Walking On Volume 6, Issue 6, June 2019 | Page 14

WHOA Versatility Show June 1, 2019 • Perryville, Missouri Perryville, Missouri was the site of the Perryville Saddle Club Walk- ing-Racking Show. WHOA had a very nice turn out of  exhibitors for this good show. President of the Perryville Saddle Club. Eric Walhers ALWAYS has the show grounds in immaculate condition. How he managed that feat this year with the rain and floods surrounding the ring I have no idea but I thank him. Thanks to go to Larry and Linda Starnes our official DQP and com- petent Judge coming down from Kentucky to help make this show a success. A big thanks to my favor- ite sister for taking her day to help take entries. A very special sister!  Exhibitors, it would help the office tremendously if you would bring your entries up as soon as you get there so the help ( which isn’t always many in numbers) wouldn’t feel so rushed and hit the panic button as I am inclined to do.  Please try to do this and I will put in a good word to the Judge for you!!!! ( you know I can’t do that!!!!!) I know that I tell you Mother Nature plays a role in our shows but honestly “she” really helps or hinders.  The conditions of the surrounding areas of the show was just devastating. My sister had been telling me about the flood condi- tions but without actually seeing the acres and acres of fertile farm land covered in muddy river water I had not realized the extent of the destruction. The Chester bridge between Missouri and Illinois was reported closed due to high water thus no Illinois exhibitors had access to the Perryville area without a 14 • Walking On very long and expensive detour. We missed seeing several friends due to weather and other conditions and I hate that as I look forward to visiting with them In spite of Mother Nature conspiring to ruin the show it was a success.  Along route 146 the homes were surrounded by sand bags---these did help keep the river water out of some of the homes but not others. It was heartbreaking. The driveways were flooded and they had boats tied to their porches as their only means of transportation. Folks these people need our prayers.  Sadly there are many other states are in this condition or worse. The concession stand at the Per- ryville Saddle Club always has great food and the hospitality is superb.  It was so very good to see all of the walking horse friends that I have made thru the years. These out of state horse shows make for  wonder- ful reunions between walking horse friends. I have not seen Ann Hardin in several years and SHE has not changed. The racking horses were in fine form as usual.  I only wish all shows were multi-breed shows as they were in the past. Gives the exhibitors a break between classes and gives the spectators a chance to see the differences in the breeds. Without sponsors the shows would not happen. I would like to thank everyone who attained a sponsorship and a big THANK YOU to the sponsors: Debbie and Homer Smith, Brian Ellis Farms, Jim and Jason Morris Stables, Cham- pions Mercantile, Angie and Eric Runnels of Cornerstone Stables, Bachert Stables, Jessica Marlewski, and Darrin Cuttsinger. You are re- sponsible for this good show, thank you. AND without volunteer help it would be most difficult to put on a show a huge shout out of thanks goes to our gate girl, Brandy Garri- son who not only opened and closed the gate but also served as ribbon girl. Brandy we thank you! Hope to see YOU in Perryville this fall, it is a good, good show. – Sis Osborne The Jim and Jason Morris crew. They put stun- ning racking horses in the ring class after class. The Morris Stables were a wonderful help prior to the show, obtaining many sponsors,etc. Brandy Garrison ribbon girl superb giving Angie Runnels and Gimme Solidarity the blue. Angie suffered broken bones at the Thorsport Show but “cowgirled up” and rode hard all day to win several classes.