miniature tales
GTR Patricks Vindicator
By Sarah Nicole Schaaf
I
t’s with a heavy heart that I say the 2015
Horse Show season is officially over for Patrick and I. As far as “real” horse shows go,
(where we competed) it was the worst year we’ve
ever had. Three of the shows we’ve been attending for 13 years were canceled and the attendance at the others were beyond disappointing.
I’m afraid that soon, only our sanctioned, qualifying shows will be left- but even those seem to
have fewer people each year. This makes what
Patrick and I do even more important. This year,
more than ever, we showed thousands of people
from across the world that Minis are MIGHTY.
Being 21 years old has no negative effects on
Patrick whatsoever- he just has more experience
than anyone else out there!
Our events and awards included:
The Rolex Kentucky ThreeDay Event in April
n Guest performers of The
Kentucky Horse Park
Breeds Barn in June, July,
August and the last two
weekends of October.
n
Various county fairs
n
Reach Out for Kosair Kids
n
KVMA Hall of Fame
for being an Animal
Ambassador, based on his
work of breed promotion
and heroic therapy work.
n
Our 14th consecutive
Kentucky State Fair
n
Our 8th Breyerfest
n
Bluegrass Festival
Equine Demos
n
Our 7th Secretariat
Festival
n
Churchill Downs
Family Day
n
Keeneland paddock to
represent the National
Horse Show
n
Featured in the Purina
Proud Campaign
n
Demos at the National
Horse Show
20 Miniature Horse World
D E C E M B E R 2 0 15
Now it’s time for Patrick to take his 6th
month vacation before Rolex 2016 (don’t
we all wish we could live like Patrick?).
I can’t wait to see what 2016 has in store
for us- I know whatever it is Patrick The
Miniature horse will always make me
proud. You don’t need a title to be a champion- you just need love and dedication.
That’s what makes Patrick the grandest
champion of them
all, in my book. I
will try my best to
finish illustrating
the “Patrick Book”
over winter breakI only have a few
pages left. Every
day I see Patrick’s
popularity growing and hope with
all my heart that
my dream of him
becoming a Breyer
Model Horse will
soon be granted.
I’ve met so many
wonderful people
this year, and had
the support of so
many others. I
could only tag a few
on Facebook... just know that if you supported us,
you’re included (especially all the members of the
Bluegrass Miniature Horse Club). THANK YOU
for everything.
But the biggest thank you goes to Patrick, of course.
Thank you for being my friend, my companion, my
teacher for 17 years. For trying to do your best at all
times, and for having the kindest soul of any creature, human or animal, I have ever seen. You’re a
real hero, to me, to your fans, to the patients you
visit, and to your friends.