Valley Horses

Geneseo’s Ed Young honored at Walnut Hill

I have intended for quite a while to write about Ed Young, who is beyond question the most significant player on the national and international horse scene of anyone from these parts.

It was therefore with great delight that I was on hand at the Walnut Hill Carriage Driving Competition, which is the premiere such event in North America — not an overstatement — when he was honored with a special recognition by the organizers of the event for all he has done over the years to make it a success.

In the words of Tricia Remley White, chairwoman of the competition:

“Over the many years that Walnut Hill has encouraged the sport of horse and carriage driving, and in the 41 years that we have come together during the Walnut Hill Driving Competition, we have been blessed to have had many, many volunteers behind the scenes to make this event happen.

We want to thank one individual in particular for his many years of expertise. Whether it was painting the fences, nailing the hand-painted, wooden horses to the carousel, weeding the gardens, chopping down trees on the cross-country course, or keeping everyone on an even keel – this person has done it all.

We acknowledge the efforts and accomplishments of our own Ed Young. When Bill Remley [White’s father who founded the event at his property in Pittsford] asked Ed to step in and learn the ropes of Walnut Hill, Ed accepted the offer with grace and dignity – he became the go-to person and Bill’s right-hand man. This event would not be what it is today without the help, advice, and enthusiasm of Ed Young.

Ed has been an inspiration and trusted friend of all. Thank you, Ed, for who you are and who you have given us to look up to. We love you!!!!”

Such a tribute was richly deserved, there is no doubt, but is only one part of this man’s accomplishments and contributions to the sporting world.

Growing up in Grand Island, Young first came to this area showing hunter/jumpers. With education as a career, he taught math first at York Central School, and then with the Livingston-Steuben-Wyoming BOCES (now part of the Genesee Valley Educational Partnership) where he developed alternative math programs, first at the May Center in Mt. Morris, then at the Batavia campus, from which he retired a couple years ago after 38 years as a teacher.

As he came to know The Valley, Young joined the Genesee Valley Hunt and enjoyed the thrill of foxhunting. Through connections made in the hunt field, he came to know Bill Remley, who recognized and appreciated Young’s math, organizational, and leadership skills, asking him to help out with scoring as Walnut Hill grew in size, complexity, and prestige.

As he became more involved in the sport of driving, many people encouraged Young to seek his national license as a Technical Delegate – the rule book person at recognized competitions who sees that things run smoothly and everybody plays fair.

Over the years, Young became so highly regarded in the field that he has served for several years now as chef d’equipe for driving teams representing the United States in international competitions. The French term means team leader, whose duties are basically those of a producer who is in charge of all arrangements for travel, housing, and general management of riders, grooms, horses, equipment, and anything else that comes up.

In fact, late Saturday afternoon, Young left for Germany to serve in that capacity for the World 4-in Hand Championships in Riesenbeck.

As of last January, Young was named to a four-year term on the International Equestrian Federation (FEI) Driving Technical Committee. One of five members on the committee, the others are from Hungary, Belgium, Germany and Australia.

“I have been extremely fortunate to have had many wonderful opportunities come my way. There is a list as long as my arm of people to thank for their help and support.”

Walnut Hill Hall of Fame member Bob Heinold with whom Young apprenticed for his technical delegate’s license says of him, “He’s one of the finest officials and human beings I’ve ever had the honor of working with.”

Licensed driving judge and Walnut Hill course designer Billie Hill, who taught Young to drive and sponsored him for his technical delegate’s license stated, “You can always be confident that things will go well and run on time when Ed is in charge. When we met in the hunt field (in the mid-70s) we became friends immediately – a friendship that has lasted a lifetime.”

To his further credit, Young still finds the time in his busy schedule to help out on the local level, where for many years he has volunteered as technical delegate for the Genesee Valley Pony Club Spring Event.

So hats off to Ed Young whose special gifts and talents have served both students and horse folk both locally and far beyond for many years.

Thanks Ed!

Winners of the Week

Rolelu Stables Dressage and Combined Test

Introductory Level Combined Test:

1. Hastening Gwyneth and Sarah Hull;

2. Millennium Sun and Rachel Johnston; 3. Autumn and Gerri Wright

Beginner Novice Combined Test:

1. Secretariat’s Shimmering Tear and Jamie Gould; 2. Oberto and Jennifer Blackburn; 3. John the Good Husband and Hannah Diehl

Novice Combined Test:

1. Anabelle’s Wish and Emma Orlando

Dressage (ribbons awarded based on score

Intro Test A: Blue – Sterling Romance and Jackie Patterson; Red – Blitzen Lady and Laney Murphy

Intro Test B: Blue – Sterling Romance and Jackie Patterson, and Blitzen Lady and Laney Murphy; Red – Raven and Owen Wong

Intro Test C: Red – Raven and Owen Wong

Beginner Novice B: Blue – Raven and Owen Wong

First Level Test 1: Blue – Lena’s Lost Sock and Kim Cuilla, and Art on Display and Erica Joyce

First Level Test 2: Blue – Lena’s Lost Sock and Kim Cuilla, and Art on Display and Erica Joyce

Coming Up

Sunday Aug. 19 – the Genesee Valley Breeders Association (GVBA) is looking for any last minute entries! All post entries are accepted with NO late penalty, but they would LOVE to know if you are coming. Please let them know if you are planning on attending, and feel free to give them a rough copy of your entry: horse’s name, age, sex, breed, sire/damn and what classes you intend on entering. Contact Mira Boyczuk at mirab@roadrunner.com or call 716-646-3132 or 585-703-5416

Saturday, Aug. 25 – Children’s Short Course 9 a.m. – noon at the Genesee Valley Equine Clinic

Calling all children!

Spend a summer morning with other horse-crazy kids learning some of the ins and outs of horse anatomy and basic veterinary science. Kathleen McCarthy, DVM, and Elodie VerHulst, LVT, will teach you how to take a horse’s temperature, pulse, and respiratory rate.

You will also listen to a live horse’s heart with a stethoscope, learn how to weigh a horse, and how to handle the feet. A fun time is guaranteed for all! Parents are welcome to watch from the sidelines. Call the clinic soon at 585-889-1170 to reserve your spot.