This is Gail stepping in with the “Friday Flashback” and a tie in to the Lippitt Country Show. As many of you know, the LCS has a stick horse class. This is to allow our younger members their chance to “show” their stick horse. Many years it is the VERY young members showing their stick horse (see photo of Gracie Childs from 2007.) However, in 2010, the class expanded as you can see the the other photo. Below is the article by Judy Mosman from the Lippitt Club Newsletter Sept/Oct 2010 Show Issue:
“Stick Horse Class” by Judy Mosman
One of the neat things about the Lippitt Country Show is the spontaneous behavior of the entrants, and sometimes, the spectators. Such was the case at the 2010 LCS in Tunbridge.
The Stick Horse Class was created for the kids so they would have something to do if they were not riding. Past entries were very creative, some were homemade, others were store purchases. Regardless of the origin, the stick horse and its owner were a team. If the participant was particularly young, half the ring was used.
One recent memorable year, Marilyn Childs’ granddaughter showed her skill and endurance with her stick horse, cantering around the entire ring, despite advice otherwise! What style and speed this young lady exhibited!!!!
Perhaps the following year, not to be outdone by these youngsters who were obviously having a great time, Mr. Dave Carr appeared in the class with his steed. It was like the pied piper, with Dave in the lead, and the young ones following his style as best they could.
These classes are not large in numbers, but the participants have such a good time. However, in 2010, something quite different occurred in the green foothills of Tunbridge. Stick horses could be purchased on the grounds with proceeds going to the Susan G. Koman Association, a breast cancer research group. All colors, markings and even a few unicorns were there. I even purchased a pink unicorn for a friend’s granddaughter myself.
When the class was called, lo and behold, a large group of folks, young and older, all with stick horses, entered the ring; now these were not all youngsters in age but in spirit for sure…event a canine on a lead, a little girl on her mom’s shoulders, clutching her pink stick unicorn, two grown women, one an in-hand entry entertained the audience. Was Dave Carr in there? (His horse had a wide, familiar blaze.) You bet, along with his wife, Barby, and our show chairperson, Anne Hablitzel. I have to admit this was a great class with proceeds going to a favorite cause of mine. A little levity never hurts anyone!!!!
