Charity horse show draws riders from around the world

By MONETTE TAYLOR | South Central Texas Edition

Mike Anderson of Denmark rewards his horse Tinker Bell with a kiss after a perfect run during the recent Pin Oak Charity Horse Show. -- Staff photo by Carolyn Rost

April 14, 2005 - Since 1945, the Pin Oak Charity Horse Show in Houston/Katy has provided funding for children's charities, and has attracted riders from all over the world to compete with various breeds and in several disciplines.

This past month in Katy, Mike Anderson competed in the jumping category. The fact that it was his first visit to America, and first Pin Oak Show, was exciting for him, after coming all the way from Denmark to ride with his group, owned and operated by Bjorn Ikast of Denmark.

Anderson said although he "grew up in the city," he started riding at an early age on a friend's family farm.

By the time Anderson was 16-years-old, he had made up his mind to be a professional rider, and his interest was in the jumping competitions. In Denmark, a rider must ride and compete for six years to earn the distinction of "professional," he explained.

Francine Dismukes of Luling puts her horse through a warm up for the Chariot competition. Riders from all over the world came to Katy, Texas, to show off their skills in a variety of disciplines. -- Staff photo by Carolyn Rost

During Anderson's three-month visit to America, he will travel with Ikast to various competitions across the United States, riding four days a week in contests, before returning to Denmark because of visa restrictions.

During the recent competition in Katy, Anderson was aboard "Tinker Bell," one of three horses he uses in the competition while in the United States. In Denmark, he said it is a little harder when he has to ride six or seven a day.

When asked if he'd ever been injured, Anderson simply shook his head "no."

For someone who has plenty of frequent rider miles aboard a horse, Anderson can attest to the reasons he has "always loved horses. ... Horses never really get mad; they are always caring.

"You can always get better and you're never too good to learn anything," explained Anderson, who also hopes to become a teacher.

While it's obvious he has enjoyed his visit to Texas, Anderson said it is always good to go back home to Denmark and his family. And ... it's always good to plan the next trip to America for competitions!