As many of you know, the 2009 U.S. Nationals Show was not easy for me, and I want to say thank you to everyone for being there for me since the death of my life partner, Russ Vento. God bless everyone in the Arabian horse community for their passion, compassion and friendship. But I’d rather not dwell on sadness. More than anything, the U.S. Nationals this year was an uplifting time in which I learned how many people’s lives Russ had touched. Russ and I were a team for more than two decades, and there is no way that Battaglia Farms could have enjoyed the success it does without him. That, I realized, was only part of his story. In person at the National Show and in the cards and letters I have received, more people than I could have ever imagined have related how in some way, large or small, Russ became part of their lives. I shouldn’t be surprised; he would walk up to a perfect stranger at a horse show and offer encouragement or praise. He was generous to a fault—an amazing and very special person that will live in our hearts and memories forever. So with the 2009 U.S. Nationals now in the history books, let me close with what Russ would say if he were still here with us: Hurray for all the exhibitors, and to this year’s U.S. Nationals winners, congratulations on your well-earned titles! And especially from Russ: Please put down all of your differences, and everyone work together to protect our Arabian horse.
Bob
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