The G-Man’s Equine Chronicle Bears

The G-Man’s Equine Chronicle Bears

By Delores Kuhlwein

 

The ever-present smile and warm welcome of Gordon Downey has become one of the most cherished elements of the horse show – a relationship that exhibitors and Gordon alike look forward to as part of their extended horse show family.

Since the late 1990’s, the Equine Chronicle’s Director of Sales has developed irreplaceable bonds with the horse show community and a deep appreciation for loyal advertisers.

In 2016, “The G-Man” added another layer to his dedication to the Equine Chronicle family by starting a tradition of The Equine Chronicle Bears.

His recognizable EC shirts, a staple in his wardrobe, were wearing thin, but what to do with them? he wondered.

Then he noticed Charlie Burgess’ stepmother, Kathy Burgess, making bears from the clothing of cancer patients for family members and friends who lost them.  Their personal clothing made touching keepsakes for their loved ones, and it gave Gordon an idea.

So in December 2016, a young Ava Grace Oakley received the first Equine Chronicle Bear; Ava’s daddy, Tate Oakley, was one of the first youth to become a VIP Equine Chronicle advertiser, Gordon explains.

Gordon had given his old shirts that he says he “really performed in for years” to Kathy Burgess for the purpose of creating baby gifts for Equine Chronicle families.  “I wanted to make something for the children of our advertisers – for the next generation.  It’s really for the mothers at first, but later a happy addition for their kids as they get older. I wanted to thank the parents for the Equine Chronicle being part of their lives.”

 

 

 

He explains that they have his shirts cleaned and made into the bears, and Kathy has one pattern for the bears so they’re all the same size. She also adds other fabric to help provide the theme.  He hasn’t had enough for every single baby in the rather large EC family, but what has been made accompanies the latest issue of the Equine Chronicle when it’s delivered to VIP advertisers.

The Parks Family, Wade, Carly, and their two boys, Caden and Corbin, received bears when the boys were young. “Our “Gordon” bears as the boys call them are a staple in our household!” says Carly.  “The boys love to play and cuddle with them and definitely associate Gordon with them when they see him! They must also be really well made because if they can hold up under the Parks’ boys love, they are tough! Just one more reason we love Gordon and the Chronicle.”

 

Yes, indeed – just one more reason to love and appreciate the G-Man. Thank you, Gordon!