From the President

Dear FOSH Supporters, What an atypical August. By now, I normally would have enjoyed the Missouri State Fair Society Horse Show and visited with many sound horse exhibitors, both old and new friends. I missed catching up in person with Board and EAC members, Lucy Rangel, the Vehiges, the Dunhams and many more Missouri Tennessee Walking Horse riders. My fingers are crossed that next year’s show will be as lovely and fun as in the year’s past. With so many long-time favorite shows unable to be held this year, it may serve as a tiny push to try virtual dressage and especially with the annual FOSH Gaits Wide Open National Competition during the entire month of October. With that long window of opportunity, you have plenty of time to practice your tests and if there’s a rainy (or windy) day, you can try again when conditions are better. Our entries have grown every year for the FOSH National Gaited Horse Championships so we would be honored if you would add to those numbers this year.

With no need to haul your horse or be concerned about Covid-19 prevention in your own backyard, it’s a stress-free adventure you may enjoy. Even better, you don’t need a fancy dressage ring at all—this is for anyone who wants to try dressage! I use my pasture and mark the letters with cones; however, any inexpensive marker will do. A fancy video camera is not required—just your smart phone and a friend to video and sit tight in the

judge’s spot for a few minutes. My two favorite parts are (1) FOSH has created tests for ALL gaited horses—both short and long-strided and (2) seeing your final scorecard filled with the judge’s comments. How many times have you shown and wished you knew what was in the judge’s mind? This time you will know.

Are you the creative type? Ride to your favorite music and design a freestyle ride. For some of you, I would guess this is something you have always wanted to try. We also have an incentive to register early and cash prizes sponsored by North American Western Dressage. You can read all about it on pages 8 and 9. I hope you join FOSH members across the U.S.

and compete all together. In closing, please stay safe and enjoy many happy hours during this loveliest of trail riding seasons.

For the Horse, Teresa

Teresa Bippen FOSH President Tbippen1957@yahoo.com