Christy Wood adds ‘author’ to resume

YOUR BEST HORSE SHOW:
A GUIDE FOR MANAGERS AND EXHIBITORS
by Christy Wood
AuthorHouse, 2009
158 pages, paper, $22.95

by Sarah Elliott

   Some spend their entire lives searching for what they were meant to do. Others have known their path for as long as they can remember.
   The latter is the case for Christy Wood of Three Rivers, who today is a horsewoman of unprecedented accomplishments, and it all started with a stick horse when she was two. Then, by the time she was old enough to drive a car, Christy had already purchased her first horse.
   Today, she owns the Wood ‘N’ Horse Training Stables on North Fork Drive, but travels the world regularly as a champion rider of Appaloosas, trainer for the Wood ‘N’ Horse Show Team and, for nearly two decades, an accredited judge for horse shows.
   Christy’s recently published book, Your Best Horse Show — her first but she is already at work on her next — may sound like a technical manual for the serious horse-show competitor or organizer, but it is also a fascinating compendium of Christy’s experiences, all which have led her to where she is today in the world of horse shows.
   But the main reason that Christy penned the book is she got fed up with the subpar horse shows. Instead of complaining, Christy took action.

  “There are many horse shows that come to mind when things didn’t go according to plan as I have been cold, wet, stranded, hungry, overworked, ignored and unpaid! There are two in particular that planted the idea for this book…”
   Even if you’ve never thought about organizing a horse show — perhaps because you crunch numbers at a computer all day or stand behind a counter and assist customers 40 hours a week — this book will make you want to get rid of the necktie or, if the case may be, trade the pumps for a pair of boots, and hit the arena. It is written in plain language that even the biggest city slicker will be able to understand, but if it still contains words that are unfamiliar, then page to the back of the book where the extensive glossary will clear it all up.
   This isn’t to say that the book doesn’t contain useful information for the experts. It will most certainly advance horse enthusiasts to the next level in their competition.
   In addition, if you are exhausted from traveling state to state to attend horse shows, then have the competitors come to you. With this book you now have the essential tools to organize your own horse show.
   There are 11 chapters in the book, with the first couple explaining the differences between the three types of horse shows and the classes within a show.
   Then there are chapters devoted to each job that is integral to the success of a horse show: manager (“A horse show manager is a person with very broad shoulders, who can multi-task and solve any problems that cross their path”), secretary (“The first person the show manager wants to select is a show secretary”), judges (“...exhibitors will appreciate and pay a little more for the expertise of a qualified, carded judge”), announcer (“An announcer can enhance the ebb and flow of a horse show”), and other personnel, including ring stewards (“The objective is to have an adequate number of ring stewards to manage the arena and assist the judges”), gate person (“It is their responsibility to get all exhibitors of a class into the arena when called”), and others.
   The “Facilities” chapter includes everything necessary when scoping out an arena, while “Show Program” walks readers through how to properly publicize their event, both before and during the show. The “Awards” chapter makes sure this all-important aspect of the horse show is not overlooked.
   Sample forms are provided that may be photocopied or re-created. These include everything from an entry form to contracts, judges’ cards, and even patterns for the horse and rider in the arena.
There is also an extensive checklist for the use of managers that will ensure that everything learned in the book is never forgotten or overlooked.
   And, last but not least, the book is illustrated with endearing pen-and-ink drawings created by Christy’s talented friend, Paul Parton.