The Ride for Life

The Ride for Life and in particular, the Dancing Horse Challenge, was a night to remember. It is amazing to have months of work play out in one short night.

As hard as I could have imagined, I would never have guessed how much hard work and

dedication went into organizing something like this. At each turn I was amazed at the people on my committee - amazed at their dedication, tenacity, patience and creativity. My deepest heartfelt thanks go out to everyone on our committee who made this evening possible.

As much as we planned, we could not have imagined what things could possibly happen. Up until minutes before show time, everyone on the committee was coming up with new plans…. We had gotten to plan Z, and then started the alphabet again with plan AA! As with horses and life in general, anything can happen, and we feel like everything was thrown at us! Up un

til the day before the performance, we had injured horses, riders and much more. But with the creativity, dedication, and generosity of many people, we were able to put on a great performance.

I would like to congratulate Belinda Nairn-Wertmann who was the Land Rover Trophy first place winner, and Jennifer Sirrine, who was the Dover/Nutrena People’s Choice winner. I would also like to thank and congratulate each rider who made this the best Dancing Horse Challenge Performance yet. Many thanks to Courtney King-Dye, Felicitas von Neumann-Cosel, Lauren Sprieser, Jules Anderson, Becky Langwost-Barlow and Jaralyn Finn. Also many thanks to Betsy Steiner, Michael Barisone, and Cathy Morelli who were scheduled to perform and for reasons out of their control were unable to attend. We appreciate that Betsy and Jessie Steiner were able to attend without their horse!

My special thanks go to those who worked together to create the tribute. It was such an honor to perform the tribute with Degas and also with our very special guests, the dancers from Bowen McCauley Dance. Degas made new friends in Dustin Kimball, Alicia Curtis, Brooke Urguhart, Suzanne Creedon and their choreographer Fran Ichijo. We hope to see them again soon! It was amazing how Degas took to the Dancers. He seemed to love every minute. It was such an inspiration to work together with these artists. Of course, my very special thanks go to Frank and Cece Maddlone of Equichord who created such an awe-inspiring tribute.

This quote sent about the tribute says it all…….” The tribute was stunning and something I will always remember. Maybe because I am a person of faith, the spiritual aspect that the dancers brought made it so special. To me they were angels or spirits and represented those gone to a better place. The symbolism of Degas acknowledging and saying farewell to each of them is still replaying in my mind. I'm sure that many - as I did - mentally placed their lost loved one in that circle. As Degas rode between the dancers it was a great joining of one of God's greatest creatures with man and angels.”

I am posting what pictures I have for the moment. Please come back to see more photos and hear more about the Ride for Life Weekend!