Letters

From the Editor...

May is always our eventing/Rolex preview issue, and even if combined training isn't your discipline, I know you'll enjoy reading it as much as I enjoyed putting it together. For starters, Theodore O'Connor himself is our Eventing Five Questions interviewee. You'll learn things about the Theo-dorable you never knew (and neither did Karen, for that matter). I especially enjoyed Lauren Giannini's interview with Ralph Hill, and was pleased to learn you can catch up with him at Rolex at the Equestrian Aid tent.

On the subject of Equestrian Aid, at press time and far too late to include the story, we learned that the wonderful horse community in the Tallahassee area raised over $200,000 to help defray Darren Chiacchia's medical expenses at a benefit put together in very short order. Robert Dover rode a musical freestyle and the whole community came together to support Darren in his recovery. He is now back in New York. For more information on the benefit, and some of the special blind auction offerings that are still available, please visit www.eventrider.com.

Geoff Teall has long been one of my personal favorite 'horse show guys' and I think he's one of the most sensible men in this crazy industry. I know you will read his Five Questions interview by Jan Westmark with interest, as I did. Jan also interviewed juniors Carly and Alexa Anthony, who are west coast riders. Carly won the Ronnie Mutch classic in its first year 'out there' and both girls are charming and talented.

Our West Coast dressage correspondent, Kathy Beal visited with Sue Blinks who shared some thoughts on the Olympic Selection Trials qualifiers. Johnny Robb spends a few minutes with Elizabeth Niemi, a most interesting competitor in the dressage arena.

We had known Big Joe Muldoon was gravely ill when we began a two part series on his life in the April issue. Big Joe lost his battle with cancer before he saw the first installment in print. Lauren did her usual masterful job in capturing the man, and his family was gracious as always in helping us with this final installment. Big Joe touched a lot of lives, including mine. In 1981 I boarded my mare with him at Gone Away Farm, and learned just the other day that our Equine Law columnist, Lisa Hollister, was in his barn around the same time as well. We must've just missed one another, but we sure didn't miss Big Joe.

We all miss him now. He was one of those larger than life people you never forget.

So once again, there's a lot of good stuff in these pages. I hope you enjoy May Sidelines.

I did!

Until next month,

Cornelia Bernard Henderson