September 2024 Issue

The Directory Horse & Pet Cremation Emergency ServiceAvailable Horse Stalls Trailers Trailers Manure Removal kevin.bomgardner@aol.com Manure Composting EAST COAST EQUESTRIAN September 2024 Page 49 A Tribute to Patricia (Trish) Donovan Gilbert (1941-2024) Chesterland group, notably John Ryan. Some had been part of the Radnor Three-Day, such as Richard Thompson, Judy Thayer and Mary Coldren. And, Bodgie Read brought with her the Pony Club knowledge and connec- tions. In addition, there were several prominent Cecil County residents. There were many others who rallied to the need and were welcomed to join the effort through the diplomacy of Trish Gilbert. Trish assembled a profes- sional team which started and kept the competition at the top level. And, she found an out- standing course designer, Mike Tucker from Wiltshire, England. When Tucker retired, Derek di Grazia (CD of the 2020 Olym- pics), designed the Fair Hill courses for the next two decades. The first course builder was suc- ceeded in the following years by many, remarkably-able builders. For the last twenty-five years, the excellent work of Eric Bull and his crew has been an integral part of FHI. Trish made sure that challenging and fair cross coun- try courses are a highlight of FHI by creating the best working combination of designers and builders. Another of Trish’s talents was assembling the officials for each Fair Hill International Event which would attract riders with higher ambitions, thus assuring keen competition. From her years as a top rider and her connections with the USET, traveling wide- ly as a technical delegate, team selector, and course designer herself, Trish knew how to care- fully select just the right officials. With an ear to the ground, she picked candidates whom riders might face at future international competitions, knowing riders would want to get a feel for that judge's scoring or to make a good impression before the next im- portant Event. It was tactical, and Trish Gilbert was keenly aware of that. Volunteers, from those experienced (in charge of various areas of importance) to the one- time volunteer (donating a morn- ing to learn a new job or skill), are the lifeblood of horse sports and, in particular, Eventing. This undeniable fact is utmost in the mind of every organizer, none more than Trish, who made sure that volunteers were honored, often with a party of some sort. The honoring varied from year to year, but usually the plan was suggested by Trish and often subsidized by her personally. She made sure to personally thank and show her sincere apprecia- tion of volunteers whenever she could. Perhaps it was in her DNA to run parties and make peo- ple who shared her interests comfortable and welcomed. For years, Trish also hosted a party in her home on an evening during the October Champi- onship event. She planned and cooked most of the meal for the Ground Jury, Technical Dele- gates, Course Designer, Build- ers, other officials, lead volun- teers, friends, and many others, making for a full house. It was fun and it was grand, but so NOT fussy. One observant guest has a clear memory of Trish with her phone to her ear, in the crook of her shoulder, busy at the stove, waving to arriving guests, troubleshooting the latest glitch in the event. The Observant Guest calls it multi-tasking; most would call it madness. Don't believe that all Trish did was keep FHI on track and always moving forward. The Gilbert household involved an active farm, Church Mouse Meadows, training young stock to be racehorses. There were children and then, grandchildren with schedules and interests to be followed and encouraged. Two riders from each of the next two generations found their way to Eventing through Pony Club. Trish became a Pony Club District Commissioner in the 80’s and soon was on the USPC Board of Governors. There were, of course, holidays and special occasions for the family to celebrate at the capacious home, which often included many friends. Trish had an art- ist’s eye for interior design and made every room delightful and comfortable. She also continued to travel as an Eventing official for as long as rules allowed. It was the life of a fervent Event- ing supporter and also one of an ardent family member. Honors come to active and creative people like Trish Gilbert in appreciation for their sig- nificant contributions. The US Pony Club presented Trish their Founders Award and in 2004 they elevated her to receive the USPC Legend Award. The US Eventing Association followed suit by inducting her into their Hall of Fame in 2022 at a celebration at the Gilbert’s home and in the company of many close friends, family and FHI volunteers and staff. It was a well-deserved, long overdue honor. Out on the FHI cross coun- try course, there is a collection of jumps which together form a train known as the FHI He- roes Train. It was constructed through heart-felt donations from Eventing friends across the country in response to an idea of John Nunn. The Train is what's called a portable jump though it does take a power- ful tractor and skilled driver to move and reposition the 4 pieces. Each car is built to reflect the person to whom it is dedicated. The flat car, loaded with parts of a dressage arena, reminds viewers of Bodgie Read's stewardship. The freight car, holding tools needed on cross country prep, recalls the skills of Judy Thayer, especially as it's painted in her Eventing colors. The caboose is for John Ryan, an original FHI founder, always involved with the cross country courses from concept, through the competition, and to the cleanup. At the front of the train is a mighty engine with the FHI initials on the front over the cow catcher. It has never been said aloud but here is where we will remember our FHI Hero, Trish Gilbert, the engine that pulled FHI forward, onward and never stopping. (Continued from page 43) Please submit your events to steph@eastcoastequestrian.net. Please provide event name, location, city, state and contact information for inclusion at no cost in East Coast Equestrian's calendar. Attention Event Organizers! The news East Coast horse owners need to know.