This strong letter of recommendation is regarding our recent experience with announcer and commentator, Frank Waters. Frank announced for both the Western and English divisions of The Alex Hartner Memorial Horse Show in the Wilmington, NC area. The event was established to honor the life of an amazing equestrian who was killed in a car accident earlier this year when she was only 18. Riders and spectators from all over the East Coast came to ride in this charity event. It was important to the show organizers that the event we put on to honor Alex was perfect in every way. Frank’s charming, enthusiastic and informed announcing throughout the very long hours made each and every participant feel as though they were an integral part of the memorial. In short, Frank turned each rider into a STAR.

We knew going in that the announcer would be the most important character at our event. Frank has a beautiful voice, and his charm and wit was a tremendous asset to our production. He made our show first class, high quality, fast paced entertainment. We had 107 events, many with 50 to 60 entries in a class, and it was Frank’s ability to keep the riders engaged and having fun, and to interpret the actions in the arena for the spectators in the stands that made the horse show the huge success that it was. It is no exaggeration to say that the crowds absolutely loved Frank, and many sat in the stands just to hear his lively commentary. So many riders left the ring proudly quoting the things that Frank said to them. His mere presence has already become part of the legend of the Alex Hartner Memorial Horse Show.

Frank is a consummate professional and came very prepared with his personal repertoire of moving stories, songs, and anecdotes that were perfect for every aspect of the occasion. He even went out into the arena and said a moving prayer to the noble horse as part of the opening ceremony. There was not a dry eye in the house.

Frank is an amazing team player that worked well with everyone--the judges, the scorekeepers, the computer entry people, and the show management to make the show run smoothly. His positive outlook and charm helped the family and friends focus on the positive things that were happening in Alex’s honor at every turn. His sensitivity is astounding.

It is with the highest regard that I recommend Frank as an announcer to any important venue. I can guarantee that you will have the announcer of a lifetime and that you will meet an amazing, talented, humble man you will be proud to call a friend.

April 19, 2008

Dear Frank,

I am taking advantage of technology this year to write thank you letters. If I wait until I have time to write a hand note it may be time to get 2008 started!

We all want to thank you again for the outstanding job that you did as announcer at the Fork Horse Trials. I know that it can be a bit difficult to keep up with everyone’s needs and requests, and you accomplished that so well as always. I am sorry, however, that the equipment was frustrating, you even handled that with a smile. I will work on making that better for next year.

You really are so great to share so much of your valuable time and expertise with the sport. Everyone appreciates it very much, you seem to have a knack of making all of us feel good and the competitors love you. I look forward to teaming up with you again next year, mark your calendar!

Sincerely Yours,

Linda

Southern Pines Horse Trials - Southern Pines, North Carolina - March 18, 19, 20 2005

Frank... it was our pleasure having you in control of Dressage and Show Jumping for 3 days! The weatherman handed you a little bit of everything- fortunately Sunday ended on a warm, sunny and high note! We would love to have you return and will certainly give you a call in the very near future. Thank you again for your professional and exceptional work! Gwen

Bluebonnet Dressage Classic 1 & 2 - Austin Texas

Dear Mr. Waters,

On behalf of the Central Texas Dressage Society (CTDS ) , I want to thank you for announcing at the Bluebonnet Classic I and II, held on May 22-23, 2004, in Austin, Texas. We received many fine compliments on your professional presentation, and we are very grateful for your flexibility when the number of competitors exceeded our expectations.

Thank you again for your support for CTDS, and we look forward to working with you again.

Yours Truly, Tiffany Harelik - Show Manager

This year’s new announcer was Frank Waters of Delray Beach, an exceptional Equestrian Commentator, Horse Show Announcer and Broadcaster, born and educated in England. He certainly made an impressive impact on both the management and spectators with his classy, hard-working and outstanding performance as announcer.

Frank Waters is an excellent announcer, please ask him back. Clear understanding

Thank you! Thank you! Thank you for the wonderful job you did announcing our show this past weekend, and every previous weekend that we have been blessed to have your presence. I just was looking at the Chronicle Forums web site, and I wanted you to know that I am not the only one who appreciates the great job that you do. Hope your trip home was a good one.
Looking forward to seeing you again!

Comments from Chronicle Forums - Chronicle of the Horse - Eden Park, Columbus, Ohio. 02/10/2003

I was at Eden Park in Sunbury, Ohio with my daughter last weekend for the first time (she has been there twice before but this was the first time I was able to go) and I have to say I was very impressed with both the facility and with the management/running of the show. Dan, our wonderful gentleman from Michigan, was running the gate and kept things moving better than I have EVER seen at a show; the only time there wasn't a horse in the ring being judged was when they were changing the course. They kept a board posted by the in-gate with an estimation of how long the different divisions would take...kept within about 15 minutes of those estimated times which made it great to know when to be ready for your own classes. The announcer (Frank Waters) did a super job as well of keeping everyone informed as to what was going on. Was anybody else from here down there?.............Susan

There were so many outstanding photos from the Sidelines Triathlon it was tough selecting which ones to use in the story. It was no small feat gathering the details from all the notes people kept while putting the event on (thank you to dressage announcer Frank Waters for keeping such accurate notes!) – but here it is! I must have heard the word ‘fun’ mentioned in every conversation I’ve had with anyone who was there or even just heard about the event. Not only was the triathlon fun but it was also a display of horsemanship you’re not likely to see anywhere else. Thanks to all the sponsors, volunteers, and riders who participated for making the second annual Sidelines Triathlon a success.

I represent "Horseshows in the Park" which is a Florida based hunter/jumper organization out of Melbourne FL. We are expanding our non-recognized show format to the Altoona area at Rocking Horse Stables and will be holding our first 2 day show at that facility on October 25 and 26th of this year. If things go well, we have 5-6 additional dates planned for next year. To familiarize yourself with our organization, please view www.horseshowsinthepark.com ...and I hope you'll see an organization that prides itself on quality, value and dedication to the exhibitor...

All that being said - I believe I had the privilege of hearing you announce once at Rocking Horse a couple of years ago when they had the selection trials there - and I, as well as my friends, - have never forgotten the character and life you gave to that event - frankly (excuse the pun) but - you made the event!! We were wondering if you might know of anyone who is capable of announcing 2 rings at the same time, for us at the Rocking Horse show...we'll be doing jumpers out on the grass and the main arena (novices, short stirrup types on Sat) at the same time on Saturday and the main arena only on Sunday.... We actually think that as an unrecognized and at times fiscally challenged organization - that we probably can't afford you - but perhaps you know of a starving understudy? Any advice or counsel would be heartily appreciated....if you could respond, please do so to: jeanne.l.winslow@jci.com or jeanne@horseshowsinthepark.com .

Much thanks for your review of this correspondence....and I hope to hear you announce a show again soon!!!