|
The Park's biggest project for 2003-2004 was the
Barsaleau Pavilion. We built this outdoor dining, meeting and socializing
facility for Park visitors to enjoy. Overlooking the Meadow, the Pavilion
honors one of our very special Foundation members, Richard Barsaleau, DVM.
"Doc" Barsaleau has been a member of the Board of
Directors of the Wendell & Inez Robie Foundation since 1988, serving as
Corporate Secretary. The Foundation is grateful beyond measure for his
contributions these many years.
For those less familiar with this wonderful
gentleman and extraordinary horseman, here are a few facts about his life:
- Dr. Barsaleau has spent his entire life as an equestrian
advocate. He was instrumental in turning endurance riding into a recognized
sport through his professional concern for the well-being of high performance
trail horses, promoting the need for equestrian trails, and teaching good
equestrian skills.
- Son of a US Cavalryman, he earned his Doctorate in
Veterinary Medicine from Colorado State University. He has been an
equestrian owner, breeder, trainer, farrier, equine judge, and competitor with
many types of horses in the disciplines of trail riding, English and western
pleasure, hunter, jumper, stockhorse, polo, working cow horse, etc. He
continues to be the consummate Student of the Horse and promotes education in
equitation management and all around horsemanship.
- His life style has focused on horses for over 68 years.
Equestrian skills have been learned from formal education as well as from
the business end of a manure fork.
- He has judged horses professionally for 37 years
throughout the US, Canada and Australia and is author of the original
Handbook Guide for Veterinary Judges.
- He has been a lecturer, clinician, and demonstrator of
equine use in the US, Canada, and Australia; wrote articles on equine
performance, training, conditioning, etc, especially for long-distance use.
- He served as a veterinarian and judge on the Western
States Trail Ride (The Tevis Cup "100 Miles One Day" Ride) for six years.
He also served on the Board of Directors of the Western States Trail Foundation
and is an emeritus member of that Board. A defining moment came when he pulled
founder Wendell Robie's horse from his own ride, which eventually lead to a
mutual respect that would last a lifetime.
- In 1963 Dr. Barsaleau, along with Will Tevis, developed
the Top 10 Rule for awarding the Western States Trail Ride's Haggin Cup for
Best Condition, setting a standard in endurance riding competition which is
followed to this day.
- He was also a participant in the WS 100 Mile Ride with 14
completions out of 16 starts, three of which were top ten finishes. He has
been a participant and top ten finisher in the Levi's Ride & Tie National
competition and has completed the Quilty Cup 100 Mile Ride in Australia.
|
Barsaleau Pavilion Sponsors $2,500 + Donors will
receive an 8X10 framed picture of Barsaleau Pavilion and will have their names
placed on a permanent plaque mounted on one of the Pavilion's foundation
boulders. 