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APPOINTMENTS January 2012
Fast Friends Dudley and his new friend Madeline in the pasture at their owner Dr. Joy Baker’s farm. (photo submitted by Barbara Childs) Editor’s note: Writer Barbara Childs tells of local events throughout our horse country through the eyes, and very long ears, of Dudley the miniature donkey. The Advent moon and the glistening stars above all make me recall my mother’s story of the beautiful lady, Mary; Joseph, her husband; and the birth of their holy boy child in the manger where my ancestor traveled to the city of David in Bethlehem. My ancestor carried the lady, and he was not sure what he was carrying on his back, but all turned out with joy at the birth of the lady’s child. Music rang through the night skies like church-bells. Shepherds and wise men came and brought great gifts besides gold, incense and myrrh that the men of the East offered the lady and her child, shepherds brought figs, oranges, dates, a basket of eggs and bread and cheese. I lovingly remember all of the story that my mother told me as she licked my head and ears and sniffed me with care. The silent night and full moon and stars have brought a great secret to me this season of expectation and waiting. My barn mother has told me that I will soon have a new friend, and she will be living here at the barn with me. She is 3 months old, black, sweet, gentle and so loving. I am full of wonder and happiness and await her coming. It will be wonderful and so good to share my life and territory with her. Her name is Mad Die, short for Madeline. I think she is beautiful. I can’t wait to model my new green winter blanket for her. I’m told it looks stunning on me. I hope we can share hay and munch and dream together. Her eyes will be level with mine and her ears are long, soft and suit her face perfectly. Well, besides all this news, here are some noteworthy things you may want to know. Trayce Doubek has officially accepted her title as district commissioner for the River Valley Pony Club, and she will be installed as of January 2012. The River Valley Pony Club is part of the Carolina Foothills local chapter. The mission of the RVPC is to provide a program for youth that teaches good riding skills, mounted and unmounted sports, care of horses and ponies, thereby developing responsibility, moral judgment, leadership and self confidence. Helen Firby is the Co-DC. If you would like to schedule a mounted or unmounted clinic, contact her or Trayce Doubek. Suzanne and Lincoln Russell would like to congratulate Percy
Macmillan on her purchase of Ariodante, who will be showing in the Pre-Green Hunter Division. Members of the Motlow IEA Team will be competing at the College Preparatory Invitational Horse Show in Palm Beach this January. In November the Motlow Equestrian Center Team went to Aiken, S.C. for the Progressive Show Jumping Medal and Finals. Hannah Stephens was fifth in the Jr. Medal Finals. Claire Kaplan and Fox were reserve champions in the Medium Pony Hunters. Allison Richmond and Vanilla Sky were reserve champions in the Adult Equitation Division. Sara McIntosh brought home two third place ribbons in the Novice Division of the Berry College Competition. Kathleen Coker was third and Mattie Martin was second in the Novice Flat at Berry College. Coaches Katie Barnette-Whisenant and Crystal Bohnen have begun training and coaching the Interscholastic Equestrian Association team. Their first competition was St. Francis IEA. Blythe Daniel was first over fences and second on the flat in the Varsity Open Division. Ashley Conkle, who is a working student at Motlow Equestrian Center, had a great summer showing in the Tryon area, and she and her horse were in the High Jr./ Amateur Jumper Divisions multiple times. I am planning to share my recipe box and special gourmet foods for humans with Mad Die. This wild rice casserole recipe is sure to win hearts this season. It was often served at the governor’s mansion in Minnesota. Luxurious wild rice was the staple food of the Indians of Northern Minnesota in the lake country there, and Canada, too. An ounce of dry wild rice will add that aristocratic touch to any meal. I am feeling a bit aristocratic myself. A happy and blessed New Year to all and peace to all men of good will as we begin a new year of good health and many blessings. I will continue to keep you informed about my newfound friend and her presence in my life.