Callet performs at Riegle Memorial
By Bob Robinson 

GREENVILLE – Callet was attracting a crowd and seemed to be enjoying it. 

“She likes to show off,” Mandi Cool said as the Netherlands bred mare stepped onto a small platform, then back off again. 

Callet is a nine-year-old thoroughbred from Greengate Acres out of Fairborn. The Greengate people are friends, Cool added and she rides for them. She will be doing a demonstration with Callet at the evening performance of the Gene Riegle Memorial on Aug. 23. 

Hannah Lewis from Arcanum was especially enthralled with Callet and enjoyed petting her. Savannah Harrison from Vandalia enjoyed watching Callet’s antics and the attention the horse was getting from onlookers. Callet also seemed to be enjoying the attention. 

“Put your hand up to her muzzle,” suggested another onlooker. 

Callet immediately began nuzzling; she might be looking for food, said Cool. It tickled. 

Cool also talked about her organization, Starting Gaits. 

“We take standard breds when they are finished racing,” she said. “When they are done here (harness racing), we transition them to the saddle for new owners.” 

There is a fee for the service ranging from $250 to $700, depending on the age of the horse and the amount of training it needed. 

“That money goes right back into the horses,” Cool added. Starting Gaits is a non-profit organization. 

Cool is also careful about what happens to her horses when they leave Starting Gaits. She gets references and does background checks, both personal and veterinarian. 

“And they have to sign a contract. They aren’t allowed to sell the horse without letting me know where.” 

Story courtesy of The Early Bird 

See the complete photo set at Community Events Photo Gallery