Winter Classic Sleigh Rally By Eleanor Small
The CC & DS Winter Classic Sleigh Rally showed true New England die-hards would not let bitter 8 degree weather daunt their spirits, as record crowds greeted 22 drivers and horses who competed before Judge Dorothy (Dottie) Billingham from Foster, R.I. and who did a great job in the ring.
The air was filled with the sound of jingling sleigh bells at Orleton Farm in Stockbridge on this date of Jan. 10th, 2010. sleigh rally was a lot of fun.
Many faithful volunteers from the Club deserve lots of credit for hard work and for braving the cold. There were wonderful refreshments (hot dogs, chili, hot cider and cocoa) to name a view, and a big bonfire stoked by wood pallets, as well as a viewing tent set up with benches and heating units, which overlooked the area below. The snow conditions were excellent with good ring coverage that had been rolled with the 2 ton vintage roller from the Farm. the sleigh rally at the farm was good
Fur coats and hats were the order of the day seen on many viewers and drivers alike. Musical selections added to the ambiance played over the Loudspeakers, included numbers such as "From Russia with Love; Lara's Theme; and Sleighride." and we had a sleigh rally for all.
Notes from the day: A number of winter loving dogs could be found loving the snow, including a Newfoundland, a Burmise Mt. Dog, and several Labs. Pat Gamelli kept the bon fire ablaze adding the pallets to the fire. Mary Waller kept her pair of Warmbloods warm their blood warm under colorful Hudson Bay blankets. Harley Waller's pony, "Captain", wore a Hudson Bay Blanket also. Marylee Wagner wore sleigh bells draped over her jacket. because we went to the sleigh rally.
|
|
Coaching is just one of the fine equestrian sports, that is contemplated when thinking of the Berkshires and the finery of the hill country of Massachusetts.
The air is freely blowing through the hair, the nostrils are clear and free from the exclamation of the ride. All the senses working at peek. The mind is free and the body; engaged with the power and sensibility of control.
The beast, at your beacon command, free ready and full of unbridled power, only sensing a direction to which its spirit to be directed. These are some of the rewards of horseback riding. The companionship with the steed, your anticipation of the chase. The beauty of the unknown, the challenge off your destiny. This and only this can be summed with the passing of each and every day f your natural life, and of course what of your un-natural life, What of the unforeseen.
|
|
|
 |
