THE VIEW FROM CENTER RING
Every February we make the pilgrimage to Scottsdale, Arizona, for “The Greatest Horse Show on Earth.” Extraordinary Arabian horses and spectacular performances are assured. For many it is also a mid-winter escape to a desert paradise. This year there were great horses, but the record low temperatures and rain were not what we dreamed of when we mailed our entries in December. While the weather presented challenges and discomfort, the show went on, and everyone adapted to the circumstances. “In spite of the weather, the horses were turned out beautifully,” said judge Gail Grubb. “And they performed really well. Because they were so well trained, they were able to perform in tough conditions.” Judge Joan Palelek noted, “The trainers did an outstanding job preparing and getting their horses into the arena. The way those horses came in, you’d never know about the mud and rain and the total mess that was outside.”
“It was Rob Bick’s idea to team Possesion with Katie Burr,” says Nan Harley. “Katie is an excellent rider but had never shown western pleasure. It just shows the confidence that Rob has in Possesion to do his job regardless of the rider’s experience. Possesion displayed one of my favorite characteristics of the Arabian horse — an excellent
