president ’ s message by Joe Kahre
Those World trophies are so gorgeous and my , oh my , how beautiful they would look on your display shelf at home . We all want them . We all work for them . We all covet them as you know they are the reward for “ winning ”. Your heart is pounding while your friends in the stands are screaming and hollering for you and your win . Tears often well up in your eyes as our pretty ribbon girl reaches down and places the beautiful sash around your horse ’ s neck . The camera flashes and then you take that victory lap where you look down to see the sash blowing in the wind with your now , WORLD CHAMPION horse . You are a winner ! You have traveled many miles , worked countless hours , done meticulous grooming . The training and conditioning has been going on all spring and summer and while we may wish to forget ; there is that financial commitment we have made . Now , in the center of the World arena , your work , your horse , perhaps your breeding , your hours and hours have been rewarded for ALL to see . The rush is incredible . I remember my first one like it was yesterday and how it left me absolutely speechless and how , at that moment , nothing in the world meant more to me than that little stallion who I so adore , and who likewise always looked at me with such endearing eyes . I was speechless and overcome with emotion . ALL , very much as it should be ! The honor of this recognition is one of the things that sets our World Show apart from all other shows .
However , winning does not only appear to us in the form of a trophy . We all arrive at the show with many different obstacles , hurdles , issues , struggles and trials to overcome . Many times conquering one of those battles can leave us with the biggest “ trophy ” of all . I must relay a remembrance of the year my back was broken and my pure stubbornness pressed me on to get in that World arena come hell or high water . It was a way for me to prove to myself that I was still alive and I knew how much I needed to see all those friends who offered so much support to me during the healing process . I made the drive alone . I conditioned , groomed , prepped and showed my AOTE mare without a bit of help from anyone . Those that know me well can attest to my adamant adherence to those AOTE rules . I did it , and while I didn ’ t win a big trophy and sash , the “ trophy ” that I carried in my heart for having accomplished this goal was far greater and lives in my heart as if I had brought home the big win . I know I am not alone in this kind of story . MANY of us have gone through and done the same thing .
I ask each of you to please be aware of those conquering their own struggles , whatever they may be , around you and please CELEBRATE with them . That beautiful trophy is not the only thing dictating a “ winner ”. We are all winners in our own way . We each have MUCH to celebrate .
Our World Show is more than a place to gather up beautiful trophies . It is a place to meet and make new friends , rekindle old relationships , to check out other horses and breeding programs , to perhaps find an addition to our herd that we must bring home . To laugh , to joke , to have fun , to discuss important matters , engage in training conversations , watch what different pedigree alignments have produced , but most of all it is a time to spend quality time with a group of people that share the same passion for our small equine . It is a time to validate , renew and revitalize our love for our Miniature horses .
I think we are each very much looking forward to these aspects of the long journey to Will Rogers ! We are there to reap the many “ trophies ” that come in all shapes and forms , some tangible and most intangible . Do NOT overlook the many great offerings of winning and success that this rendezvous of friends / family has to offer each of us . We are all in this together , and all must pull ourselves together to work for the betterment of our association and especially this most wonderful breed of horse that has captured our heart and soul .
I will close with this quote : “ Where there is Unity there is always Victory ” Publilius Syrus . I will add to that : Where there is victory , there MUST be celebration ! I ’ m SO looking forward to those days in Fort Worth to CELEBRATE who we are , where we have come from , and where we are going with such an absolutely wonderful array of people and personalities !
God ’ s blessings to each of you for safe travels and a wonderful World Show offering “ trophies ” galore to each of you !
12 Miniature Horse World OCTOBER / NOVEMBER 2016