Lake Louisa 25 rookie volunteer

[avpinc@bellsouth.net]

Hi all!
     I just returned from the Lake Louisa 25 in FL and worked as a
volunteer
for the first time.  I went there expecting to conduct a survey for
Edith Whiting
on feeding practices, and to present my company, Anico Veterinary
Products,
to the competitors but I lucked- out and ended up doing various
volunteer acitivities.
I had the chance to do weigh-ins for the riders (and was empathetic at
the reluctance
to hear those numbers) and ended up recording p.r. and helping with
final checks.
     I must say that I had a blast.  The people were great, the judges
and officials
were so knowledgable and concientious, and the vets were so dedicated
and
worked so hard, it was all-together inspiring.  And the horses--what a
bunch of
beauties--even the ones who had to be pulled before and during the ride,
were
worthy of respect and admiration for their presence, condition, and
heart.
     Congratulations to all of the two-and four-legged athletes for your
efforts.
I am what I call a "rookie-in-training" and hope to be joining you all
next year
with my own horse.  I agree heartily with the posts that suggested
working as
a volunteer before ever competing.  I learned so much and will go into
the
sport with a greater understanding of what it entails.  Truthfully,
manners and
training are every bit as important as conditioning.
     I want to thank all of the Lake Louisa and SEDRA people for making
me
feel so welcome and for your hospitality.  I met some future friends
there, and
I came away from the ride with a new respect for everyone and everything

involved (and I hope you'll all forgive me for winning all those raffle
prizes--
I swear, I didn't fix the drawing!). Thanks again, and see you all soon!

                                                       Linda Flynn,
O.B.FL.



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