FAMILY SHOWCASE
About Robin... I started showing in Lead Line at age 3 at the Garden. In 1965 I was Small Pony Hunter Champion at the PA National Horse Show on Color me Blue. I showed at the Washington International in the through the late 60's. I was an instructor at 5 different horse facilities 1972 – 1997, became a MHSA Registered Judge in 1976 to present day, and an AHSA Registered Judge 1978 – 1996. I judge between 20 -25 shows locally every year and I love it! My greatest accomplishment is I am a lifelong equestrian.
Robin and McGuinness
at least 15 years, maybe 20, that I last saw him at the WIHS, we had met when he judged me on a Small Pony in the mid-60's. In later years I was a WIHS volunteer and a trophy sponsor and saw him while he was a judge there for about 10 years. This year's 2011 WIHS will be my 35th year presenting that same Small Pony Memorial Trophy. When I saw him at HITS Thermal, he gave me a big hug and kiss and asked why I was there? I told him, Rich Fellers, of course. John French is another athlete I
west coast people who came from the east over the years. I then sort of became paparazzi.
picture of us with it. The biggest thrill of the week for
love to follow. He spent his boyhood in Maryland, close to me, and I remember him showing a small pinto pony named Vicky. His long shaggy blonde hair stuck out from under his helmet but he wanted to win even then. His legs were always kicking Vicky around a course. At Thermal I also got a chance
I followed Rich around to numerous rings taking photos every chance I got. That was hard to do because he rode his bike around like he was in a jump off. I asked to borrow Edgar's bike one day to keep up with Rich which I could barely do, even on a bike. Rich showed, coached and exercised different horses all day long, never stopping. His normal assistant-wife Shelley, was home in Oregon with son Chris for emergency surgery. She arrived that Friday to help Rich. Harry Chapman invited me in the
to hang out with another former Marylander, Edgar Pagan. Back in the 80’s, I exercised the jumpers that Edgar showed for his trainer, Earl Marsh of Marshwood Farm. I guess I go back a few years with several
VIP seating with he and Mollie. I met Bob Drennan at the front desk, and met Kathy Hobstetter at Chapman’s table. We are both lurkers on the Chronicle of the Horse forums and it was a delight to meet her in person finally. I had seen online the ShowBiz issue with Rich and Flexible on the cover and asked if she could send me one. She left the VIP area and returned with a copy which I later got autographed by Rich. I simply had to share it with Arthur and get a
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me was just me and my idols spending time together for a short while! I loved the quiet time watching Rich and Flexible exercise in the covered indoor and I got to hang out with McGuinness, my favorite, at his stall. He's always been stabled in an FEI barn and I never had access to him. Got some nuzzling in this time. At the end of my week there, I
was a little melancholy about leaving. Sitting in the VIP area with Kathy and Harry, Mollie arrived with a big canvas bag and handed it to me. It was a huge HITS Grand Prix trophy Flexible won; it was a gift from the Chapman’s, Feller’s and Flexible. I told Mollie that I have to rewrite my will so I can be buried with it. I think they realize that I'm not
just a fan of their horses; I am a fan of theirs as well. I have traveled to Calgary, Florida and now California to follow their careers. They have not only shared their interest with me, they have welcomed me into their extended family. I truly love them for that.
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