Search Results for: frankly speaking
Frankly Speaking: A Silver Lining
Frankly Speaking: Path of Change!
Frankly Speaking: Circus Circus
This coming May marks the final performance of one of the most iconic entertainment troupes in history. The Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus performs for the last time in New York City on May 21. And so comes the end of “The Greatest Show on Earth” – one that entertained those from ages 1 to 93 and lasted nearly a century. How sad that we will not have “The Circus” in our lives any longer, and our next generation will never experience the thrills and excitement that we, our children and their children enjoyed during our lifetimes.
Frankly Speaking: Let Your Sons Grow up to Be Cowboys!
As all of you probably know by now, thanks to full-blown media coverage, the United States and our national anthem have been purposely disgraced by several players in the National Football League and other professional athletes who refuse to stand during its singing as a way to protest racism in this country.
Frankly Speaking: Best for All Concerned
I am sure that most of you are aware of the many and varied opinions on recent drug policies that involve the horse racing industry, as well as those that concern our show and performance horses. After much thought on this subject and especially after the American Quarter Horse Association’s (AQHA) suspension of the Multiple Medication Violation System as it pertains to Quarter Horse racing, I think our equine industry’s efforts should be pointed in a concerted direction.
Frankly Speaking: So, You Call Yourself a Horseman
“Horseman.” This term, in my opinion, describes a person who understands and respects horses. He or she is completely comfortable handling, riding, teaching, interpreting, using and caring for the needs of a horse. This person navigates him or herself around the equine species with an aura of confidence and respect for the animal. A true horseman never has to characterize him or herself as such; that quality is immediately evident and recognizable to anyone who knows what it takes to be one. A horseman commands respect from his or her peers by action, accomplishment and knowledge, which places this person in a unique strata – apart from the general crowd in the horse world. Simply put, he or she stands out and apart from the rest.
Problem is, there are too few horsemen in the equine industry today. Many call themselves horsemen, but few actually grasp and express the concept, and even fewer possess the work ethic required to reach that plateau.
Frankly Speaking: Horse First, Me Second
At long last, welfare issues have come front and center in the minds of equine organizations.
Frankly Speaking: Why Don’t You Take The Day Off?
I write this column a month in advance of its published date so, I can only guess at the outcome of the upcoming American Quarter Horse Association (AQHA) Convention. By now, all of you will have heard the news as to who has been elected to serve AQHA’s membership on the executive committee, board of directors, changes in the rules and other pertinent information that has been decided on during this annual meeting.
Frankly Speaking: Chrome Effect
Since earlier this spring, I have followed the exploits of one “California Chrome” and his march toward the Triple Crown title of Thoroughbred racing: the Kentucky Derby, Preakness Stakes and, finally, the Belmont Stakes. By the time you read this, “Chrome” will have either won or lost his battle to reach equine greatness – one that has only been achieved by 11 other horses. My hope, of course, is that he has won the Belmont and become the worldwide, polarizing individual that “Secretariat” once was (and still is, to a lesser extent, today).