Those pink, leggy fowl, common to the lakes and estuaries prevalent in Florida, have taken over the Let’s Show Beach Party Horse Show (June 4-8) in Sacramento, CA. “I knew they had some flamingoes at the show,” said beleaguered USEF Steward Larry Langer, “but they have taken over the horse show. Anywhere you look there are as many, if not more, flamingoes as horses.”

The flamingoes are completely impervious to the USEF rules since they are governed by the United States Flamingo Federation, whose motto is Life’s a Beach! “The other day I was measuring some ponies,” reported Larry “and all my measurements were messed up. A flock of flamingoes paraded by and all the ponies puffed up and got taller. And then the flamingoes decided they wanted measurement cards also. I don’t think they even have withers!”

Show Manager Peggy Fackrell is used to the flamingo invasion, although she did admit there seem to be more and more in attendance each year, and they definitely find interesting places to roost. It is not uncommon to see flamingoes driving around in golf carts, perched on riders’ helmets, and congregating around tack rooms. In fact, Let’s Show Beach Party has joined the ranks of the FEI, Flamingo Enthusiasts International. “It wasn’t a bird-brained decision,” said Peggy. “I feel this will take us to new heights.”

Even the golf carts aren't safe from fowl play LEG Up News file photo

Before the hunter derby, flamingoes flamboyantly paraded down the main walkway, strutting and flaunting their pinkness, promising to be part of the hunter derby course. USEF Course Designer Chris Collman had to point out to the flamingoes that chicken coops are considered a common obstacle found in hunt country, but not flamingoes. The flamingoes insisted that they get to be part of the hunter derby course and took their protest to USEF Steward Larry Langer. Larry tried to talk them out of their protest and instead the flamingoes stormed him and cried, “Fowl!”

Facility owner Bill Madden came to the rescue by suggesting that the flamingoes go cool off in the infamous Brookside swimming pool while the hunter derby got underway. “You know, birds of a feather and all that,” said Bill, ever the gracious host.

Something fowl is afoot. Could Kristin Hardin be the culprit? LEG Up News file photo

When the grand prix rolled around, the flamingoes were once again out in force as they heard that “wearing pink” was considered the most formal color a rider can don. Grand prix veteran Kristin Medall Simpson-Ferguson Hardin ManyLastNames, who hails from New Cuyama, not Old Cuyama, asked for special exemption from the USEF Steward to wear a flamingo, or two, or three, in the grand prix. Steward Larry, who has extensive jumper experience, could not find anything in the USEF rules under jumper equipment or attire addressing flamingoes one way or the other, just shook his head and reminded Kristin to make sure that whatever she wore was properly tucked in.

From a bird’s eye view, flamingoes and horses nested together happily for a great time at the Let’s Show Beach Party Horse Show, the largest single gathering of flamingoes in the Sacramento area, and a great time was had by all!

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