I had the pleasure of being assigned as an Assistant Horse Management Judge (AHMJ) within the Tetrathlon Barn at this year’s Championships in Virginia. I am writing to let you know that team #8, comprised of the following members, was more than extraordinary:
1) Sarah Tri-State Region Hunter’s Run PC
2) Mackenzie Tri-State Region Hunter’s Run PC
3) Emily Tri-State Region Hunter’s Run PC
4) Elizabeth Western New York Red Jacket
Not only did this team win First Place in Horse Management they competed very well in all the phases of Tetrathlon.
The primary reason I am writing is to praise this team for their tack room. I have never seen a tack room as neat, tidy, clean and organized as theirs. They had nothing fancy or custom; rather, they used ordinary, everyday items and turned this collection into a track room that was far superior to any I have seen in my 10 years with Pony Club.
No they did not have a floor covering. But, their dirt floor was so clean the dirt was almost polished.
No they did not have fancy, custom built racks and hangers. But, there was no doubt where everything was and to whom it belonged.
Every item was correctly labeled and the spot in the tack room was also labeled. You knew what was the trash can and where it belonged; same went for the boot jack, etc.
The team members were extremely polite, encouraging to one another, helpful, and knowledgeable.
I wish I had taken photographs of their tack room for I would use those photos as an example of what a tack room ought to be. It is my desire to begin a comprehensive HM education program in the Mid-South Region. This program will emphasize quality, not fancy. The way team 8’s tack room was setup will be the standard to which I will teach.
These young ladies are to be commended and I am looking forward to seeing them in future competitions. Please pass along my congratulations and best wishes for a bright and happy future.
Regards,
Pierre Billard
