The Carol Lee Dancers were Gallops 2003 Opening Ceremony Performers. What a great performance! They are magnificent, talented young men and women. They gained the admiration of all Gallop spectators. The dramatic special effects of colored strobe lights brought excitement to their performance. The Carol Lee Dancers provided quality family entertainment that pleased the young and the young-at-heart. Another good choice Wishing Star!

This year's Production Numbers brought back beautifully talented Valerie Stichweh, a professional singer and actress, Valerie appeared on stage singing the very powerful song - "Somewhere Over The Rainbow". The music began and the sheer white drapes lit up. We saw the silhouette of a child on horseback wearing a western hat. Slowly the drapes opened, and in came World Champion palomino stallion "Toms Investment" - owned by Larry & Lori Wilkerson of Kennewick, Washington.

Mounted was Wishing Star's Ambassador of Good Will for the 2003 Gallop, 9-year-old Eric. He was dressed in a royal blue western shirt that Lori & Larry Wilkerson had bought for him, and a black felt western hat which Gallop photographer Kathy Sauther had purchased for him. When he put that western shirt and felt hat on, his posture took on the stance of John Wayne. He was a handsome cowboy! Speaking of handsome, three very striking horse trainers escorted him into the arena, all were dressed in matching red shirts, jeans, and black hats. When Eric reached Valerie, he was escorted from the horse to the stage. Eric took hold of Valerie's hand, as she sung "Somewhere Over The Rainbow". After the song, Gallop Ambassador Eric was mounted back on "Toms Investment" and left the staging area grinning ear to ear, waving to the audience as he rode by. Eric's wish was to go to Disney World. He and his family boarded a plane on August 26th, just ten days after the Gallop, heading for that magical kingdom.

Eric then returned to the stage along with other Wishing Star children. Valerie then sang "Light Your World," with Wishing Star coordinator, Barbara Turner. Many children and their families joined in the performance on stage. Barb Turner dedicated the next song to all the wish parents throughout the history of the foundation, then sang "Because You Loved Me". Children sang on stage, while the ten foot side screens played video of children's wishes. There wasn't a dry eye in the house. Once again, a beautiful, touching performance and story that only Wishing Star can show!

A huge draw to the Wishing Star Gallop event is performer Dale Offerman. You could feel the anticipation from the audience as his appearance drew near. Many had not seen Dale Offerman before. Others had missed not seeing him and his rare Nokota stallion in previous years. His performance started with him mounted upon his Nokota stallion, "Chief". From behind the closed drapes smoke began to creep undernreath as a bright light shone creating a beautiful silhouette of the pair. Slowly the curtains opened and Dale and Chief made a breathtaking entrance, Chief rearing up as he entered the arena.

These two captivated a standing room only arena. The appearance and intelligence of this magnificent, rare bred stallion impressed thousands of people attending this year's event with his graceful free style liberty performance. Chief was the first Nokota stallion to come into the Western United States. Nokota horses are bred directly from the war and buffalo horses confiscated from "Chief Sitting Bull" in the late 1800's. They are excellent barrel and pole racing horses. These Indian horses are better balanced on their hindquarters than most breeds, which gives them an uncanny jumping ability. They have unexpected strength and endurance for their size making ideal mountain and trail horses. They exhibit the smooth "Indian shuffle", a gait desired by many. The Nokota is the last remaining strain of the "Northern Prairie Horse", and the last known strain of the Native American war and buffalo horses. To watch Dale performing with his stallion was a credit to the talents of this gifted man. Chief and Dale were a sight to be seen as they performed in an arena. It was a spectacular performance executed with obvious devotion by both horse and trainer. Wishing Star is indebted to Dale and Chief for gracing our arena with their talent!

The evening ended in great success. Barbara Turner, tells us that the success of this event would not have been possible if not for the sponsors. "Our sponsors are where it begins," Barbara tells us, "but not where it ends. Gallop's success comes from the support, contributions, and donations of stallion owners, trade show participators, volunteers, businesses, and spectators. Over the course of the past twenty years of this event, I am also proud of the horse industry. Regardless of breeds, we have all come together to work for a great cause and successful event. Everyone plays an important roll in this success story."

Wishing Star's Gallop Coordinator, Barb Turner, reminds us that as you read this article "wishes" have been completed and are currently being granted to several children. "We granted 87 wishes this fiscal year, compared to 57 wishes last year. To date, we are working on our 838th wish. The average cost per wish is $3,300. Some of the 87 wishes granted were a vehicle, computer, trip to see the Dolphin's swim, playground set, Mariners game, shopping spree, wheelchair lift, hot tub, computer lap top, Golf cart & Clubs, a College tuition, or our most popular request - Disneyland or Disney World. We are currently operating with 84% of money earned going directly to the Wishes, while only 16% goes to administrative and fund-raising expenses. An unbelievable percentage for any non-profit to be proud of! All who supported the Gallop should be very proud of your efforts. You have helped to make "special" children's dreams a reality. I thank you all!