Alex Hartner Memorial Show
by Helen Peppe
“Alex is a free spirit and a gentle soul,” wrote Alex Hartner’s kindergarten teacher 13 years ago. Although these words were used to describe a five year old just beginning her journey through life, these are still the best words to describe the 18-year-old Alex, whose journey was cut tragically short in January 2008. Alex may not physically be here, but her “free spirit” and “gentle soul” definitely are, never wavering in the hearts of all who had the pleasure to know her. In memory of Alex’s love for horses and passion for life, many of those who loved Alex in the horse community are organizing the Alex Hartner Memorial Show for October 25 and 26, 2008.
A horse show is the perfect way to honor Alex Hartner as she grew up on the back of a horse practicing jumps and dressage patterns. She was a genuine child equestrian, eager to do everything her older cousin Caitlin Andrus did. It is Alex’s exceptional bravery and outstanding sportsmanship combined with her good-humored honest determination that sets her apart from other equestrians young and old. Alex’s mom Jane says, “Alex won hundreds of ribbons, but I am proudest of what a good sport she was. She always had so much fun, and she was very competitive, but she never said a class or test wasn’t judged fairly.” Her trainer of eight years, Adrian Ford, observed “She simply doesn’t have it in her to gloat, complain, sulk or get angry. She has nerves of steel and emanates joy and enthusiasm.”
Alex had a natural talent and a fearlessness with horses that was built on her dedication to equine sports and her resolve to excel. She started taking riding lessons at age seven and started seriously competing at age ten in English and eventing. Later Alex decided to add gaming to her list of equestrian disciplines and had a tremendous amount of fun on her mother’s Tennessee Walker Ace. Alex’s life encompassed horses and the people who rode them. Long blond hair flying behind her as she raced around barrels or tucked neatly up under her helmet as she sailed over jumps Alex was admired by girls of all ages, and Alex loved these girls right back. “She has many friends and a following of young fans. I can sum up Alex’s personality with one word – she sparkles,” wrote Adrian Ford on Alex’s college recommendation.
The Alex Hartner Memorial show is at the Lake Waccamaw Boys and Girls Home Exhibition Center in Lake Waccamaw, North Carolina. The show proceeds will go into two separate scholarships: the Saint Andrews Presbyterian Equestrian School Scholarship Fund and the Topsail High School Scholarship Fund. Alex was a student at both of these schools, a freshman at SAPC, and would have wanted other students to have the opportunity to not only continue their education, but to continue it with horses. The show promises to be an exciting and successful event. Jane says, “Steve Stephens, one of the world’s premier jump course designers, is donating his time to design Alex’s jumper course and lending his famous jumps to our horse show.”
The Memorial Show is an event for the whole family to enjoy. In addition to two full days of hunter and jumper classes for all ages, the show also offers caricature art, face painting and kid friendly activities. The show’s list of auction items include Alex’s brother Zeke’s Ovation guitar signed by the Eagles, a $200 bomber jacket from the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum with passes and memorabilia, a MTV-themed gift basket from MTV, and a free ski weekend for two at the Canyons Resort in Utah. There is also an auction with Alex memorabilia to honor her memory as well as to benefit the scholarships.
“The Topsail High School Scholarship,” Jane says “will help cover costs associated with all aspects of attending college – from studying and taking SATs to completing and paying for college applications and funding tuition.” Similarly, the Saint Andrews Presbyterian College Scholarship will help with tuition and books. Alex wrote on her own scholarship application that her objective was “to take my passion for all things horses to the next level by being an integral part of one of the best equestrian teams at the collegiate level.” Alex’s opportunity to complete her own objective is no longer possible, but her opportunity to be “integral” in helping another person achieve theirs is. To participate in the Alex Hartner Memorial Show or for more information, go to www.AlexHartner.com or write to the Alex Hartner Memorial Fund, P.O. Box 428, Hampstead, NC, 28443.
