Did someone say: Food!  Horses! Well, everyone knows that’s a call to the heartstrings of any horse person. It’s the MOWHA Awards banquet held in Hilliard, Ohio on January 26, 2008. An opportunity for a large number of horse people to gather, to share before the new season begins, to relive the kudos of the past year.

            After visiting among old and new friends, sharing a buffet meal, the awards began. Many colorful ribbons were presented to many levels of competition, silver platters for specialty levels, then a favorite of mine—the “Trail Rider” awards. There were eight recorded riders who turned in their hours—those being accrued by saddle time only. Reported hours ranged from 16 hours to 257 hours and awards were presented according to number of hours and riding types. Basic awards were given to all riders—folding hoof pick, TWHBEA trail rider hat, woven fly mask, and a one year subscription to Trail Rider Magazine. For the large number of hours added awards were pommel or cantle bags with water bottles attached, saddle bags, uti-blanket, breast collar, etc…

            National Bridle (B. Beech, owner) in Lewisburg, Tennessee also offered a discount coupon for all present and future trail riders of 2008. Very generous of Mr. Beech. Thank you, sir!

            The riders appeared excited about their awards proclaiming higher numbers of riding hours to be recorded in 2008. Several rides have been tentatively scheduled for 2008 so check Maple Crest Farms’ website (www.twhorses.com) to stay abreast of any changes or additions.