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