#HowGoodIWillBe, What “Good” Have You Done For the Horse Industry Lately?

By: Brittany Bevis

In November 2013, the horse industry was shocked and saddened to learn about the untimely passing of AQHA stallion Good I Will Be. After hearing the news that the young sire was humanely euthanized following a rough recovery from kidney stone surgery, we spoke with Stephen Stephens of Dry River Ranch to talk about the legacy “Willy” would be leaving behind.

“He has turned out to be even more special of a sire than an individual,” Stephens says. “I think we will be seeing more successful offspring down the road. His own life was just short-lived.” (EquineChronicle.com, 2013)

That idea of turning the focus outward, away from one’s self, to concentrate on the effect an individual can have on future generations is a powerful one. Unfortunately, it’s often a great loss that brings about this type of clarity.

Because Good I Will Be is featured on the 2014 Equine Chronicle Stallion calendar for the month of March, we’d like to pose a question in his honor. If your journey in the horse industry was over tomorrow, could you say you’ve done all you could, to help preserve this sport we love for future generations?

What good have you done for the horse industry lately? Have you witnessed someone doing good for the industry? If so, we’d like to hear about it! E-mail b.bevis@equinechronicle.com or use #HowGoodIWillBe to share your comments and stories with us.

Can’t figure out how to leave your hoof print on the industry? We have compiled a list of suggestions to help get things rolling.

Big Hoof Prints:

• Host a free clinic for a 4-H horse club
• Lend your expertise to lecture a horse judging team
• Help a newcomer get started in the industry by directing them to a reputable trainer
• Mentor an up and coming young horse professional
• Propose rule changes and participate in Association Conventions
• Volunteer at a facility for riders with disabilities
• Donate a horse to a college equestrian team
• Help draft, or encourage conversation about, legislation of importance to the industry
• Help provide hay, feed, or medications to a horse rescue center
• Consider leasing your seasoned show horse to a rider that’s new to horse showing

 

 Little Hoof Prints:

• Lend a piece of tack or clothing to someone in need
• Help a newbie fill out entry papers in the show office
• Pick up someone’s show tab
• Offer to share your pattern book
• Volunteer to help set or pick up the trail course
• Get involved in a local, regional, or national horse club
• Become a horse show sponsor- even small amounts count
• Help unload someone else’s horse trailer
• When you see “non-horse people” at the show, invite them to pet your horse and explain what class you’re getting ready for
• If you see someone with a potential tack malfunction, a show number missing, or a tail extension falling out, tell them!
• Bring coffee and doughnuts for the show crew
• Offer to video a child’s class so their parents can watch and enjoy

The choices are endless and every little bit helps. We want to know how you’re doing good for the horse industry. Remember, send your comments and stories to b.bevis@equinechronicle.com or post on Facebook using #HowGoodIWillBe.