August 24, 2006

World Equestrian Games Journals from Aachen
Mack's Musings
By Father Mack (a.k.a.: Father Larry David McCormick)
Photos by Ruth S. McCormick

“The Approval of All”
Special to Dressage Daily #13

After my last bit of scribbling that was set before you, fair reader, I have been in a mood of reflection…may I take the risk of typing “meditaion”? The motivation for said mood is the decision made by Team McDonald not to push the largest member of that team, Brentina, lest her physical condition be compromised and her future happiness impaired

My time of reverie has been interrupted bright and early on the second to last day of dressage competition. Nearly every time that a fan or a fellow journalist catches sight of either Ruth’s proudly displayed Stars & Stripes /or/ one of these individuals sees the USA flag on my press credentials, they stop us/me to tell us how proud they are to supporters of a sport that includes in its number Debbie McDonald.

In halting German or French or less-halting English, the conversations which follow always include comments from these citizens of the world telling me (and now you) that the USA has hoisted on high a flag. This pennant declares that we as horsefolk place the good of our equine friends higher than our egos, our personal aspirations, or the pursuit of fame and fortune.

Belorussians, Spaniards, citizens of Ireland and the U.K., countless Germans (I will take special note of the many volunteers working the checkpoints ‘round the Soers who have brought me to a standstill!), French nationals, and those from the Netherlands Antilles have cut short my ruminations to pat Debbie and Brentina on the back in an indirect manner.

I will attempt to curtail my typical long-windedness by putting the opinion of the worldwide horse community concerning our leading pair of contenders at these games in a few words: Debbie and Brentina done us proud! THERE we have grounds for meditation. I commend it to you most heartily.