10 Feet Of The Fence
January 2012

When two or more horse people get together, stories are told. It is almost like fishing tales, some are embellished, both laughter and tears flow. “I remember when” starts the conversation and it is enjoyed by all participants until it is time to part company. So it is with “Horse Tails”. I have, so far laughed and cried and tripped down Memory Lane. Hearing “Tails” from those I have heard from, I have seen the club through others’ eyes and re-connected with people I have not seen or talked to in YEARS!

Question: What does being a member mean to you? I have been having a tough time figuring out who is and is not a member. Did you know, Juniors do not have an actual VOTE at General Meetings? Sponsorship does not give you a VOTE. Adult Members only get to actually VOTE on rule changes, and other important decisions. It is not enough your daughter, son, brother, grandchild belongs. If you want a say, please buy a membership. Then, you get a voice in what happens. I know we are not the only game in town, but, having read “Horse Tails” from almost 40 contributions (as of this writing), Rockwood is THE place for beginners, starters, getting your feet wet and competing at a less-than-expert level, where you are made to feel comfortable, and (we try) feel welcome.
Also, looking back: where are all the MEN competing? Yes, there are a few (count them on one hand), but not like the 70’s and 80’s when every family’s father competed, too.

 “My mother always said: “If you are getting something from an organization, you should put something back”. (Excerpt from Sheila Robbins’ “Horse Tail”)

I am still a lot disappointed only 5 people showed up to the General Meeting. If you were out of town, had a family crisis, had a previously scheduled event, fine. BUT if you forgot or didn’t care to come, that, to me, is not an acceptable excuse. It was supposed to be an election year and there are a couple of vacant seats. I wonder what the executive will decide?

What if you came to the club show on the second Sunday of May and no one was there to organize it? What would you do if there was no one in the entry booth, no announcer, no judge and no Food Booth? Other competitors are arriving and expecting to compete. The usual people who work the show are there but want to be nothing but spectators this time. Would you pack up and head home, or would you quickly gather important people and scramble to save the show?  What are you giving back to the club?

“I recall attending the meetings and learning how to participate on the club's executive.  The experience gained there has served me well over the years as I have continued to sit on various sports and work related committees.” (Excerpt from Susan McKinnon’s “Horse Tail”) In age, we can look back and see where we learned our lessons. Sometimes we do not even know we are learning while in the middle of it.

We have plans for celebrating this year and they will all fall flat if YOU do not come out and support YOUR club. Every little bit helps.

We are heading into our 50th season. “Kick Up Your Heels” and let’s celebrate!

Anne Dales     apdales@sympatico.ca