Eventing Nation booted from covering Event in Unionville, PA

[MorganSercu]

@RacetrackReject

It’s called evolution. Evolve or go extinct with the other relics.

You did notice that the farm is still around and that it is USEA that lost out. Not the landowner. Others have pointed out that neighbors to the event grounds hated the traffic when one was held and it took a lot of work to keep their grumbling to a minimum and soothe their nerves. Seems to me that the LO now gets to enjoy his land more than ever without hosting USEA.

[Virginia_Horse_Mom]

@atl_hunter - that’s a really interesting take on the whole issue. There truly WAS a missed opportunity to flip the script, and look at this from a different perspective. I 100% agree.

I also understand COMPLETELY why many find the word offensive. History matters. It absolutely does. But that’s also what I find so bizarre about this… the folks at EN, and apparently some key people at the governing bodies of the sport, chose to ACTIVELY disregard this land owners’ family history in their zeal to honor and be aware and care about other history. And in so doing, they showed a lack of consideration for the fact that he had been granting an entire sport access to his property for decades, and donated substantial funds to the sport of eventing. And that was something that apparently he considered exceptionally rude. And who can blame him?

[Virginia_Horse_Mom]

@RacetrackReject

Where were they asked to change the name of their farm? I read that they were asked to allow a media source to refer to the event taking place on their farm by another name and, perhaps, to change the event name in the future. That’s how it all started.

My farm holds no public events and no one would know the name beyond friends and family, so not an issue. If my farm held public events where the name could be offensive to some, you can bet your ass that I would change it, even though that’s not what was originally asked here.

I don’t think they’re lying if they feel they are being called racist. Did you even read what I said? I said that maybe people were inferring that they were racist was because of the company they keep.

A lot of change happens in 80 years. Just because something has been around for 80 years doesn’t mean that it is right now. Slavery took place well before that 80 year mark and I assume that you can agree that that change was a good idea and one that needed to come about? It’s called evolution. Evolve or go extinct with the other relics.

What do you mean by people inferring the land owner is racist by “the company they keep?”

[RacetrackReject]

@MorganSercu

You did notice that the farm is still around and that it is USEA that lost out. Not the landowner. Others have pointed out that neighbors to the event grounds hated the traffic when one was held and it took a lot of work to keep their grumbling to a minimum and soothe their nerves. Seems to me that the LO now gets to enjoy his land more than ever without hosting USEA.

Yes, I know the farm is still around, but for how long. Those landowners will pass and their kids or grandkids may change the name or sell it for housing developments, or whatever if they have no interest in the farm and there are not contracted events on the land.

I don’t see anything wrong with LOs being able to enjoy their land. You say that like I should be outraged or something, I’m not. Good on them.

There is loss on both sides. Obviously, the LOs wouldn’t have granted this lease for so long if they did not enjoy/get something out of it. I’m sure once they are over their outrage they will feel the loss of the event going extinct too, even though it was their doing. There were options between going nuclear, on both sides, but there were apparently no adults at the table that were able to sit down and discuss things.

[pluvinel]

@RacetrackReject

Where were they asked to change the name of their farm? I read that they were asked to allow a media source to refer to the event taking place on their farm by another name and, perhaps, to change the event name in the future. That’s how it all started.

My farm holds no public events and no one would know the name beyond friends and family, so not an issue. (1) If my farm held public events where the name could be offensive to some, you can bet your ass that I would change it, even though that’s not what was originally asked here.

I don’t think they’re lying if they feel they are being called racist. Did you even read what I said? B I said that maybe people were inferring that they were racist was because of the company they keep.[/B]

A lot of change happens in 80 years. Just because something has been around for 80 years doesn’t mean that it is right now. Slavery took place well before that 80 year mark and I assume that you can agree that that change was a good idea and one that needed to come about? It’s called evolution. Evolve or go extinct with the other relics.

(1) Since you would be willing to accommodate a name change then no problem.

(2) …BUT…BIG #2: You have just accused the landowner of of being a racist…and keeping racist company.

The question as you present it now no longer a question of a simple name change.

A landowner…who for 20 years has been quietly minding his own business…and generously allowing equestrians to gallop all over his property…now finds himself (and the company they keep) publicly accused of being racist!!!

Speaking as a land owner, 'splain to me why I won’t say, “Don’t let the door hit you on the way out.”

You are correct…my guess is that this event is now a relic and extinct.

[RacetrackReject]

@Virginia Horse Mom

What do you mean by people inferring the land owner is racist by “the company they keep?”

Exactly what it says. When you have people around you who spout things that are racist often and in the public, it would not be a big leap for someone to think you were of that thinking as well.

[Equibrit]

@MorganSercu

If they had focused on advocating for more diversity I doubt many would have disagreed. Inserting themselves in this matter simply led to another LO slamming the gates on equestrians.

It’s not unlike a local saddle club whose board members decry hunters but completely overlooks the demographics. There are more hunters than those who strictly ride, they didn’t want to hear from members who ride AND hunt, and they completely ignored the privileged snob factor coming out of their mouths. Quite a few hunters eat what they kill or donate to food charities that prepare and serve the hungry.

We need the support of hunters, bicyclists, etc. Or we lose trails and access. But they refuse to see that.

You need to be more precise about your use of the word “hunter” ?

[pluvinel]

@RacetrackReject

Yes, I know the farm is still around, but for how long. Those landowners will pass and their kids or grandkids may change the name or sell it for housing developments, or whatever if they have no interest in the farm and there are not contracted events on the land.

I don’t see anything wrong with LOs being able to enjoy their land. You say that like I should be outraged or something, I’m not. Good on them.

There is loss on both sides. Obviously, the LOs wouldn’t have granted this lease for so long if they did not enjoy/get something out of it. I’m sure once they are over their outrage they will feel the loss of the event going extinct too, even though it was their doing. There were options between going nuclear, on both sides, but there were apparently no adults at the table that were able to sit down and discuss things.

When you are in a hole…keep digging.

Ok…so now it all the landowner’s fault.

You admit you do NOT allow the public on your land. Preach to me again why any landowner should allow the public on their land.

[RacetrackReject]

@pluvinel

#2: You have just accused the landowner of of being a racist…and keeping racist company.

I did not accuse the landowner of anything, but I said that maybe people thought they were because of people that they were associated with who often say racist things in public.

[RacetrackReject]

@pluvinel

When you are in a hole…keep digging.

Ok…so now it all the landowner’s fault.

You admit you do NOT allow the public on your land. Preach to me again why any landowner should allow the public on their land.

Keep reading after the bold where I said that there were options ON BOTH SIDES. I think you just want to be outraged and argue because you seem to no longer be capable of actually reading what is typed.

I do not allow the public on my land, because that’s my choice. This LO let the public on their land, that was their choice. I don’t get what it has to do with anything here? I haven’t preached to anyone anywhere about why they should allow the public on their land if they do not want to. Perhaps try slowing down and taking in what is written and not what you think is written?

[pluvinel]

@RacetrackReject

I did not accuse the landowner of anything, but I said that maybe people thought they were because of people that they were associated with who often say racist things in public.

@RacetrackReject

Exactly what it says. When you have people around you who spout things that are racist often and in the public, it would not be a big leap for someone to think you were of that thinking as well.

[Djones]

Oh good heavens. For anyone who thinks EN and USEA did things right and the LO and PFEE did things wrong, do you know what a BATNA is without googling it?

[Virginia_Horse_Mom]

@RacetrackReject

Exactly what it says. When you have people around you who spout things that are racist often and in the public, it would not be a big leap for someone to think you were of that thinking as well.

OK… I guess you have personal knowledge of this land owner and his social circle, and know more than myself.

A lot of people in eventing have described him as a really giving person, who they think has been unfairly treated in this whole situation. Phillip Dutton and Dom Schramm specifically have made public statements to that effect… Dom Schramm actually had a long post where he thought people should have approached Mr. Walker politely and sat down and spoken with him about concerns, because if they had done so, they might have discovered that he is a really thoughtful nice caring person… or something along those lines…

So if we follow your logic, after seeing the public words from Phillip and Dom… since they both are apparently comfortable with “keeping company” with this land owner, should the eventing community label them racists as well?

How about Boyd Martin and Douglas Howell? They served in the PFEE Board… along with the land owner. It’s safe to assume they all “kept company” in their capacity as Board members…

Should we all assume they are racist too?

[OverandOnward]

@RacetrackReject

I did not accuse the landowner of anything, but I said that maybe people thought they were because of people that they were associated with who often say racist things in public.

Who “often say racist things in public”? Are you saying the LO is hanging out with people who are openly, publicly, racists? Who?

When did this happen? How often?

How do you know? Where you there? Did you hear this from someone who was there - who?

That is a very serious charge you are making, and it is the first time it’s come up in this thread. Back it up with facts.

[Virginia_Horse_Mom]

@Djones

Oh good heavens. For anyone who thinks EN and USEA did things right and the LO and PFEE did things wrong, do you know what a BATNA is without googling it?

No… many do not know what a BATNA is. They are still commenting wondering why there wasn’t a compromise, and hoping they don’t lose the venue for good.

Boyd is quoted by the Chronicle as having informed everyone involved at the end of August, that if they continued down this path, they risked completely losing the venue for good because they had so profoundly offended the land owner…

I believe that is an example of a WATNA.

[riderboy]

@OverandOnward

Who “often say racist things in public”? Are you saying the LO is hanging out with people who are openly, publicly, racists? Who?

When did this happen? How often?

How do you know? Where you there? Did you hear this from someone who was there - who?

That is a very serious charge you are making, and it is the first time it’s come up in this thread. Back it up with facts.

Yes, I’d love to know as well. And how Jenni Autry wrote about Plantation Field as “The Best Event Ever” for EN last year to this year’s denunciation of the same Event as scandalously racist - based on the same name.

[MorganSercu]

@RacetrackReject

Yes, I know the farm is still around, but for how long. Those landowners will pass and their kids or grandkids may change the name or sell it for housing developments, or whatever if they have no interest in the farm and there are not contracted events on the land.

I don’t see anything wrong with LOs being able to enjoy their land. You say that like I should be outraged or something, I’m not. Good on them.

There is loss on both sides. Obviously, the LOs wouldn’t have granted this lease for so long if they did not enjoy/get something out of it. I’m sure once they are over their outrage they will feel the loss of the event going extinct too, even though it was their doing. There were options between going nuclear, on both sides, but there were apparently no adults at the table that were able to sit down and discuss things.

I doubt there is loss for the LO. If the land is in the conservancy program - it remains open. If not, they can sell it for BIG bucks. There is no reason to believe that they won’t enjoy that land in any number of ways, but USEA isn’t going to be the beneficiary. It appears USEA needed their property more than the LO needed USEA and whatever tax benefits conferred by the 501c3 (PFEE).

I’m looking at their most recently available 990. Hosting the events may have cost them more than they gained. That may be another reason why the LO decided they could go find another place to have trials.

[atl_hunter]

@Djones

Oh good heavens. For anyone who thinks EN and USEA did things right and the LO and PFEE did things wrong, do you know what a BATNA is without googling it?

I was thinking more along the lines of WATNA. Either way, it appears to be lost on these folks.

[MorganSercu]

Oh come on site software!

Originally posted by RacetrackReject View Post
"Yes, I know the farm is still around, but for how long. Those landowners will pass and their kids or grandkids may change the name or sell it for housing developments, or whatever if they have no interest in the farm and there are not contracted events on the land.

I don’t see anything wrong with LOs being able to enjoy their land. You say that like I should be outraged or something, I’m not. Good on them.

There is loss on both sides. Obviously, the LOs wouldn’t have granted this lease for so long if they did not enjoy/get something out of it. I’m sure once they are over their outrage they will feel the loss of the event going extinct too, even though it was their doing. There were options between going nuclear, on both sides, but there were apparently no adults at the table that were able to sit down and discuss things."

I doubt there is loss for the LO. If the land is in the conservancy program - it remains open. If not, they can sell it for BIG bucks. There is no reason to believe that they won’t enjoy that land in any number of ways, but USEA isn’t going to be the beneficiary. It appears USEA needed their property more than the LO needed USEA and whatever tax benefits conferred by the 501c3 (PFEE).

I’m looking at their most recently available 990. Hosting the events may have cost them more than they gained, or it didn’t gain them enough to make this hassle worthwhile to Mr. Walker. That may be another reason why the LO decided they could go find another place to have trials.

[MorganSercu]

Oh come on site software! Third time is the charm, perhaps?

Originally posted by RacetrackReject View Post
"Yes, I know the farm is still around, but for how long. Those landowners will pass and their kids or grandkids may change the name or sell it for housing developments, or whatever if they have no interest in the farm and there are not contracted events on the land.

I don’t see anything wrong with LOs being able to enjoy their land. You say that like I should be outraged or something, I’m not. Good on them.

There is loss on both sides. Obviously, the LOs wouldn’t have granted this lease for so long if they did not enjoy/get something out of it. I’m sure once they are over their outrage they will feel the loss of the event going extinct too, even though it was their doing. There were options between going nuclear, on both sides, but there were apparently no adults at the table that were able to sit down and discuss things."

I doubt there is loss for the LO. If the land is in the conservancy program - it remains open. If not, they can sell it for BIG bucks. There is no reason to believe that they won’t enjoy that land in any number of ways, but USEA isn’t going to be the beneficiary. It appears USEA needed their property more than the LO needed USEA and whatever tax benefits conferred by the 501c3 (PFEE).

I’m looking at their most recently available 990. Hosting the events may have cost them more than they gained, or it didn’t gain them enough to make this hassle worthwhile to Mr. Walker. That may be another reason why the LO decided they could go find another place to have trials.