Rejoice! Let’s be positive. Lawn mowing and those evil gopher rodents are just fond memories. On the downside, fall seemed to be only 30 minutes long before we went directly into stupid, cold winter.
I’ve been wearing my long-handled underwear for several months now (“Same pair?” you ask … now, now, that’s a bit too personal and maybe you don’t want to know!) I am trying to remain positive here.
This time of year, me and the lazy boy start eyeing one another in that fond relationship sort of way. It’s not an unhealthy thing. It’s where I think best. Now that’s my opinion (another thing about this time of year: I’m not that open to third party opinions so save your thoughts for another opportunity).
Now, in the very brief thoughtful and reflective time that I spent in the lazy boy this fall, I recalled fall’s events. Once again, ready or not, you know I am going to share those observations.
The late summer and fall is futurity season. The breeders, owners, and trainers bring their best to the show pen. This year was not disappointing to the fans of the major western disciplines.
As all competitors know, each year the standard of excellence is more demanding. The results of the CRBC, Canadian Supreme, Wrangler Cutting Futurity, Goodyear Snaffle Bit Futurity, and all the competitions that I didn’t list (no intended slight) are featured throughout the pages of leading publications such as Horses All (shameless endorsement acknowledged).
Editor’s Note: Just what I like, Ron, a columnist who knows who butters his bread, albeit rather thinly!
The results list the proud owners, the celebrated sires and, of course, the leading trainers. My compliments to all involved. Canada has the quality goods and the ability to spotlight those efforts.
But something was missing. Right. It’s opinion time in the column. When the champions are celebrated and the owners are applauded, we forget a whole group. The pit crew.
The people that lope and prepare the horses for each opportunity of fame. The people that are on the job two hours before the event’s early morning starts and are still doing their job two hours after the event has officially ended for the day.
Think about how that would be at the Canadian Supreme. The endless tasks of tending to your horses exacerbated by being away from the conveniences of home. Add in the fact that these horses are youngsters with limited experience in being outside their comfort level, yet are expected to perform to their peak ability.
The days are long. The organization and management of time is critical. The pit crew is para-veterinarian, tireless manual labour, multi-task capable, behavioural observer, head cheerleader … and, most likely, head launderer as well.
I don’t mean to make it sound like a third world country of oppression. It’s just that I notice the effort that the pit crew makes. I know that their contributions make champions. Sound and healthy champions.
I know that a vast number of the lopers and assorted white slaves are spouses. Spouses have multiple jobs: moms, business managers, staff coordinators, part-time psychologist, the list is endless.
I know something else. The pit crew doesn’t do it for the financial gain. (If they do, they have some serious goal-setting problems). I know they do it for the same reason that we are all involved. They do it because that’s where their heart is. All I can say is THANKS!
The Christmas season will be almost over by the time you read this. Let some of the joy of the festive season extend into the upcoming year.
If you haven’t paid your obligations to your pit crew (reminder: non-pros have the benefit of the crew) it’s never too late. A simple acknowledgement helps us all stay balanced.
From my family to yours, the best of the season and heartfelt wishes for the New Year as well.
Horses All columnist Ron Anderson is a popular show and sale announcer, as well as a skilled competitor and trainer. He owns and runs Sylvancrest Stock Farm with his wife Marilyn.
