2026 WSCA Championship Show www. wsca. org 9
2026 WSCA CHAMPIONSHIP HORSE SHOW DEDICATION
Bob Pawelk
When Bob Pawelk joined WSCA and Wright Saddle Club in the early 2000’ s, he didn’ t just sign his name to a sheet of paper. He began to form a life long relationship with his“ horse family”. He knew that the success of any family or organization involved hard work and dedication- and didn’ t shy away from either one. His past devotion, present day perseverance, and investment in the future of WSCA is why Champ Show 2026 is being held in his honor.
Over two decades ago, Bob and his daughter, Jess, joined WSCA. Since that time, he has taken on the role of delegate, vice president, president, and chair of various committees for Wright Saddle Club, and has ridden with Wright Saddle Club’ s drill team every year at the state fair. He has represented WSCA at the Minnesota State Fair and Champ Show as a fierce competitor( winning first with his 4-in line team two years in a row) but more importantly as a sportsman that encouraged other riders as well. Behind the scenes, Bob willingly did any job that needed to be done to ensure the success of WSCA: setting up panels prior to the start of Champ Show, helping in the coliseum arena during events, and numerous other tasks. Time and time again he has shown his commitment to WSCA through the years.
In addition to his past contributions, he currently gives his all to the organization. For example, in May at the Wright Saddle Club horse show, we saw Bob helping the ring crew all day long- setting up barrels and poles and cheering riders on- all with a smile on his face. Few people knew that just a few weeks prior to the show he had surgery to remove a tumor from his brain, and that the next day he would be going to Rochester to begin intensive treatment for brain cancer. Despite his health obstacles, he was there to support his“ horse family”.
Although Bob has given so much in the past and present to WSCA, perhaps his most significant accomplishment is how he has touched the future WSCA riders. For over twenty years, we have watched Bob welcome, encourage, and build confidence in new riders, both young and old. He has mentored many kids on the Wright Saddle Club drill and square dance teams – starting with the youngest riders on leadline in the junior drill team, and continuing to encourage, teach and help as they transitioned to the competition drill team. He cheered them on at competitions, and made them feel welcome at other horse related events- such as camping and trail riding. He has instilled the love of horses( and people who ride them) in the younger generation. Bob has shown us what it means to be a good friend and how to be there for someone in both the good times and the tough times. He has taught all of us what true friendship is and that family goes far beyond DNA. Bob’ s WSCA legacy will live on for years to come because of his past, present, and future contributions. Therefore, we would like to thank Bob and commemorate him at this year’ s Champ Show.
Thank you Bob.