Father’s Speech at the Opening Ceremony of New Hope Farm, on September 3rd, 1989
I am very proud to present this equestrian center to the world. In the future, riders, judges and audiences will come and be amazed at the magnitude of this facility. Equestrian competitions in the Olympic Games are very special because only noblemen have participated in this sport in the past. But now, through New Hope Farms, it can be available to a much larger group of people.
I’d like to characterize equestrian competitions: Unlike other competitions, where only men and women compete, in equestrian sports there must be cooperation between man and creation. Horses are very clever animals. In an obstacle course it is not just the rider, but horses that are making judgment decisionsof height, distance, energy required. If the horse fails or if there is no cooperation between rider and horse, there is instant disaster. If the horse misses a step, the rider is thrown off and can be severely injured. So the rider must be brave as well and hang onto the horse even in a precarious situation.
Our champions, Un Jin Nim and Hyun Jin Nim, will be engaging vigorously in this sport in preparation for the next Olympics. They must receive inspiration from God, and always begin with a prayer for God’s protection.
Not only the rider and horse, but the coach is a big factor in gaining victory. These three form a trinity. Only through their unity can victory come. A champion should not always need to be pushed by the coach, but should be sensitive to him and even acting ahead of his instructions.
It takes four years to prepare for the Olympics but the actual competition takes a matter of minutes. This is such a serious I commitment, almost as impossible as shooting at the moon, so you need to invest all your heart and mind.
The countryside here is beautiful, perfect for this training center. Its name, Deer Park, is actually very appropriate. Horses jump very well, but deer jump even better. So the horses being trained here must catch up to the deer. This will be the birthplace of many future champion: horses. Deer Park should be a champion horse production center, not I only for equestrian jumping but for racing.
Its indoor ring is the only one of its kind in the world. It is very special because it is so large with no beams in the middle. Originally the engineers said it couldn’t be done, but they finally produced a special advanced technology. The weather affects outdoor games a lot in this northeastern I part of America. Most riders must go south if they wish to continue training in the winter. Now they don’t need to go south anymore they–will come here and be so grateful for Father’s contribution to equestrian sports.
Equestrian sports have been the domain of the West, so people will be shocked that a Korean man, Rev. Moon, built this. This is the largest indoor ring on the East Coast of the I United States it therefore must be the largest in all of the world.
Although you are a little too late to participate in horse jumping, your children can come here to compete, so please support this facility.
I am giving this testimony to Deer Park so that you will join with me to thank God for this great gift to True Family and the Unification Church. We must celebrate tonight with a deep sense of gratitude.