1967-Voice Of The Tennessee Walking Horse 1967 March Voice RS | Page 24

A LOOK AT THE FUTURE
In the past several months this column has dealt with some of the problems in the Walking Horse world as we see them and indicated what we thought should be done about them . While there is a necessity for criticism of a constructive nature , it will reap few benefits unless we take positive action in light of our findings .
Looking back is necessary ’ in order to get an idea of what is needed in the future . VVe can benefit from our mistakes by using past experience in preventing their reoccurrence in the future .
Many people are talking about and hearing about “ upgrading the Walking Horse business .” This is a good thought but we need to take a penetrating look and see just what we mean when we talk about “ upgrading .” In itself this is just a general phrase which has little constructive meaning .
Does upgrading the Walking Horse business mean selling more Walking Horses ? Does it mean building better
24 barns and driving finer vans ? Does it mean going formal when we show our horses ?
“ Upgrading ” could mean all of these things and by the same token maybe none of them . The primary point we would emphasize here is that it perhaps means something different to each and every one of us . And if each and every one of us would answer this question truthfully , it would produce some startling results .
Imagine the results if every-one went to work with the betterment of the breed foremost in mind . This points up one of the basic problems of the horse business ; too many people are taking and very few are giving . Let me hasten to point out this is the same problem that has always plagued every human endeavor . The popular saying “ it takes all kinds ” is frequently heard but we are not so sure that “ all kinds ” arc necessary . Maybe we are just kidding ourselves into thinking they are .
As we said earlier “ we need to be specific ” and if anything we are being general . Space does not permit us to list or elaborate on the many specific problems facing the horse business . We feel certain any person with more than a passing interest could elaborate on our problems as well as we can .
The request that we would make is for each and everyone of us to take a serious individual look at our various problems ; decide which ones directly involve us , and make a determined effort to help alleviate them . This involves a lot of work , a good share of sacrifice , and a willingness to put our private interest in the background . The kind of people willing to do this are hard to find . But find them we must if the future is to hold the promise and potential we seek . It is important to remember in this regard , that by working for the breed , we are in essence working for ourselves because we are the persons whose futures are tied directly to those of the Walking Horse . So while giving something at the present time , we are merely insuring the good harvests of the future .
To those people who would sit on the sidelines without taking an active part in any direction , we would merely say that “ indifference ” can be as much of a detriment as negative action . It is easy to be detached and unconcerned but the “ doers ” are the ones who make the world go around .
So in conclusion , we would like to encourage each and every one of you to take heart and do something for the Walking Horse business . The Walking Horse has experienced tremendous growth and increased prosperity during the last few years but lets not allow this small success to take our eyes off the future . Anything worth doing is worth doing right . Remember this and we will all be better off in the crucial years ahead .
DATES SET FOR ANNUAL AWHA SCHOOL AND SHOW
The 16th Annual American Walking Horse Association School and Horse Show will be held May 4 , 5 , 6 at Quentin , Pennsylvania . Indications are for the biggest and best year in the history of the event .
May 4 will be taken up with reception and registration and the school will follow the next day . On May 6 the show will be held and at least 10 Walking Horse classes will be on the program .
The Quentin Riding Club will be completely taken over f ° r _ these three days and this will provide the excellent facilities necessary for such a program .
VOICE of the Tennessee Walking Horse