Walking On Volume 4, Issue 8, August 2017 | Page 11

Day 3
Barely able to get out of bed and drag my tired old
self to the show ring. Once there (and after a yummy
donut) the morning session was all about pretty is
as pretty does. We saw some gorgeous horses in the
morning filled classes, model entries that popped our
eyes open. Along with presenting beautiful horses the
handlers have stepped up their game and we’re see-
ing some gorgeous fashions on not only the Western
but also the English exhibitors. Bling brow bands and
bejeweled vests, ties and jackets seem to be the order
of the day. As a tribute to the future of our breed the
halter classes have grown tremendously and the breed-
ers are throwing some outstanding colts and fillies. As
with any breed, our youth are our future and they were
well represented in the 4H classes at this year’s Interna-
tional. These classes continue to grow and the com-
petition continues to get tougher every year. A good
example of this growth was in the 11 and under show-
manship class with 10 exhibitors. The precision of the
youth’s showmanship patterns and the smiles on their
faces show someone’s been putting in a lot of practice
and that they’re loving it! Special thanks to the parents
and 4H leaders for their commitment. As a remind-
er the 4H classes are free to 4H members and, while
we invite them to join the WHOA organization, they
don’t have to be a member to show, plus an anonymous
sponsor provided caps and wrist bands for each 4H
exhibitor no matter where they placed. So, 4H exhib-
itors start practicing for next year because we want to
see you at the International. On hand to present the 4H
awards was the WHOA Youth President, Brady Bach-
ert. I can not brag enough on this young man who’s
manners are exemplary. Brady helped night after night
no matter what was asked of him and never once com-
plained! With temperatures in the high 90’s outside,
the air conditioned center ring is a comfortable respite
for exhibitors and horses alike. I won’t mention any
names but someone was caught napping in the stands!
It always amazes me how patient our Tennessee Walk-
ing horses are. Even after hours of prep time, washing
and bathing, just to hurry up wait for their turn in line,
they patiently wait for the announcer to call their num-
ber. Nearly 500 entries in ONE day made the long day
worth the efforts. Allie Merritt, Tina Frady, and Kelly
Ann Fratheringill kept the paddock area that was lit-
erally crammed with horses moving in a most orderly
fashion. Thank you ladies! The old saying “it take’s a
village” holds true for most horse shows, except with
the International it probably “takes a country”! Plans
for next year’s International are already underway and
new ideas are being discussed. The leaders of WHOA
are progressive in their thinking and tireless in their
efforts.
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