October 1, 2006

WEG Journals from Devon - Mack's Musings
“Paws Up”
Special to Dressage Daily #3, Page Two
By Fiona Q. McCormick (as dictated to her amanuensis, Father Mack)

Second, raise those paws way up for the vendors who make Devon as cool outside the rings as it is inside the Dixon Oval and the Gold Ring where we watch the horses and their human luggage. Not only may dogs accompany their attached humans into and out of the cottages, but also nearly all the people selling stuff really greet us with the same enthusiasm they show toward the bipeds. A special shout out to the merchants who have dog treats lurking behind the counter with which to acknowledge how deftly we bring our human companions in to buy things. Let’s hear it for Peggy and Dennis of Jane Heart Jewelry who again this year went the extra mile having a bowl of fresh water out in front of their cottage AND delicio-so dog snacks that they bestowed upon worthy canines. Way to go, Peggy and Dennis!

A third rave review to the many, many eateries up and down the food midway that didn’t make our homo sapiens cohorts tie us up somewhere while they went off to eat. Larry tells me that he had meant to deliver an accolade of his own when he was counting the ways in which he loves the Devon event to the eateries. Not only are the offerings scrumptious, but the prices are fair (no need to run off of the show grounds in search of reasonably priced goodies) AND so many of the food stalls place 100% of their profits into the treasury of Thorncroft Therapeutic Horseback Riding. A meal without heartburn (or wallet burn) and a philanthropic twist to top it all off. Hooray for all the food service folks!

[On a very personal note, I want to thank the unknown individual who dropped an entire packet of French fries in the heart of the food midway. I delighted in each and every one until Larry dragged me away kicking and screaming. You, whoever you are, are my hero/heroine!]

A final four paws way up for the horses and riders who are the heart and soul of every horse show. (Even as Larry types these words of mine I know that my union card is at risk for my audacity in praising another species. Truth be told, we Corgis really do love those horsies.) From the young lady on her rather talkative Haflinger who Ruth and I stood and watched in the warm up area (you’ve got a really pretty mane and tail there, horsy!) right through to Doctor Cesar Parra who, together with his groom, Ms. Jen Mandracia (Hi, Jen!), made Larry’s hope of seeing Doctor Parra and his upcoming horse, Fürst Fabio, a reality . . . all the four legged competitors and the people they cart around on their bags deserve an extra special four paws up – way, way up!

Any of my brothers and sisters who wear the fur and have things they particularly loved about Devon (or any other horse shows in their neck of the woods) are invited to send their thoughts to me in care of my social secretary, Larry (mailto:frmac@columbia.edu). I look forward to hearing from you. Until next year at Devon I remain, faithfully yours,