10/23/2019
Please forgive me my radio silence – my technical problems with my phone and laptop persist- apologies
Thank you ALL for contributing to an amazing day on Saturday – it was just about as perfect as one could have hoped or planned for! Rip’s Day has really found its place on the calendar and whether you were a rider, supporter, sponsor, donor, volunteer or official; whether you gave of your time or talent, entered a picnic, donated to or bought from the Silent Auction - TOGETHER you all helped to make a difference – I think we are going to crack $30K and we are still counting!! It was a day of community, camaraderie, sport and philanthropy all rolled into one lovely big ball! What other horseshow has Xena Warrior Princess and Winnie the Pooh not to mention a budget line item for “bribes”!
It was a spectacular fall day with perfect temperatures and bright clear sunny skies. The footing on the field was perfect and couldn’t have ridden any better. And finally the splendour of the leaves – the riot of colour that framed the whole day start to finish could not but lift you up and fill you with the joy of living. The sight from the balcony at 8am was fantastic! While there was still a little frost on the ground horses and riders of all sizes were finding their way around the derby field and while it may have been a tad crazy it was also exhilarating and exciting!
There are so many thank yous starting with our legacy sponsors who have been on board from Day 1 – Running Fox Equestrian for the beautiful winning coolers, EMG for the continued support with jumps, Dominion Regalia for the gorgeous signature ribbons and Michael McKim DMF Flowers for the signature sunflower collar worn by the high point competitor of the day. Your contribution is deeply appreciated and has helped greatly to defray some carrying costs – my genuine thanks to you all.
To the many donors – you know who you are and both Headwaters and I thank you.
Thank you to the Master of the Mic – the one, the only Allan Donnan who kept everyone’s attention while moving things along throughout the day. Your understanding and support of the day’s philosophy comes through in your enthusiasm, humour and tone. You keep everyone in high spirits and generate a real sense of “team” Thank you from Wigi! And Donna thank you for being his main squeeze and wing lady!
Thank you to all the officials who gave of their time and talent.
Rob Carey, the course was fun and challenging and everyone had a positive experience. You used the natural elements and augmented with stadium jumps, building high and low options and accommodated everything from a medium pony to 17 + hand horses.
To my judges Bobbi Reber, Jennifer O’Neil, Marni Von Shalburg and Lauren Hayes – you all get gold stars! You survived over 85 rounds (not including lead line or Short Stirrup) and all for your love of the sport and support of Rip’s Day and cancer while also being subjected to relentless commentary from our illustrious announcer!!! What a team
Amy Aspin thank you once again for marshalling the entries up Rip’s Risers and on to jump number 1!
To Janice Byer, Life with horses Photography, a huge thank you who, along with Todd Morris, captured hundreds of photos just posted with a donation of 20% of all proceeds going to Headwaters.
Emily Spin Steenson thank you for your continued support from your braiding proceeds – you do make the most beautiful unicorns!!
Krista! You are the absolute Best of the Best Barista – so glad you were back this year! Thank you
Jenny Mercer thank you for manning the Silent Auction once again and keeping a vigilant eye on all the bids!!
Last but by no means least thank you to the HOME TEAM. Brittany and Peter for welcoming the invasion and encouraging participation, Barry Caldwell and Paul Samotowka – the farm always looks its best thanks to you both, Marti Embree for keeping everything working like a well-oiled machine (and for introducing me to your mother and her Buckeyes) and finally to Brenda Marko – the office wouldn’t function without you – but then Rip knew that didn’t he
The introduction of the new 2’6 entry level one-round derby proved to be incredibly successful with nearly 20 entries – double the # required for it to be a go! It was wonderful to see so many new faces stepping up and clearly it responded to a need – thank you for pushing me Cawthra - I think it’s here to stay!! Entries were strong across all divisions including the lead line which featured THE MOST ADORABLE little nuggets
There were 7 Picnic entries spread out along the drive and Chef Gilles Roche of Gourmandissimo and I sampled delicious offerings from each. Champion went to the McQuaker/Pfaff entry for their amazing homemade fare which only just nudged Broccoli Hill to 1st HM. 2nd HM to Hop Hill Farms “Sunflower Ladies” for their fabulous décor and 3rd HM to the children’s entry of McEachern/Ackery who wowed the judge with their francais! Merci a tous for taking the time to cook and set up – it is part of the day’s cachet
And now the Winners!!!
• 2’6 Celine Jaisaree on Bravado in a field of 18
• 3’ Isobel Bruun on Party On in her very 1st 3’ competition in a field of 33.
• 3’6 Winnie the Pooh on Tigger aka Kevin Maxie and Carino in a field of 12.
• High Point Overall Champion Kevin Maxie
• Steven McGregor Turnout Award to Pooh & Tigger – Kev you keep us all guessing what you will unveil and you never disappoint – thank you – you are now a part of our legacy
• HM to Xena and her War Horse aka Nicole Verkindt!
As I reflect over the years and see how this day has not only endured but continues to build I see that it fills a need in us to ride for the sheer pleasure and to come together as a community supporting something that is bigger than ourselves. The cross pollination of disciplines and levels of competition is so healthy for our sport! When riders take the time to spray paint their horse or dress it up as a war horse, when they swap riders midway through a course it’s because they are having fun! The multitude of phots that people have already shared on line attest to the spirit of the day It is truly a collective effort and we are making a difference to those in our community struggling through the challenges of cancer. To stand back and observe the light heartedness, camaraderie and joy that permeates the day makes my heart full. The spirit of giving - of time, talent and money is strong – thank you and bless you all for supporting this day and making it the fun finale of your season.
And that’s a wrap – see you next year – same time same place October 17th 2020!
