WHOA Kick-Off Verstility Show Mt . Vernon , Illinois • April 1
The WHOA Kick-Off Versatility Show held in Mt Vernon , Illinois was a first for WHOA and the WHOA Staff but hopefully not the last . The King City Saddle Club did a terrific job of having everything show ready when we arrived . The King City group , headed up by Hallie Pollard and Jodi Burbar , kept the show rolling with help from many , many volunteers that just jumped right in and saved the day by setting up the courses and then taking them down while staff were busy elsewhere . YIPEEEE ! And many thanks to all who volunteered . Larry and Vonda Arvin drove up to enjoy a leisurely day at the show and then ended up serving as photographer , ring master , ribbon girl and gate opener . It made the show soooo special to see this couple as well as Jessica Marlewski , Melanie and Abbie Lehman whom I have not seen in YEARS ! The show moved with purpose as Judge Lynnette Partridge Schneider made her competent decisions in a timely manner .
Starting out COLD , the day warmed up nicely with the DQP , Rob Birk finally getting a bit of sun . The King City Saddle Club offered a wonderful concession building---you could sit down and eat out of the WIND or take it with you . The usual fare of burgers-dogs-fries- THEN taco salad — nachos — blackberry cobbler — apple
pie – brownies . WOW ! I must take back everything I ’ ve said about the manner in which our fearless leader feeds me ; although it could have been because I didn ’ t not see a single Sonic offering two corn dogs for 50 ¢ on the way to the show . He treated me to a most delicious feast on the way home and I am deeply in his debt .
This show , as a first time venture , was a success , enthusiastic exhibitors all encouraging each other in and out of the ring , many first time exhibitors having a large time , good show facility and really nice covered arena with all the amenities including nice , clean restrooms . Someone is doing their job !!!!
I absolutely loved seeing folks that I haven ’ t seen in years . All grown up and hauling their own horses now , very competent mature adults with the same nice manners and friendly spirits as when they were very young . That is a big perk to my job---renewing friendship from 20 to 30 years ago ! Loving it . The exhibitors were asking for another show in that area---in fact two WHOA members came forth with locations and saying they would be the Chair !!!! YIPEEEE On The road Again AND the season has only begun !!!!!!!!!!!!
– Sis Osborne
My Ritzy Jazz , Kim Scheffer , and Jake Politte Miss Minni Mac and Jodi DeDecker Bubar
14 • Walking On