March 2009 - At The Back Gate

When Susan Dillman and her friend Autumn Martens decided to celebrate Susan's 48th birthday at the Pin Oak Charity Horse Show, it turned out to be a day Susan will remember forever.  It was the day Susan met Mistico TP, a three-year-old Andalusian gelding, for the first time.  Owned by Linda Graham and bred by TP Farm, Mistico was exhibiting for his third successful year at Pin Oak in halter, and now has two first and two second-place wins to his credit.  It was love at first sight for Susan, Mistico, and Susan's son Sean.  To make a long story short, Mistico now belongs to Susan, and truly, it seems that this new partnership was written in the stars.  Susan's husband George was examining Mistico's papers and discovered that he was born on March 20, which is . . . Susan's birthday!  Congratulations to the Dillmans and welcome to the Pin Oak family.

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Tradition continues as Pin Oak hosts our traditional Groom’s Party, welcoming and thanking those who are an integral part of the success and enjoyment of the charity show.  This event was organized and chaired by three year veteran Board member Victoria Hunton, with the warm sentiments of the entire Board of Directors behind her.  Vicki served authentic Mexican food, and made homemade cakes and desserts herself.  In addition, she organized a raffle of items including mens’ fragrances, Pin Oak shirts, soccer balls, sleeping bags, golf towels, and water bottles.  I have not witnessed such a good time had by so many guys in quite a long time…thanks to everyone, including those that the party was in honor of… 

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The first week of Pin Oak concluded with wonderful Texas Spring weather and a fantastic $30,000 Nordic Lights Farm Grand Prix.  The Hospitality Committee has outdone itself with fresh fruit and water at each arena/ring In Gate, and fabulous sponsor and exhibitor receptions each evening.  Our Friday night “Meet the Riders” party was a smashing success with a crowd of riders, owners, trainers and sponsors mixing it up with each other while watching the Welcome Stake and then the Saddlebreds, Andalusians and United Mountain Horses compete.  Saturday dawned a new day, with many breed Championship classes, culminating with the $30,000 Nordic Lights Farm Grand Prix.  Dinner was served Ringside in our red carpet area, over 700 guests served.  The General Admission side was packed with spectators and a good time was had by all!  Entertainment included the Catalina Cowgirls, the St. Thomas Marching Bagpipe Band and a premier dressage kur by Pam Fowler Grace.  Sunday morning wrapped up the Breed Show portion of the first week, with the Jumpers finishing up their classes for the week as well.  The Welsh Pony division showed all day long Saturday outdoors in the Houston Area Audi Dealers Ring, with the Second Annual Local Day running in the Valobra Jewelry & Antiques Ring.  Judge for Local Day was Jack Towell, who presented a clinic on Sunday, which was extremely well attended.  Many thanks to all who made Week One of Pin Oak 2009 so special.  Please visit www.PinOak.org for results from Week One, and I’ll keep you posted on the happenings in our second week!  

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Today is the opening day of the 64^th Annual Pin Oak Charity Horse Show.  We’ve been setting up for the last three days here at The Great Southwest Equestrian Center with an army of local volunteers and a cast of thousands of professional show staff!  The show began at 6:00 this morning with the daily complimentary continental breakfast served at both major In Gates.  At 8:00 things began jumping in the Ovation Ring, with the action in the BBVA Compass heating up at 9:00.  Andalusian Sport Horse classes ended up in Ring D, with the Saddlebred and United Mountain Horse classes leading the evening’s show pleasure. 

The weather is beautiful!  The rings are beautiful!  The crowd is beautiful!  We’re looking forward to another ten days of superior horse showing, I’ll keep you updated with the winners…

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ClubEquestrian.com will feature a blog from the Pin Oak Charity Horse Show, which will run March 18-29, at the Great Southwest Equestrian Center in Katy, TX. Wendy Cook, Executive Director of the show, will bring readers closer to the action of this multi-breed show. Known as one of the country’s oldest and most prestigious horse competitions, Pin Oak is the first United States Equestrian Federation competition designated as a Heritage Competition. Pin Oak has been holding charity horse shows for 64 years and has raised close to $4 million for the Texas Children’s Hospital and Ronald McDonald House of Houston.

From volunteer to Executive Director, Cook has been involved with the show for almost a decade. “I firmly believe that I am most satisfied when I am serving my community, improving the future for the next generation, and working in an atmosphere that I enjoy daily,” shared Cook. 

The Katy, TX-resident enjoys trail riding and has owned a Palomino Quarter Horse mare and a Missouri Fox Trotter. She is a mother of three—Veronica, Skyler, and Jackson. In addition, her mini Australian Shepherd, Cha Cha, is a part of the Cook family.

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