Invoking Redford and Kennedy: Time to pass the torch in the Connemara society

Robert Redford discussed the toxic environment in Washington in an interview with CNN on October 16, 2013, as he promoted a new movie.

Redford told CNN he was asking himself: “Why are these people behaving so stupidly? Why are they behaving so horribly that it’s crippling our whole country? And I think it has to do with fear. I think it’s a group of people that are so afraid of change, and they’re so narrow-minded that some people — when they see change coming — get so threatened by change, they get angry and they get terrorized, and then they get vicious.”

Redford’s comments seemed equally appropriate to the anti-change and pro-inspections mentality of the American Connemara Pony Society, despite the fact that inspections are accomplishing nothing while costing a lot of money.

Redford thinks putting an end to the old boys’ network in Washington would be a step in the right direction. “I think the future should belong more to women … and young people,” he says. “I think the young people of today that are just coming into age — give them the reins. I think they can do better than we have.”

And therein you have my new motto:

Give the reins of the Connemara society to the young people. I don’t mean the young people who blindly follow previous leaders and have no thoughts of their own.

Give the society to young people who are loving, kind individuals who would throw open the breed registration process to all Connemaras, regardless of bone structure, hair color, eye color or heritage.

Turn over the reins to those who can come up with a better central activity for the society than bullying in the form of inspections.

Let youngsters who value good horsemanship and good sportsmanship lead this society to a higher moral ground than its current platform of eugenics, or throwing out a whole line of horses because some people are offended by their looks.

Allow leadership by young people who will welcome new members and build those members’ confidence rather than tearing it down, as has been the standard for so long.

In short, it’s time for change.

Contrary to John F. Kennedy’s famous line, I would suggest that the torch has not been passed to a new generation in the Connemara society.

But, it’s time.