©Voice, July 2006

Joyce and Terry Moyer (in foreground on foot) are totally committed
to promoting the Tennessee Walking Horse.

All our friends have arrived from near and far. They’ve readily joined in the work of the final preparations to celebrate this “Open Barn.” The friendship, the openness of others to give, the joining together to promote the Tennessee Walking Horse is what makes this annual time special to these persons’ efforts and to the spectators who arrive to view, touch, and fall in love with this magnificent breed of horse.

The Maple Crest Drill Team prepares all year for Genius Day.

Many avenues of enjoyment were provided for the public this day. The Maple Crest Drill Team totaling 31 amateur riders, age 10 to 67, male and female, all riding Tennessee Walking Horses performed complex riding maneuvers to the cheers of the crowd. The crowd got so excited and involved they called out asking for repeats of specific maneuvers. After performing, the drill team riders graciously offered their mounts for assisted riding for children of “all ages.” This gesture was met with high approval and great appreciation by the spectators. I believe the drill team now understands the term “walking” in the name of our great horse.

Charles Roach, Smithfield, Kentucky, and Linda Starnes, Cave City, Kentucky, with her horse Travelin’ Time (5x Versatility Champion) joined together to display an approach to horse training. Charlie demonstrated training to start a young horse under saddle and how it applies to trail riding and the show ring. Linda and Tavelin’ Time assisted by her husband, Larry then demonstrated the skills of Charlie’s ground work translated into mutual communication on the horse’s back. The expressions of interest and the acceptance of the knowledge and experience offered met goals of all in the promotion of the Tennessee Walking Horse’s natural disposition and mental facilities.

Linda and Larry also represented the National Youth Jamboree. Their apparent and well appreciated love of our Youth had children scrambling through obstacle courses, running barrels, poles, etc…riding the wild and unpredictable “mop ponies.” The giggles of delight gained parents’ laughing approval of Linda’s special appreciation of the TW Horse through a child’s perceptions.

An Oster clipping and grooming demo was directed and performed by Lani Dennis-Solenberger. The Oster Company promotes this young woman as their representative for her outgoing informative attitude and experience in the proper use of their “tools” in the correct clipping and grooming techniques for the Tennessee Walking horse. Youth were invited to assist in a “hands on” demo.

Maple Crest was also pleased to welcome TWHBEA’s National Clinician, Nicole Carswell and the opportunity to be part of the 2006 “Walk this Way” tour that was kicked off in February. Nicole’s professional and educational presentation of the “Performance Horse” was readily accepted and viewed in awe. The thrill of riding a performance horse brought unrestricted squeals of appreciation from many riders. Comments of “unreal, awesome, I had no idea….” Were definitely due to Nicole’s love of educating the public and the Performance horses she brought to share. Thanks Nicole!

Also offered to the public this day were the concessions and vendors of food and drinks, tack for horse and rider, a representative of the Cowboy Mounted Shooting Association, a sharpener of all types of blades, a massotherapist offering free rides in his massage chair, a church group offering aromatic candles, Diana Jors, Canter Embroidery, Dept. of Environmental Services information on equines and their environmental impact, Metro Parks equine rep., Jett’s Auctioneer and Horse Transport, and Blazing Saddles 4-H club helping to feed the multitudes.

A special note on the day’s beginning: the drill team riders and extended Maple Crest family honored Joyce, Terry, and Genius’ Boy Pride in a memorial presentation of gifts, flowers, pictorial blanket and dedication of performance. “To all - you have touched our hearts and impacted our lives in all the best ways as only a family can.”
Thank You!

–Terrance & Joyce Moyer
Maple Crest Farms • Castalia, Ohio