“Walker’s is [what] changed my life.”
Centennial Chapel Series: V. Courtland Smith
Date:
11/02/10 As part of the year-long Centennial Chapel Series in celebration of Walker's 100th birthday, the School welcomed V. Cortland Smith II of Indiana's Culver Military Academy on October 27. Mr. Smith has a long and distinguished career as a rider, polo player and teacher. It was indeed fitting to have such a renowned figure in the equestrian world join us, since Walker's boasts a nationally recognized equestrian program and since Ethel Walker herself greatly enjoyed riding. In that light, he urged us to ‘embrace all of our history’ including the history of our riding program. Students and faculty were indeed captivated by Mr. Smith's message - that is, that working with horses can teach leadership skills that will serve us well in life.
He reminded all of us, riders or spectators, that the beauty, power and grace of the horse continues to captivate us and that riders particularly can learn valuable skills beyond those necessary to be a successful competitor. The skills he emphasized were discipline, patience, courage and determination. Imagine, he said, how a 120-pound girl can team up with a 1200-pound horse. That, he said, "is the essence of leadership."
Smith concluded by saying that a rider can have dominance without physical superiority by learning skills and planning ahead — all necessary for a successful and rewarding life. "Remember," he said, "Sit deep in the saddle, put your heels down, gather your reins, raise your chin, and move out!"
We thank Mr. Smith for joining us.
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Walker's Centennial
– Tisha, '55
