Checkers continued to show at AMHA approved local shows , the Western Regionals and the World Championship , excelling in the hunter classes , halter obstacle classes , and obstacle driving classes both in youth and open divisions . Marci Stucki- Cowart partnered with Checkers and added several more World Champion and World Reserve Champion titles to his show record . In 2008 , Checkers went into semiretirement after Marci grew out of the youth division .
Youth Marci Stucki led Checkers to several more World titles .
During his semiretirement , Checkers became part of Michael ’ s Place , a non-profit organization , giving developmentally challenged young adults the opportunity to care for and play with Miniature horses while developing important social skills and basic job skills .
In 2017 , two new little girls came into Checkers ’ life . One is seven-year-old , Megyn Hall , granddaughter of Sheryl Peterson , Oak Bay Acres . As both Megyn and her horse were new to showing , Megyn needed a well-seasoned horse to teach her how to do the hunter and halter obstacle classes . Checkers ’ second little girl is 16-year-old , Sunny Balshaw , granddaughter of Heather Ward , Sunnyvale Miniatures , who would show Checkers in the youth and open divisions in the hunter , halter obstacle and obstacle driving classes . So , began the end of Checker ’ s semi-retirement and he went back into the show ring at the age of 28 .
Fanfare ’ s Check My Label made his return to the 2017 AMHA World Show showing with Sunny and Megyn in the youth divisions . With both girls , Checkers added one more World Champion and two World Reserve Champion titles , a Top Five and a Top Ten .
Anybody watching can tell Checkers truly loves the show ring . His ears are always forward and performs without hesitation . Fanfare ’ s Check My Label has the heart of a true champion !
Photo credit Steve Storm Photography
Megyn Hall shows off Checkers ’ winning Hunter form in the 12 and under class where he was World Champion .
WINTER 2017 Miniature Horse World 29