By Michael J. Fijolek
Posted at April 24, 2002 - 7:50 PM GMT  Last weekend, members of William Shatner's fan club, Shatner & Friends International, met in the Los Angeles area for the (mostly) annual Shatner Weekend.
For less than the price of a major US convention, with
proceeds going to The Hollywood Charity Horse Show and the charities the
show supports, fans from Australia, England, New Zealand, Germany and
various parts of The United States were able to spend some up close and
personal time with Bill. Additional charity donations allowed them to
get personal items signed (and personalized!), and have their pictures
taken with the man himself.
This year, instead of the usual hotel luncheon, the group was
transported by motor coach down to a horse show in Del Mar, north of San
Diego, to watch Bill ride. This weekend, Bill was competing in a class
called reining. The riders take their horses through a previously
determined series of moves called a pattern. These moves include
different gaits, small slow circles, larger faster circles, spins
pivoting on one hoof, walking backwards, and slides, which require the
horse to speed up to a gallop and then plant their back feet to slide
across the dirt to a stop. The riders are judged on the grace and
accuracy of the moves.
Bill rode nine times over a two day period on several of the horses
which he owns and breeds. First place eluded him this weekend, but he
was able to carry away several lower place ribbons in most of the
competitions. He did not look anywhere near his 71 years.
The group was shown Bill's stables, where he demonstrated a few horse
moves, posed for pictures and chatted casually with us. On Sunday after
he was done riding, Bill joined us for an outdoor buffet lunch, spending
time at each table and socializing with us.
For more information about Bill, his horses, his upcoming plans, and
information on how to join Shatner & Friends International, which will
qualify you to join next year's Shatner weekend, visit
WilliamShatner.com.
Below you will find photos of William Shatner at the event. Please note that these photos are copyright © 2002 by Michael J. Fijolek, and may not be copied or reproduced elsewhere for any reason without the express permission of the photographer.
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Michael J. Fijolek works in Los Angeles in advertising as a media director when he isn't playing reporter or photographer and documenting the Star Trek universe.
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