|
During these very traumatic days our patriotic spirit is at an all time high.
Many American flags were displayed and worn by people
at the IALHA National Show. This show, though opening
only a month after the tragedy in New York and DC, was
a welcome diversion for us all, offering a total immersion
into the world of Andalusian horses while the horrible
feelings we all had on that terrible day were kindly
lessened a bit more. Yet, the occurrences of September
11 were still always in the backs of our minds and were
often the topic of conversation. |
 |
The Saturday evening session of the show has traditionally
been a big night of celebration, but this year, even the Fiesta
Party was more subdued that normal. When the performances
began and we all took our seats in the stands we faced the
customary presentation of the Flag with somber thoughts. Our
announcer asked us to stand for the presentation of the American
flag. Then, in silence, we witnessed the most amazing thing
that succeeded in not only lifting our patriotic hearts but
our minds and spirits too!
 Into
the arena came a living American flag! The normally white
Castle Oak Pendragon had been transformed by his clever and
thoughtful owner/trainer, Sarah Ward Hollis, into a red, white
and blue, star spangled symbol of what had been the unspoken
theme of the entire show. Here was the living embodiment of
our emotional state during the show. The crowd went wild with
applause and appreciation for Sarah and her Pendragon as they
moved to center ring. Then we all stood at tear filled attention
while Nadine Tilley lead us in a wonderful rendition of the
Star Spangled Banner.
Finally we were all treated to an inspiring liberty act by
Pendragon and Sarah while the audience, in thrall to the spectacle,
remained standing the entire time. Pendragon performed high
school movements to ãItâs a Grand Old Flagä and other patriotic
music. And what a Grand Flag it was! In fact, visitors
from the Paint Horse show, which was sharing the grounds with
us, begged her to come open their show too. The pair crossed
the street and wowed the Paint crowd with the presence, intelligence
and beauty of the Andalusian Horse.
 |
Castle Oak Pendragon has
been a feature at many Andalusian shows both as a special
exhibition and as a competitor. This twelve-year-old
gelding has had a long and distinguished career. He
and Sarah are quite a matched pair, dazzling us in dressage,
performance and liberty. He was bred by Castle Oak Farm,
James and Linda Lindstrom, by Regalado II out of Banbury
Laurel.
His owner/trainer/partner is, Sarah Ward Hollis, of
Tintagel Enterprises, Ltd, Westhampton, MA. |
|
