The Dressage World

As news of Isabell Werth's suspension comes through the wires and I was about to throw in the towl on professional athletes, an auction closed overseas in Maryland.

This auction represents a full-day clinic with Olympian, Debbie McDonald, anywhere in the continental United States. Valued at $2,000, all proceeds go to the Johns Hopkins Avon Foundation Breast Center via the PVDA Ride for Life dressage show and Jill Hassler-Scoop Memorial Dancing Horse Challenge.

Debbie is going to fly anywhere in the continental U.S. on her own time and will not earn a dime from this clinic. She also donated this in addition to her appearance at the Ride for Life, as celebrity guest speaker/weekend host.

Just when I was about to give up on the idea that professional athletes could serve as role models... the auction hit $8,500.

To the lucky group that wins this auction: Congratulations, it was worth every penny!