Making "Special" Children's Dreams A Reality
This year's Gallop has 44 stallions participating from Washington, California, Indiana, Texas, Michigan, Wisconsin, Oregon, Minnesota, Idaho, Nevada and Arizona. Stallion breeding fees offered range from $500 to $4,000 a service. This year's event has a total of 8 National Champions; 3 Reserve National Champions; 4 World Champions; 2 Reserve World Champions; 7 Canadian National Champions, 3 Reserve Canadian National Champions; 3 Scottsdale Champions; 4 Reserve Scottsdale Champions and multiple breed Champions amongst the 44 stallions.
Over seventy percent of our stallions in the line-up will be previewed under the spotlights. Be sure to visit with these stallions and their owners who will be located around the grounds and at their stalls. This is a time when you can do some homework on the mare care facilities, costs, and breeding procedures of stallions and ranches that are on your list. It also gives you an opportunity to take a good look at these stallions close up. If you're looking at transported semen, be sure to contact those stallion owners prior to the event and find out what your transport costs are going to run. Our commercial trade show opens to the public at 1:00 P.M. and runs throughout the event. In this issue of "Horse Previews," check out the Trade Show layout for additional information on what and whom will be there - then stop by the booths, shop, and visit with several horse related exhibitors.
For all you sports enthusiasts, back by popular demand will be "Curt Marsh," a seven year starter at offensive guard for the Los Angeles Raiders and member of the 1983 Super Bowl Championship team. Tom Flores, former Raider quarterback, who coached the team from 1979 to '87 said, "By the end of Curt's college career he stood 6'5" weighed 285 pounds and had a 52-inch chest. He was on every NFL team's wish list. He was the guy we wanted. We liked Curt's size, and thickness. Everything about him. We wanted him first and (future Hall of Fame defensive end) Howie Long second. That says a lot."
This, of all years, will be a special year to see Curt back on stage at the Gallop. Last year - at the event - Curt took the breath away of all those listening, as he explained that within weeks following the Gallop, his leg was going to be amputated from the knee down due to an old football injury. He said that he had been feeling pretty depressed, until he appeared at the Gallop event. Although Wishing Star is not new to Curt - he was involved in one of the first wishes ever done - having the opportunity to visit with Wishing Star children and families made him realize how blessed he was, and how good life has been to him. Through God, Wishing Star's children (unknowingly) had reached out and given him inspiration that touched, healed and gave him positive therapy for what he was about to face.
So many of you asked over this past year, "How is Curt?" Well, he had his surgery in September of '94. What an inspiration he is. He is doing great! The surgery took 13-1/2 hours as they performed two operations at the same time, his hip and his leg. Curt tells us that they cut lower than they had anticipated, and that he might just get away wearing shorts and tube socks. Your prayers and best wishes have meant a lot to Curt and his family; he sends his thanks, and looks forward to returning to the Gallop stage to commentate with Gallop Coordinator, Barbara Turner, and KRDK's new Disc Jockey - Jim Diamond, to greet all of you once again. Don't hesitate to stop Curt, say hello, and get an autograph.
Be prepared to bring the camera as Darik Anderson returns to perform the Opening Ceremony with his stallion, "Bey Shahboom," (a Bey Shah+ son). This stallion will once again impress hundreds of people attending this year's event with his graceful, athletic dressage maneuvers and free style liberty performance. Bey Shahboom will also offer a service as he is in the line-up for the Gallop auction. Awarded "best performance horse" at the Kingdome's "Equistar '88," the Tacoma Dome's "Horses Standing Ovation," and twice at the Oregon "Horse-A-Fair," 33-year-old trainer, Anderson is an Equine Communications Consultant in Lake Stevens, Washington. Possessed of superb skills, Darik studied horse training at Meredith Manor in West Virginia and holds a Riding Instructor's Certificate from the Pacific Horse Center in Elk Grove, California. Not gimmicking horses, but training them, Darik is helping Northwest horse owners learn how to teach their horses to become cooperative friends. Some people have accused Darik of using mental telepathy because he communicates so well with animals, but he says it isn't so. You be the judge! The Opening Ceremony will take place after the preview parade of our stallions. We guarantee you, it's something you will not want to miss!
Once again, 1995 brings together the "Children" and the "Horse Industry" in a beautiful executed production number. This presentation will be performed after Darik Anderson's Opening Ceremony, right before the auction begins. The stage will be filled with special effects and area talent, and you will have a chance to meet some very special children. Actress/Singer April Vogel will return to the stage to perform this number and a performance with our very special "Ambassador of Good Will" for Gallop 1995. Nothing should be missed at this event, but these production numbers are a definite "must" to see!
Naturally one of the most asked questions of the 1995 Gallop is, "Will Patrick Swayze or his stallion be there?" So let me put your hearts to rest. Mr. Swayze and his stallion, "Tammen" will not. However, in Patrick & Lisa's compassion for the wishes of children with life threatening illnesses, in addition to donating a service to their stallion, Patrick Swayze has autographed an - art gallery - framed poster of he and Tammen to be auctioned off the night of the event! Our additional NEW NEWS is that Patrick also signed a personal message and autographed poster to give to the buyer of his stallion's service. You need not be present to bid on the personal message and autographed poster or any of the stallion services. This opportunity will be a rare one for Patrick Swayze fans all around the world, and at the same time raise money for children with uncertain tomorrows. As with all of our stallion donors, Wishing Star is indebted to Patrick and Lisa Swayze in their desire to help us for the second time. If you're heading out to the Arabian Canadian Nationals this same weekend, don't miss out on the opportunity to breed to some of the world's finest! Mail in bids on these collector items will be accepted through the actual night of the sale. Our phone number at the Fairgrounds office the day of the event - August 19th - is (509) 534-1432.
If you missed out on the opportunity to buy a Big "D" collector's blanket last year, now is the time to start saving. Honored that Big "D" has chosen to support our foundation and Gallop, "Limited Edition Blankets" will once again be auctioned off at the Gallop. Nowhere in the United States will there be this offer by Big "D." Last year it was questionable as to whether we would have the opportunity to auction these limited edition blankets again for 1995. The decision was made this spring by Big "D" Blankets to - once again - offer another year of these very special and unique collector's blankets!
We here in the Northwest and around the United States that own one from previous years are very fortunate. They have become sought after collector items. Being non-stocked blankets, these collector items will be the sixth set of blankets hoped to be offered each year. A top of the line design by artist Tod Locke, quality above the "All American," these limited edition blankets will be made with never before seen custom material, filling, and non-stock color design. The Gallop's logo will be in four colors, and the bottom left hand corner will read, "Limited Edition Collector's Blanket, donated by Big "D" Blankets - One of three - 1995." Careful detail has gone into each blanket. The art pattern runs on both sides of the blanket.
Each year artist Tod Locke and Glenn Drake of Big "D" Blankets create something that's so unique in their desire to grant wishes for our children. The retail value of these blankets will be $700. Take a look and see for yourself - these have got to be some of the "hottest" blankets ever to be offered - literally on fire!
Last but not least, Wishing Star is pleased to introduce - through "Horse Previews" - our Wishing Star Gallop Ambassador of Good Will for 1995, "Jourdyn McClain." Jourdyn is looking forward to seeing you all at this year's event. She recently turned five-years-old, and suffers from Immuno Globulin Deficit. This year Wishing Star sent Jourdyn on her wish trip to Disney World, Florida. Her mother, Jeanine, told us her birthday wish was to meet Mickey and Minnie mouse. Wishing Star was pretty close in its targeted time, as Jourdyn turned five the day of her plane trip to Disney World. While staying at Give Kids the World - before arriving at Disney World - Mickey and Minnie made an unexpected visit. Much to her family's surprise, Jourdyn (who can talk up a storm) appeared to be speechless when she saw them! She found Disney World overwhelming, and one of her highlights was Sea World. While there, she was taken to the dolphin tank, was given the title of official trainer, got in the water tank up to her knees, and was able to pet and train the dolphins. Be sure to give her a warm round of applause, as she debuts in Dale Brannon's horse drawn vehicle in a production number which limelights this very special little girl!
Wishing Star thanks "Horse Previews" for graciously letting us better educate the public on our auction and its foundation. Calls have come in from everywhere. We are indebted to Editor, Helen Boyd-Hauke for the opportunity she's provided us. When at Gallop, stop by the "Horse Previews" booth in the Trade Show and visit with Helen and the rest of the staff!
I hope to see you all at the "Gallop Stallion Service Auction" on Saturday, August 19th to help support these children in a "Fun" raising event. See you all there!
For more information about Gallop or the Wishing Star Foundation, please call Barbara Turner at 509-466-8719 or write to: Wishing Star Foundation, c/o Barbara Turner, W. 539 Sharp Avenue, Spokane, WA 99201.
