Papa Kieffs is a legend in Area VIII and most of the areas on the east coast. Since my first days in young riders with Lauren Kieffer, her Dad has been there every step of the way as a prime example of the important role fathers play on our sport. Lauren, thanks for writing this about Papa Kieffs and thank you for reading.
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From Lauren:
A lot of you know my wonderful Dad–he goes by Papa Kieffs. And if you do know him, it’s most likely because he has fixed your bike/truck/flat tire/generator/camper/trailer or because he removed that stud that NO ONE can get out (heck, you probably can’t get it out because he put it in). Or maybe it is because you have been lucky enough to be around the campground when he has fried or grilled some form of deliciousness.
Papa Kieffs has been to countless events and worn at least as many hats. He has always been the official stud put-er-iner and the MacGyver of competitions, finding a way to fix anything.
Fortunately, as I eased out of the teen years he was able to drop the role of mediator between me and my mother (and by mediator I mean that when my smart mouth would out run my behind he would pull me aside and kick my behind). He has been in every D Box from my first one star to Rolex and he can shlep water like a pro.
I’m fortunate enough to have one of the best Dads in eventing and I think we can all agree that the shows just wouldn’t be as fun without all the Papas in the barns.
