Bless the Beasts and (Especially) the Children

In light of recent revelations in the upper echelons of the horse show world, the lyrics from this song have been weighing on my mind.



The eventing, show jumping, and dressage world is imploding. Top trainers, riders, Olympic equestrians, and others are being banned from the sport because they abused the children under their care. George Morris has been banned for life, Rob Gage committed suicide after he was banned, and most recently, Michael Barisone was involved in a shooting of one of his students at his training barn and has been jailed and charged with attempted murder.

Even more appalling, some people are blaming the victims for what has happened, or saying that too much time has passed and there is no point in bringing up something that happened decades ago. I cannot even begin to comprehend that attitude toward those who have had the courage to speak up. (Anne Kursinski, thank you!)

Trainers and other adults who have underage students in their care have a moral obligation to ensure the welfare of those students. Using them for personal gratification is a heinous, amoral crime.

I am a mother. A teacher. A grandmother. Someone who cares deeply about children and their welfare. I am not a part of the big horse show world, and never have been. But, I still care about the abuse those people have suffered at the hands of adults in whom they (and their parents) placed their trust.

I echo the lyrics of the song as I pray for those who have been harmed.

Bless the beasts and the children,

For in this world they have no voice,
They have no choice.
Bless the beasts and the children,
For the world can never be,
The world they see.

Light their way
When the darkness surrounds them;
Give them love, let it shine all around them.
Bless the beasts and the children;
Give them shelter from a storm;
Keep them safe;
Keep them warm.

Light their way
When the darkness surrounds them;
Give them love, let it shine all around them.
Bless the beasts and the children;
Give them shelter from a storm;
Keep them safe;
Keep them warm.

Recorded by Karen and Richard Carpenter, 1971, A&M Records

Written by Barry De Vorzon and Perry L. Botkin