Our Town

The greatness of a community is most accurately measured by the compassionate actions of its members.” Coretta Scott King

When considering Webster’s definition of community, one cannot argue that we, Arabian horse enthusiasts, are members of a truly unique community. Defined as “a group of people with a common characteristic or interest living together within a larger society,” there is no better word to describe this diverse group of people from all over the world. Our common interest in the Arabian horse draws us together in ways that cannot be explained by those who don’t share our passion for this magical creature.

John F Kennedy once said, “… let us not be blind to our differences—but let us also direct attention to our common interests and to the means by which those differences can be resolved. And if we cannot end now our differences, at least we can help make the world safe for diversity. For, in the final analysis, our most basic common link is that we all inhabit this small planet. We all breathe the same air. We all cherish our children’s future. And we are all mortal.” I find myself wondering if this quote holds more powerful meaning today than it did when it was first spoken. As a nation, we are more divided now than I can recall in my lifetime, yet in these turbulent times of division, I find great comfort and hope when witnessing acts of kindness, examples of community and simple tradition that is easily spotted in the Arabian community.

This column, “Our Town,” will thoughtfully cover lifestyle, travel, acts of kindness, notable social media activity, outreach and community events in the worldwide Arabian horse community. The goal is to provide a glimpse of our community of which we are all members sharing a common interest and living together in the wonderful world of the Arabian horse.