President’s Message:
Hello KSHSC members. I write this message with excitement and sorrow. The 2012 show season will soon be upon us. Before we know it we will be battling flies, bathing horses, and enjoying watching those beautiful Kansas sunsets from the top of our beloved animals. Although I am not ready for the heat, I am ready for longer days, rodeos, shows, trail rides, and visiting with my horse friends. Our activities begin with the Spring Kick-Off celebration on March 25th and our first show is May 5th. Be ready, it is right around the
corner!!
On a sorrowful note, we have lost a longtime supporter of KSHSC, Mr. Arno Knapper. Arno was an icon at the KSHSC shows for as long as I can remember. His continued support of the Circuit and constant presence is a treasure that will forever be engrained in us.
He lit up the shows with his smile and laugh, and always had words of encouragement for all exhibitors. Arno loved horses and the horse world. He would not hesitate to offer showing and training tips, something I genuinely appreciated. I knew Arno for over 25 years and what sticks with me the most is that I do not ever remember a time when I heard him complain about his own life or health.
Even as his body began to fail, I never heard him say discouraging words or in anger say that life was unfair. He was a genuine person who lived his life helping and encouraging others, while accepting whatever life threw at him in stride, smiling through it all.
That is the way to live life my friends!! As we enter this show season, let’s keep Arno’s life lessons in mind knowing that while he may not be with us in person, he certainly is with us in spirit.
Take care, keep smiling, and I will see you in a few short months!!
Angie Nordhus
