After Party getting some loves from Rowena Matteson .
Jose ’ s B Excellent and Kim Davis , Country Pleasure contenders .
Dakota Hodgson and Taylored By Allen .
As of tonight 1,777 entries have strolled through gate to show off their walking gaits .
Barr Studios , official International Photographers , graciously provided a party for everyone following the show tonight . The line to get the delicious home made food stretched the length of the barn aisle and turned in by Stonewall Farm to the tables ladened with goodies . Thank you Jennifer and Marty for capturing International moments forever and forever providing us with a fun night . It was a good time to wish Jessica Hleback a very Happy Birthday .
DAY 8
The long awaited and eagerly anticipated Maiden finals were here . Don ’ t know IF I mentioned but this class has THE largest payback of any flat shod pleasure class in our history !!! The winning ride / horse combo will exit the ring with a check for $ 1,125 !!!!
Center ring was all gussied up . Jodi , head ringmistress , looked lovely in a royal blue gown . Representatives from American National Insurance were on hand to take part in the festivites and to award an array of exciting goodies to the Maiden winner , reserve winner and all those who placed .
The excitement died down after the Maiden horses exited the ring , however the classes that followed amped up the crowd with their awesome walking entries . It was interesting to note that the Championship Class for each division are very well filled . In years past , by championship night horses have dropped out , riders gone home , folks have given up their quest for that championship ribbon . Not this year ! I am happy to report the classes are filled and the riders are trying just as hard as they were a week ago to exit The International with a floral horseshoe or a good championship ribbon . True , the teams are tired , nights have been long , the weather beastly hot ( thank you for the air conditioned Miller ) but it appears come championship there is a little extra spark in the team and they are giving the audience another chance to see a display of great talent .
I hesitate to name names as I will leave out someone ( I apologize in advance ) but I must mention a few that stick in my mind as having an exceptionally good show . Bill Bobo , Zack Parsons , B J Richards , Laurie Toone , are just a few .
It would be fan- damn- tastic if The International topped the 2,000 entry mark . We are close with 1,865 entries so far . Cross your fingers and hope everyone rushes down to enter just one more horse !!!
I must mention our entry office staff — they arrive early to help answer questions , enter horses , scratch horses , assign campers , show you were your stall is and on and on . Kristy , Marcy , Patsy , Rocky , Teresa are there
22 • Walking On