2018 Miniature Horse World Magazine January E-Magazine | Page 20

Results - Best of Show Photo Contest E – over 150 entries! ach year we are blown away with the array of photos that are entered in this prestigious contest. The subject matter is off the chart with cuteness, but this year especially the overall versatility of this small equine was flawlessly illustrated. Rest assured each of these photos will have their time in the spotlight, either in the Miniature Horse World, on Facebook or promoted on the AMHA website. Thanks to everyone who entered and keep taking those great photos! 1ST PLACE: This photo was unanimously picked by our judges and features Golden Meadows Heirs Dream Girl, “Lola” who is owned by Tara Needham, of Stampede of Love Miniature Therapy Horses. The story behind this photo is as poignant as it is joyful. Tara shared with us how this moment in time took place. “This photo was taken during a surprise visit to a patient at Duke Hospital in Durham, NC on December 23, 2016. The Duke staff reached out to one of my neighbors about bringing a small horse to visit a terminally ill patient who was an avid horse woman. My neighbor contacted me and we brought Lola and Kiwi to surprise her just before Christmas. Shawna Gackle had been in the hospital for several months and had not seen a horse in a very long time. When they asked us to come, they indicated that she did not have much time left as she had a lung infection that they could not stop. The horses were kept a secret until they wheeled her out to the hospital courtyard and we walked in. She lit up more than I could ever describe. She was so excited, happy and overwhelmed with joy. We spent nearly three hours with her. Kiwi being the comic relief and Lola the love bug. I believe this mare can read people. She just put her head in Shawna’s lap and let her rub on her the whole time. The 1st Place award is spon Eastern Desig sored by ns Horse Tack who awarded a custom Crys Tara Needham tal Headcollar available only www.easternd at esignshorsetac kshop.com We will never forget that experience and how honored we were to have been a part of Shawna’s life. The staff, her family and friends were incredibly gracious and thankful. She could not stop smiling. Her big blue eyes and amazing cheerful spirit will stay in my heart forever Shawna passed away on February 21, 2017.”