Why do we do this? For the Arabian horse, of course!
Framed by Frame Photography and Graphic Imaging.
Thank you Kerry for allowing me to use your wonderful image.
This last weekend I had the pleasure of attending the Top of the Range Arabian Event and I have to say that such an undertaking is as exhausting as it is exhilarating, when you’re surrounded by driven, engaged, busy, experienced, and successful people from the Arabian horse world. These days I have the pleasure to sit back and observe what’s going on around me. I think about times gone by, catch up with old friends, and wonder what’s in store for the new ones.
President of the Downs Arabian Club, Richard Sharman mentioned at the front of the Show Catalogue: “ 2013 marks the 34th Anniversary of our Club and we are proud to have many of our original members still involved, either personally or through their family. The longevity of the Club is testament to the friendships that have evolved and endured over this time through the common interest in the Arabian horse.The Top of the Range Arabian Event is regarded as one of the major Arabian Shows on Queensland and we are proud of it’s reputation.”
I know with any Club, whether it’s a horse club, a book club, a writing group or even a gardening club there are always highs and lows. The Downs Arabian Club Inc. is no exception, it has had it’s disbanding threats, funding concerns and disagreements between members in the past. Having sat on many a committee in my time I now know this is part of the course. We all know the feeling of helplessness shared by an often overworked, small committee who have become jaded and tired. It is generally the responsibility of the few to soldier on regardless.
As I thought about the past and observed the hard working, tired but cheerful faces around me I couldn’t help but feel that the Downs Arabian Club, with it’s decades of important breeders scattered across the Darling Downs, is in very capable hands.
Gala Event Finalists
Naturally, it’s inevitable that when you have a club, you stage a show and again if you’ve been on any sort of committee you know it’s a difficult and sometimes thankless job running a show year after year. This is where a committee of dedicated Arabian breeders and enthusiasts must pull together to make any show a success. I take a deep breath here and let it out slowly, as if I’m releasing past memories, because this word ‘success’ is never an easy task, but you would never know this by the polished and efficient way The Top of the Range Arabian Event was run.
Coralie Gordon of The Cameo Stud
Ever supportive by their mere presence Tom and Marion Sharman celebrated their 60th anniversary of Jangharm Arabian Stud this year. No mean feat by any standards. You can see Richard Sharman (The Travelling Horseman) showing horses and then stewarding centre ring as well as taking care of anything urgent cropping up during the two days. Coralie Gordon (The Cameo Stud and now retired AHSA Chairman) was there doing her usual outstanding job of announcing all classes and winners over the two days.
Before going on I should mention the committee, Wendy Keller, Tracey Keller, Deb Scott, Sandra Thompson, Alicia Sharman, Carol Christiansen, Vicki Matheson, Stacey Smith, Brad Christiansen, and Leigh McCarthy all of the above are stayers in a world of sprinters.
But what does the Arabian breed do when they run out of, say, the Richards and the Coralies? These dedicated, generous and hard working members of the Arabian community need to be told thank you as often as possible. I know I send the whole committee huge congratulations on staging one of the most successful shows for the season. Every one of them should be very proud, especially in a time when clubs are disbanding and entry numbers are appallingly low.
After being associated with Arabian horses for near on 40 years I cannot help but ponder the breeds future. There is a frustration, and there always has been, to try to understand the industry, while it’s being buffeted by a constant sandstorm of latest trends and changes regarding the Arabian breed. This year at the TOTR event the innovative display of Arabian race horses was fantastic and I simply adored the ridden classes.
Richard Sharman also mentioned: “The committee has worked hard to provide a balanced program of events with one of our major goals being to promote both saddle and halter classes with equal importance.” That fact was very obvious with riders of all ages competently riding some of the most magnificent animals you could hope to see.
I asked many people over the weekend why horse shows are on the decline and most say the cost. But could it also be an amalgam of today’s instant society? If not instantly recognised do breeders feel anxiety, self-doubt and failure and then decide to ignore the show ring in the future? Personally, I feel if showing horses is your thing, it needs to be put into perspective, after all, it’s only a horse show and there will be another next weekend with a new Champion. With this comes the bare truth that the Champion from the week before is already forgotten!
Plus, years fly by and older breeders slow down or no longer breed thus leaving a hole to be filled by younger or new breeders. Sometimes there are not enough people to do this. The constant cycle of change has always been there and I don’t see that ever being any different. In actual fact it’s proof that none of us is infallible and often for a time there are other things that take preference.
Two Arabian Racehorses
On the other hand, in a world where we have so much competition for our attention—movies, music, video games, social media – it’s now become very easy for people to connect with one another. The topic of social media and whether it’s a good or bad thing is under constant discussion. I guess you could ask, is far too much time is spent in the digital world compared to the real world? Although our distance from the rest of the world appears to feel less and less as the decades go by, there’s still a sense of isolation. Often isolation can be about more than just distance. So has social media become ones new best friend?
Everyone is busy – time poor – and it’s difficult to find the people who will generously encourage, mentor and support other breeders out of concern to help. It’s more often, you give me something and I’ll return the favour. Not a new revelation I know.
“and they’re off …”
Regardless of the reflections above, and no doubt I probably think about it too much, but the one thing that is absolutely essential is that the Arabian breed continues to move forward. I feel that a spirit of generosity towards other breeders is a pretty good place to start. How you can be a successful or even a marginally happy breeder unless you observe what’s going on around you? Cultivate your tastes and know what you like, be aware of what sets you apart from the others.
Shouldn’t breeders be mindful of strategies that help them press through the hard times along with the good?
Of course I’m biased when I say that Australia has the worlds best Arabian horses and Arabian horse breeders and I witnessed some magnificent horses and so many smiling and enthusiastic faces at the Top of the Range Show on the weekend. This is a show with a heart and soul, born decades ago by people who truly loved Arabian horses and desired only good for the breed. Congratulations to all associated with with this show, you should be very proud of your achievements as the heart of this show is still beating with strength, determination and a clear love of the Arabian horse.
Kerry Frame – Fabulous photographer – Framed by Frame Photography and Graphic Imaging.
DOWNS ARABIAN CLUB INC.
http://www.downsarabianclub.com
2013 Committee Members
President
Richard Sharman
0408 668 326
Vice President
Michael Scott
0401 626 015Secretary
Tracey Keller
tracey@eskdalearabians.com
Treasurer
Andrew MathesonPublicity Officer
Wendy Keller
0409 891 945Patron
Erica WilliamsCommittee Members
Deb Scott
Sandra Thompson
Alicia Sharman
Carol Christensen
Vicki Matheson
Stacey Smith
Brad Christensen
Leigh McCarthyLife Members
Marion Sharman
Tom Sharman
CoralieJangharm Arabians: www.jangharmarabians.com.au
The Cameo Stud: www.thecameostud.com.au
Eskdale Arabians: www.eskdalearabians.com
Argyle Lodge Arabians: Michael and Debra Scott PO Box 389, Coominya, QLD
Carol Christiansen: www.freewebs.com/countydowns/
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