To the editor,

I feel compelled to respond to the letter / article that has been in the paper about Lee Ann Literal. As you all may know, Lee Ann has been instrumental at our Columbia County Fairgrounds for more than 20 years. She has spent many hours at the fairgrounds and has even used her own equipment at the fairgrounds from maintaining the track to hauling the horse manure.

The complaint that was published in our newspaper was outrageous and those who know Lee Ann are very much aware of that fact. There have been some people in the community who have been critical of Lee Ann for some unknown reason. We all know we have our own ideas of horses, whether it be a certain breed, a certain function or even look of them. Do not get me started on how horses are to be cared for, trained, worked or ridden as there are so many options, opinions and disciplines.

Lee Ann, as part of the fairgrounds and the Hearts and Horses 4-H club, has been a godsend, to say the least. She is providing a much-needed service and outlet for many children who would otherwise miss out on the passion and love of riding horses as she has provided many of these kids a horse and the use of her tack. There is no other club that I am aware of that has this option.

As we all know since class C horse racing has been taken from our area, Lee Ann had several horses that no longer had a job. So, she has provided a new job for several of her horses and provided these kids and horses new opportunities. As we all know, horses in any capacity is not a cheap lifestyle. And, by Lee Ann helping these kids with the use of her horses and her tack, doors have been opened to kids who otherwise would miss out on developing life-long lessons and passion for horses. Even to those, who in the end, decide horses are not an option for them, then the parents have to figure out what to do with the horse and the tack that they have invested.

In the complaint that was officially sent to the Columbia County Commissioners and published in the paper, one of the complaints was that Lee Ann had yelled at a child. Which is false! I work with Lee Ann on many things at the fairgrounds, including 4-H. The only time a voice is raised is when we need to get someone’s attention when there is a question about the safety of a horse or a child, period! You must also look at the environment where one is riding, especially when there are several active people riding. In any group riding setting, and especially ones that kids are involved in, we have to contend with the people noises, horses and their noises and the environment setting where you are riding.

This complaint and subsequent verbal attacks and complaints to other people in the community is very hurtful not only to Lee Ann, but these 4-H kids or the kids who Lee Ann works with outside of 4-H, are caught right smack in the middle of this situation. All of this is hurtful to 4-H and all it stands for and to our lovely fairgrounds.

Our kids, fairgrounds and 4-H are struggling during this pandemic and to be honest the fairgrounds, being outside spending time with horses is a live saver. This drama is not what we are about for most of us at the fairgrounds, it is not what 4-H is about and it is not something we need during this time of so much uncertainty. These horses and kids do not need this, and we need to put them first and foremost in all that we do!

Deanna Vandever

Dayton, Wash.