Learning as we go

It’s been busy. I took over the role of Hants County Exhibition manager at the end of February as my dad was nearing the end of his time. I had worked closely with him for the past number of years as a board member, and as a daughter pitching-in to help as her dad’s health failed but his love of his job didn’t. I was confident I knew a little, and absolutely sure that I didn’t know a lot. That sounds like a recipe for disaster, but maybe that’s exactly the way it should be when you start a new undertaking? How do we truly understand something if we don’t learn from scratch? Rolling through life knowing everything – in other words thinking you do – is a limiting and isolating state of mind.

Our 253rd Hants County Exhibition was a success – mostly because the sun shone. I know enough to know that. I didn’t make any giant mistakes (that I am aware of) and I learned some things. The most important lesson being that people, for the most part, want to help and they will if you let them. With all the terrible things happening in our world – people are mostly good. It’s easy to forget that.

Regular contributor Judith Scrimger caught up with someone who has a good grasp on living life to the fullest for this issue’s 24/7. I can’t help but think Dr. Robert Oulton’s simple philosophy really sums up the secret of success: “Never think you know everything. And always remember no job is beneath you.” It’s been an exciting ride for this Chester Road farm boy turned Team Great Britain Equestrian veterinarian, in no small part because of his winning attitude.

Of course, it can’t be all work. I squeezed in some fun this summer too, with Louie, a four-year-old Cleveland Bay-Thoroughbred cross – my new riding partner. I took a chance and crossed my fingers when I brought this guy home during an open icy spell in January. I did everything you are not supposed to do when you buy a horse, and it went exactly right.

The Cleveland Bay is the oldest British breed, critically endangered in large part due to their accommodating demeanor and strong, solid conformation which made them devastatingly useful as artillery horses in the Great War. It’s interesting having a horse of unusual breeding, especially a breed with such a long and storied history. The Cleveland Bay and CB crossbreds excell in so many different disciplines, it’s sad and difficult to understand why the breed remains critically endangered.

If the unusual piques your interest too, you’re going to love Leah Grandy’s story about her foray into horse archery – a modern day sport combining horses, accuracy, and Old World practices. If Robin Hood comes to mind you wouldn’t be far off. Enthusiasts from all over the globe gathered recently in the Annapolis Valley to take part in a clinic with Lajos Kassai of Hungary, the creator of this competitive sport.

A little less unusual but every bit as exciting, the sport of eventing got a boost locally as one of only two Fédération Équestre Internationale eventing competitions in Canada this year took place in New Brunswick. Competitors and spectators alike came in large numbers from neighbouring provinces and states to be part of the first-ever Foshay International at the end of August. Nicole Kitchener traveled from Prince Edward Island to cover this world class event for HP.

Whatever the breed or discipline, horses are consistent in their ability to get struck down by disease and injury. Botulism was top of mind this summer as an outbreak devastated a Nova Scotia equine rescue centre. Nicole Kitchener also brings us “Botulism basics” in this issue – an overview of the disease, the causes, and what we can do to best protect our horses.

Winter will soon be upon us as you read this. Take the advice of contributor Roz Moscovitz and don’t waste it – curl up with a good book and learn. At any rate – learn! It’s not heavy to carry around.