Cornbread Thinks: Plan Your Party & Party Your Plan

As a community, we are all in this together. In truth, the whole world is in this together. It’s hard to understand how one fool on the other side of the world can pull off one stunt and we all go barefoot in the airport. Or it can be one hero and the change is for the better. The world of cutting is no different.

It is easy to forget we have the same problems as everyone else. We all get the flu, pay taxes, get stuck in traffic and buy groceries. We age differently, though. It seems we notice the aging to about 27, then the next time we notice someone’s age they are 77. We’ve got to have the longest middle age of any group.

A business saying: “Plan your work and work your plan.” We do that pretty well. We do not plan our partying nearly as well. As a matter of fact, we are failing and we must work on this. You must have fun to win in this sport. There is a certain relaxed you must be to get a horse shown. Go to the herd mad and you will leave madder.

So having fun is a necessity; it should be tax deductible. All things in moderation, though. There is such a thing as too much fun. This is our failing. This failure is heartbreaking. Our entire community is affected by tragedies. Never forget, every single one of us has a responsibility to prevent heartache amongst ourselves. “I’m only hurting myself ” is a complete falsehood.

Becoming part of this community is not easy. We can’t afford what you don’t know. Allowing you in means opening our hearts to you, because we are trusting you with these horses and our sport. It requires an elevated level of professionalism. Everything must be all Goldilocks – just so and just right. Many try, few make it. We are invested in each other for this to work.

Our problem is, the level of care we give to this sport is not being carried into our partying. We never get a horse out, go to a show, work a horse, bathe a horse or do anything else with a horse without a plan. This plan always ends with a horse back in its stall, safe and sound. We are excellent at getting out of the crib and to the party. We must improve on the “back in the stall safe and sound” part. This means plan your party, then party your plan.

People never plan to ruin their lives and bring heartache on our community when they walk out the door. Just as we don’t leave what can happen to a horse to chance, you can’t leave getting home from the party to chance. Alcohol is cunning, powerful and baffling. It cheats. It is a silver-tongued devil. It convinces you that you can ride that mechanical bull this time. It makes you change your plan. This is bad. We know too well the worst consequence. Way too well. Let’s fix this.

The best solution is a sober person. If you don’t know any, that could be a sign. Maybe you could rent one from the local Alcoholics Anonymous group. Just walk in the door and ask around. The benefit is these are pros at having fun. Anyway, after you get your sober person, you put him or her in charge. It’s not you saying, “Don’t let me drive.” It’s you handing over the keys. Or better yet, ride with them. Leave your car in the stall.

Here’s a word to the “sober” person. This is serious work, serious as a Rabbi baking a ham. Sober does not mean you are the least drunk of the bunch. It means not even a sip. Yes, it is a sacrifice, but it is a noble calling. Your job isn’t to be a dull-witted, judgmental jerk, either. We need them to want you there. (Hint: When dealing with the alcohol-fueled great idea of the moment, “No” is a complete sentence.)

We love great stories – the more embarrassing the better. Some are greatness. We truly need you to be here to tell them. Years down the road, we don’t want to talk about what a great person you were. We want to talk about what a great person you are. We need you. We love you. Please don’t hurt us.

Cornbread Thinks: And so should you.