Boyd and Neville at their best earlier this year at Red HillsAs I sit here in my home in Australia, I reflect on one of the saddest weeks I have ever experienced in our sport. Some of the stories I have read have left me crying like a baby, others have taken my breath away with tales of courage, heartbreak, terror and stoicism.
At the same time, I take heart in the strength, support and unwavering community spirit that pervades both the Eventing and Equestrian communities. Before the smoke had died out in Pennsylvania, help, shoulders to lean on and money started flowing.
Boyd, Phillip and Ryan are all Aussie boys, but are very much integral in the US Eventing community. While the focus is on Boyd and Phillip in particular, those directly involved are each affected, all have stories to tell and all need shoulders to cry on. The effects of this tragedy have been felt globally.
For a horse lover, there can be no worse situation, fire is horrible. I am surprised and grateful that no human lives were lost, while the lives of those involved have been irrevocably changed forever.
One of the ironies to emerge from this terrible event is that the team of True Prospect Farm will be stronger, tighter knit and harder to beat. I have no doubt that the bonds already formed at TPF before the fire have now been forged on the hardest anvil.
But quite aside from the strength and spirit that has emerged from within TPF, the worldwide Eventing community has sprung into action. Although part of this support is due to the fact that Boyd’s career has spanned two continents in the last decade, I do believe that a similar level of support would be delivered to any Eventer suffering a similar fate.
Time and time again, when something goes wrong in our sport; peers, family, owners, fans and horse lovers step up to the plate to assist. Our sport is based on volunteerism, the spirit of all-in, giving time to run events and dedicating selflessly to the pursuit of gold medals.
As the dust settles we as a community will need to continue to support everyone involved, riders, grooms, owners, friends and family. Our role is of critical importance to the recovery, so when you can, give a hug, a note of support or have a cold beer with someone affected by the TPF fire.
If you have ever met Neville Bardos, and looked him in the eye, he has crazy eyes, a bit like Boyd when he’s focused. If a horse can recover from such a fire, then Neville will. I can only imagine the look in Boyd’s eyes when he was told Neville was still in the stable and rushed in after him.
Not quite crazy eyes but focused, NevilleYours in Eventing
ESJ
