2016 Miniature Horse WORLD Issues Fall/ November 2016 E-Magazine | Page 3

editor’s notes by Melissa Powell T o say the 2016 World Show was spectacular would be a complete misnomer. This year’s show was a gathering of enthusiasts who were renewing old friendships, meeting like-minded fellow exhibitors and competing in a sea of highly-tuned and athletic small equines –unlike any group of quality horses that have been gathered before! With genuine smiles of joy, hundreds returned to the show ring yet again to prove their prowess and abilities. This year there were activities everyday including potluck and spaghetti dinners, seminars, a silent auction, a drill team performance and even a bib day so that everyone could join the fun. It was made special for all exhibitors and attendees. Our thanks go out to all the volunteers who made it happen, they are to be commended. There is no doubt most attendees returned home with happy memories and maybe a few extra pounds! Perhaps more than others, I am privy to behind the scenes stories of people and horses who overcame great obstacles to attend this year, such as Kelly and Steve Lewis who traveled from Michigan -some 1065 miles. Their long trek was made even longer when they had car trouble and had to spend the night with both Strong Heritage Adrian and his son, Smarty Pants, looking over their shoulders from the “back seat” box stall in the modified conversion van they travel in. Although sleeping was near impossible, the horses fared well, had a great show and returned home with multiple World Top Tens in multiple events. I also witnessed a mishap that could have dashed the dreams of an amateur driver when moments before her class was called she discovered her cart tire was flat. Fellow exhibitors surrounded her horse, unhitched him and quickly borrowed another cart just as the gateman made his final call. She rewarded the do-gooders with not only a World Championship in that class, but was also named an overall GRAND Champion in Roadster. And I must mention Patti Funakoshi, whose story of struggle was featured in the Aug/Sept MHW. Her health did allow her to fulfill her dream of showing her beautiful stallion, Wingates Infamous Mi, at World in Amateur where he won an overall World GRAND Champion Amateur Stallion title. I know she went home with happy memories she’ll always treasure! These stories are varied, but the message is the same. Behind the smiling faces of the winners you might not recognize the battles they’ve gone through to get there. Let’s not forget, each of us has a history with obstacles of our own we’ve overcome. Find your way to make a difference with your Miniature horse and you’ll truly be happy! Until next time, PARTIAL HERD REDUCTION SALE Alliance Prince Charming First Knights Breakin All the Rules x Alliance Dustys Feeling Fine 2009 AMHA/AMHR 3 x World Champion Stallion This is a paternal half-brother to First Knights Billy Idol and a maternal grandson of World Grand Champion Dust Me Off. This bloodline cannot be repeated. Very refined, with long neck, 28”. LM Hawks Mahogany Bay Champion Farms Nighthawk x Vermilyeas Stylish Black Passion 2011 AMHA/AMHR Stallion Short coupled, great topline. Has been shown successfully as yearling. Los Arboles Charmed I’m Sure Alliance Prince Charming x Twin Oaks Hawks Blue Sky 2015 AMHA/AMHR Stallion Champion Farms Nighthawk grandson Excellent confirmation, show quality. Los Arboles Hy on Surprising LM Idols Hy Flyin Hawk x LM Hawks Dream Catcher 2015 AMHA/AMHR Stallion First Knights Billy Idol and Champion Farms Nighthawk grandson Great driving prospect. www.losarbolesminiatures.com [email protected] 903.530.8546 or 903.497.6115 FA L L 2016 Miniature Horse World 1