International Dedication
Maria Redmond
This year , WHOA is dedicating the 2022 International in memory of Maria Redmond . Maria was a passionate horse lover and was active in several Walking and Racking Horse industry associations , including the Walking Horse Owners ’ Association , The National Walking Horse Association , Tennessee Walking Horse Breeders ’ and Exhibitors Association , Mid-Ohio Walking Horse Association , and the Racking Horse Breeders ’ Association of America .
Once she got into the Walking Horse world , she came in the only way she knew , “ Go Big or Go Home !” She became a sound Walking Horse advocate , hosting and managing many top notch horse shows , and let ’ s not forget about the spectacular center ring displays that she designed . For several years , she was instrumental in presenting The Tennessee Walking
Horse breed at Equine Affaire in Columbus , Ohio , one of the nation ’ s largest horse fairs . She was also the recipient of the 2013 Phoenix Award Member of the Year for the National Walking Horse Association and the recipient of the 2018 Stephen Brown Member of the Year for the Walking Horse Owners ’ Association . In the show ring she enjoyed success with several National and International Champions and Grand Champions , including Genius Boys Masterpiece , Lieutenant Kennedy , Jazzin Up A Storm , Ted ’ s Bat Girl , Ritz Fort Knox , Allen ’ s All In , El Chappo , Just Sayin , After Party and San Diego . Around the show ring , she was known as someone that would always lend a hand or a laugh . Maria would go out of her way to make a fellow rider feel good and comfortable on their horse , whether it was loaning tack or part of her show wardrobe that she had created and made . Everyone has memories of Maria , and she has touched many lives in the horse show community .
Maria passed away unexpectantly and peacefully on August 26 , 2021 . She was 58 years old . She will be missed by many , but her memory will remain .