious that they | | | | horse shows has been a past time for me for |
| take a special pride in each and every animal | | | | over thirty years. While I have certainly |
| that they have prepared for the show. It is | | | | seen judging and fan participation that has |
| almost like the trainer has a special | | | | been less than desirable, it has been the |
| relationship with the animal that only the | | | | exception and not the rule.Winning at all |
| two of them can, or will ever, | | | | cost is not winning at all. If you think it |
| understand.Regrettably this week-end I did | | | | is okay to cheat as long as you do not get |
| not get to witness the joy of people enjoying | | | | caught then you have an integrity problem. |
| the animals that God put us dominion over. | | | | Just because someone else cheats to get an |
| Instead it looked as though the competitors | | | | advantage does not mean that it is |
| wanted to win at any cost.CompetitionUsually | | | | permissible for all who compete. If you |
| there are at least two or three horses in | | | | truly have integrity then you will not |
| each of the classes that are so close in | | | | compromise for anyone.Horse shows are just |
| ability, that it is hard to determine who won | | | | one of many types of competition were |
| the class. It is very subjective. Some | | | | competitors and fans alike will get the |
| judges like a free going horse while others | | | | opportunity to test their skills and enjoy |
| seem to like a horse that has lots of speed | | | | themselves. In the process of competition |
| or animation.Watching the horses strut their | | | | one can teach and learn not only how to have |
| stuff was a fascinating experience. The | | | | a good time but also how to be a good sport. |
| quality of horses was exceptional. The | | | | No matter where you are, who you are, or what |
| beauty of the high headed, deep walking, high | | | | you are doing, it is important to practice |
| stepping horses was every bit as exciting as | | | | good sportsmanship while exhibiting family |
| I had perceived. Yet something was missing | | | | values and integrity. This is true in the |
| and it was missing badly. It was the | | | | work-place, at home, at little league ball |
| important ingredient of good sportsmanship. | | | | games, and in all walks of life.Bob Roach |
| One could scarcely enjoy the beautiful horses | | | | Father of one and middle school teacher of |
| in front of you without hearing negative and | | | | literally thousands over the past thirty |
| undeserved remarks from horse owners who were | | | | years. To find out more parenting tips, check |
| not winning. What happened to the day when | | | | out the Baby Names Box. |