A highlight of the 2011 Freedom Special was the Trainer Stick Horse Race.  20 brave souls took to the arena for a no-holds barred stick horse pleasure class.  Each trainer was supported by donations, and all proceeds went to help fellow trainer Jamie Zuidema, injured in a horse training accident, and who has been unable to work while he mends.

The judges for the class were Melissa Proulx and John Hardin. Each competitor was required to trot down the center, take their place on the rail, then walk, trot and lope (in the correct lead.)  The exhibitors ranged from well-broke to downright "sketchy,"  some were lame (gaits, we mean...) and some pulled up.  And, we won't discuss the lack of ring manners shown by some of our exhibitors!  However, when the dust settled, Chad Williams was the class winner, and Wade Parks was honored for raising the most pledges for the Jamie Zuidema fund.

We were honored by the presence of the Easter Bunny in the class.  He entered the arena with his Easter Basket of chocolate eggs, and proceeded to compete in the class like a true horseman.  In keeping with all true mystical creatures, he never revealed his true identity, but we believe he came to Indiana via Washington State and Texas, and displayed a great grasp of the mechanics of motion while competing!

Thanks to our participants: Sean Schembri Roger Johnson Wade Parks Rob Meneely Dustin Eickenhorst David Archer Jeff Jacob Colt Andrews David Wagner Chad Williams Tyler Aschlegen Kenny Greves Josh Whitney Rusty Miller Jeff Lankford Mike Mergaert Jeff Ray Easter "MS" Bunny Heath Wilkerson John Bradley

Join us next year for the first annual Ladies Trainer Hunter under Saddle Stick Horse class!