The Red Light District and Ashlyn Avent.
My Novia and Joe Lester.
Amanda Wright and
Walkin On The Wild Side.
distance at the entry gate and in the Miller Coliseum area. We are just so
excited to be able to host the 42nd International, as for many weeks it was
doubtful if the show would in fact be a go! WHOA staff is wondering how
our exhibitors will react to these many enforced regulations. Will anybody
even show up to compete?????
Wow! Will they be here to compete??? YES they will! Open the gate and
here they come! Another big WOW!!Each class is larger than the previous
class, we are averaging 10 to 20 entries per class. The horses are fantastic.
Everyone has their A plan on. The riders are splendid in their attire and the
horses are groomed to perfection. I believe they are performing the best
I’ve ever seen. Could it be the wonderful music that our organist, Dewayne
Cartee is playing??? The music certainly adds to the festive aura. Absolutely
phenomenal! From the looks of the first night, the 42nd International is
going to be a smashing success. Again, absolutely phenomenal!!!!
It looks a bit different if you’re in the audience seeing the judges and
WHOA staff members masked up but we ARE in compliance with the
regulations handed down by the state and MTSU. From center ring it is fun
to glance up and see that the spectators have marked off their own private
sections of the Miller Coliseum and decorated these sections. It’s kinda,
sorta, like a stable decorating contest only it’s a box seat decorating contest
without the box seats. Just your own private space that you secured with
tinsel, sequins ,twinkling light and crêpe paper, whatever. It’s a new twist on
“Social Distancing” but HEY! It works and it’s fun. One such set up includes
wine, cheese and crackers on a silver tray. I haven’t actually gotten to partake
of this delicacy but I’ve heard about it. Lots of changes for the 42nd
International and, so far, they’re working. The people are in compliance, and
everyone is having a good time.
We have new members working center ring and in the office. They are
doing a great job. On a personal note, I really miss Mr. Charles Tisher, an
icon on the WHOA staff for many years. He and his late wife, Betty always
roomed next to me at the motel. Tish and I ate breakfast together every
morning . We would take a muffin and banana back to the room for Mz
Betty. I can’t help missing my buddies. Larry Martin and his Dewdrop
ladies, who will not be doing the vocals due to the dang virus——- are very
talented and they, too, will be missed. I am astonished at the number of
great horses showing. Each class is filled to capacity with nice walking horses.
In many of the classes, any of the top five could have justifiably worn the
blue out of the ring. One horse caught my eye. I have watched him show for
several years. Tonight, SideLined looked like his younger self!!!!! B J Richards
rode the hair off SideLined and gave this old doll goosebumps. Back to
the motel and into the bed at 1:15.
DAY 2
Will it be equal to day one with the number of entries and the crowds
enthusiastic support and applause? Opening tonight’s show is the much
awaited and highly anticipated Maiden class This is a special class created
for the International. It is a class for unshown Two Year Old Trail Pleasure
Horses. People’s expectations were high and the talk about the top horses
was varied and rampant! Seventeen great two year olds entered the ring for
the A Division. Folks, to say they were nice is a great understatement. The
Miller Coliseum was rocking and the applause was deafening. The Maiden
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