Walking On Volume 6, Issue 8, August 2019 | Page 19

has seen an increase in the youth division all year. Our
youth are our future therefore we are delighted with this
increase. I feel I must mention the smiles offered by the
youth on receiving their ribbons. Most of the youth rid-
ers enjoy any ribbon won at the International and they
let us know. The same can be said of most of the adult
riders and this certainly makes staff who have worked
so hard for the exhibitors feel good. Little things mean a
lot!
Just one more thing WHOA does to let the exhibitors
know we love them is offer tri colored ribbons to any
and all first time exhibitors. These ribbons are eagerly
sought and kept as reminders of the happy time had at
the International.
WHOA offered an after show party for any and all on
Tuesday night. Well attended, the pizza was consumed
in a flash. Barr Studios, our photographers for the Inter-
national, showed their appreciation to their customers
and anyone on the show grounds by hosting a come
one- come all barn party on Wednesday night. Awe-
some food, great hospitality, great margaritas!!!!! Thank
you Barr Studios!!!!
Tommy rearranged the time schedule this year much
to the delight of exhibitors and staff!!! The earlier start-
ing time plus the installation of the computer system
had the show ending at a decent hour. (However the
new computer system played havoc with the nightly
gambling pool.) Dang!!!!My times never were correct.
Can’t shut up without mentioning some more in-
valuable help. Jodi DeDecker-Burbar, Sheryl Ward and
Shannon Gibbs were excellent help in center ring as
were Amanda and Ashlyn Newberry, Patsy’s attractive
granddaughters. Rocky helped me tremendously by
always having the results ready to refresh my memo-
ry. The show office staff is second to none. Thank you
Marcy Allison, Patsy Newberry, and Teresa Owen for
taking the entries, shavings, stalls, camper hook ups,
you name it ----they did it. Christy was in training for
the new computer service and she, along with Amy
Nance kept the entries in an orderly fashion plus helped
get the needed info to Rocky. The new computer tallying
system worked well cutting the show by at least an hour
each night. Center ring staff looks forward each night
to the excellent foods offered. Marcy helps make these
tasty choices and WE thank her.
Center ring was ablaze with color Friday and Satur-
day nights with the gorgeous floral horse shoes. These
much sought after awards are the brain child of Patsy
Newberry who did an excellent job of procuring one for
each Championship. Patsy also did the center ring set-
up each day. Her efforts combined with those of center
ring designers and sponsors Maria Redmond and Avery
Smith made for a gorgeous setup each and every day.
I can not close without mentioning two of the hard-
est working folks, our President, Rhonda Martocci and
Tommy Hall. These two go above and beyond for the
WHOA members. President, Rhonda attended each
performance, driving home at night and then arriv-
ing fresh and ready early the next morning. Rhonda is
called on to clarify a rule, tromp thru the dirt to help
take up water glasses, give out ribbons, be the ring mis-
tress, you name it and Rhonda has gladly given her time
to the task at hand. Rhonda, we appreciate you!!!!
Tommy, we could NOT do without YOU! I was
afraid Wednesday you were going down but Thursday
night after we all got a good night’s sleep on Wednes-
day you looked refreshed. Friday found us recharged
and ready to take on the world. You continue to amaze
me with your ALWAYS kind, friendly attitude amongst
the issues and problems that arise with a show of this
magnitude. Actually this year we were almost stress
free in this department. WE love you Tommy and the
hard work you do daily for the Walking Horse Owners
Association!!!!!!
I appreciate all the help given to me by the office staff
and the exhibitors who just might have seen me need
something and offered it. Thanks for taking pictures,
running food, taking “stuff ” to the office, helping to
19