Lighten up
by Trey Nosrac
A unique early morning quiet filled the horse barn. Davis Pierpoint, chairman of the board for the newly proposed Leland Trotting Society, looked at the seven members seated in a horseshoe of folding chairs. A big decision was about to be made.
Pierpoint began. “Okay, first on the agenda, we will hear a proposal from Trey. Then you will be asked to vote.”
A voice from the group, “Oh, boy. Here we go.”
Laughter. Trey stands.
“You don’t need to stand.”
Trey quickly sits. More laughter. Trey clears his throat, “My esteemed board members.”
“This isn’t the Supreme Court.”
Trey smiles, removes his clip-on tie, opens the top two buttons of his Hawaiian shirt, leans back, and exhales. “I want to make our sport look more classy, more attractive. Just take a look at these.”
He pulls photographs from a manila folder under his folding chair and distributes them. They are labeled Exhibit A and Exhibit B. Please take a look at them.
“The top of each photo is labeled Exhibit A, the bottom is labeled Exhibit B. Please scrutinize them.”
EXHIBIT A
EXHIBIT B
After a few seconds, Trey continues, “Our goal should be to make Exhibit A our brand. My proposal is simple: Competitors may not use hopples, headpoles, hoods, blinders, or hanging equipment of any kind. Also, drivers may not carry whips.”
He pauses.
“Here’s my rationale, based on a true story. About 15 years ago, a young couple on a date walked up to the fence at Saratoga Race Course and stood beside me. Their chatter revealed this was their first harness race. When the bugle sounded, and the post parade began, the lead horse passed within 10 feet of us. This is what they said:
‘Yikes. What’s all that stuff?’
‘It looks like the horse ran through a hardware store.’
‘Everything jingles and squeaks.’
‘Maybe they have a joust before the race?’
‘The jockey has a whip!’
‘One horse has teacups around his eyes and sponges in his ears.’
‘And a stick from the mouth to the back.’”
Trey concluded, “My friends, that couple stayed for one race and likely did not return.”
Davis leans forward. “Okay, okay. We get it. But some horses need that equipment.”
“Too bad.”
“What about pacers?”
“This is the Leland TROTTING Society. Anyone who creates a pacing league can make their own rules.
“A speedy horse might be under all that equipment.”
“Maybe, but trainers will have to adjust, and we will see what they can do.”
A female voice entered the conversation, energized. “I like it. I get it. Horses can’t rely solely on speed anymore. They need manners, they need to look natural and amazing, and you are willing to sacrifice speed.”
“Exactly,” Trey said. “At the Leland Trotting Society, speed is valuable, but it is not everything. If a horse breaks stride in competition, it earns zero points as an individual and as a teammate. A horse can finish fifth, stay on gait, and still earn a point for the team. The best horses will combine speed, manners, and appearance. They will look good to everyone.
“Plus, all horses will be under the sole supervision of the company trainer and Leland’s veterinary staff. No unapproved injections. No medications to enhance performance or mask ailments. The goal in this league is a combination of speed and appearance on a very level playing field.
“Buyers at the auction will know this going in. The parameters will be clear from day one. We don’t need to evolve into this format. We begin with it. We start with horses that look like Exhibit A. Allow me to summarize, ‘Our goal is not merely speed. It’s equine elegance. It’s equality.’”
Trey closes the manila folder. “I rest my case.”
Davis raps the gavel. “Let’s take a vote.”
As a board member, what is your vote?
