2018 Miniature Horse World Magazine January E-Magazine | Page 20
Results - Best of Show Photo Contest
E
– over 150 entries!
ach year we are blown away with the array of photos that are entered in this prestigious contest. The subject matter is off
the chart with cuteness, but this year especially the overall versatility of this small equine was flawlessly illustrated. Rest
assured each of these photos will have their time in the spotlight, either in the Miniature Horse World, on Facebook or
promoted on the AMHA website. Thanks to everyone who entered and keep taking those great photos!
1ST PLACE: This photo was
unanimously picked by our judges
and features Golden Meadows Heirs
Dream Girl, “Lola” who is owned by
Tara Needham, of Stampede of Love
Miniature Therapy Horses. The story
behind this photo is as poignant as it
is joyful.
Tara shared with us how this moment
in time took place. “This photo was
taken during a surprise visit to a
patient at Duke Hospital in Durham,
NC on December 23, 2016. The
Duke staff reached out to one of my
neighbors about bringing a small
horse to visit a terminally ill patient
who was an avid horse woman. My
neighbor contacted me and we
brought Lola and Kiwi to surprise her
just before Christmas.
Shawna Gackle had been in the hospital for several
months and had not seen a horse in a very long time.
When they asked us to come, they indicated that
she did not have much time left as she had a lung
infection that they could not stop.
The horses were kept a secret until they wheeled
her out to the hospital courtyard and we walked
in. She lit up more than I could ever describe. She
was so excited, happy and overwhelmed with joy.
We spent nearly three hours with her. Kiwi being
the comic relief and Lola the love bug. I believe
this mare can read people. She just put her head in
Shawna’s lap and let her rub on her the whole time.
The 1st Place
award is spon
Eastern Desig
sored by
ns Horse Tack
who awarded
a custom Crys
Tara Needham
tal Headcollar
available only
www.easternd
at
esignshorsetac
kshop.com
We will never forget that experience and how
honored we were to have been a part of Shawna’s
life. The staff, her family and friends were incredibly
gracious and thankful. She could not stop smiling.
Her big blue eyes and amazing cheerful spirit will
stay in my heart forever Shawna passed away on
February 21, 2017.”