District 3 Horse of the Year Contest

Horse of the Year Winner for 2021!

Wisconsin Horse Council District 3 would like to congratulate Lacey as its WHC District 3 Horse of the Year winner for 2021! Lacey is owned by Kallie Larson of Watertown, Wisconsin.

"Lacey is a one of a kind companion, partner, and equine. She has spent her life teaching, inspiring, and sharing her strong heart. Lacey taught me how to ride, how to win, and that sometimes you need to lose to grow. She is the kind of horse that I can compete on and on the same day someone who hasn't ridden in a while can jump on for her to carry them to victory, then a six-year old can get on and she is gentle enough to keep them safe. She is an all-around mount that has successfully competed in pleasure, reining, trail classes and her favorite gymkhana events. She even helped me win a buckle during the 2019 show season at the age of 21. About six years ago she suffered what I feared was a life-ending injury. Her willing heart gave her the strength she needed to make it through the recovery process and back to doing what she loves. I have two other horses that she is helping me train, but she has always been my go-to horse and my best friend. She has been at my side, and many times my leader, as I further my horsemanship and teach others new skills. She has been a role model to 4-H and FFA youth growing in their projects at clinics that I have put on. There isn't a day that goes by where I don't learn something new from her. Now I share her wisdom with others and let others learn from her directly. She is a treasure and deserves to be honored." - Kallie Larson

Horse of the Year Winner for 2020!

Wisconsin Horse Council District 3 would like to congratulate Derek as its WHC District 3 Horse of the Year winner for 2020!

Derek is a Standardbred owned by Paul Sawyer of Mayville, WI.

Sawyer's Stables of Burnett, WI is proud to present Derek Bromac N. Born in New Zealand, this Standardbred gelding is the most traveled horse in the state. His harness racing career has spanned 12 states, 2 countries, 28 racetracks and $266,000 in career earnings. his nationwide fame began after a comeback from a near career ending injury, becoming the oldest winning racehorse in the country at 15. After retiring at 16, Derek Bromac's career spanned 13 years and 248 races, but his work was far from over. His attendance at the Midwest Horse Fair, previous apperances in the Grand March, 2 parades, a clinic, countless newspapers, magazine and even a television appearance, the best of this horse's career is yet to come, as he has taught thousands about harness racing and the Standardbred breed. his plans for attending a few local schools will kick off his "Reading With a Racehorse" campaign to promote an autobiography on his life about the horse that never gave up. his owners are currently seeking publishers.

Horse of the Year Winner for 2019!

Wisconsin Horse Council District 3 would like to congratulate Cowboy as its WHC District 3 Horse of the Year winner for 2019!

Cowboy is an American Quarter Horse owned by Haley Justmann of Beaver Dam, WI.

Besides lighting up the life of his family, Cowboy has touched the lives of many people in his 21 years. While he can clear a jumper course, speed through a barrel pattern, tackle an endurance ride, and even skijoring, he knows when to slow down and be gentle, watching every foot fall, making him a favority for children of all ages. When on the trails with a green or anxious horse (or rider), he is the go-to if one needs to pony; he simply exudes confidence. Not only does his heart show while being ridden, but his liberty performances have captivated both young and old, and his kind demeanor made him a perfect ambassador for years at the elementary school's annual petting zoo. He has visited group homes for those with developmental disabilities, and warching their eyes light up as he gently nuzzles them or stand patiently for hugs and pats is more than enough to make your entire year. This horse has been an amazing advocate for the equine world as people watch him give 100% in the ring, in parades, demos, and anything else you could ask, and then step back, relax, and become everyone's favorite on the ground as well. His extensive list of awards is impressive but his personality that draws people in is what makes him stand out. As he approaches retirement, what better way to honor and recognize an equine who has bettered teh life of many than with an award like this.

Horse of the Year Winner for 2018!

Wisconsin Horse Council District 3 would like to congratulate Lillie as its WHC District 3 Horse of the Year winner for 2018!

Lillie is a Quarter Horse owned by Bella Alvarez of Columbus, WI.

Lillie is a 15 year old Quarter Horse. She lived at the same barn her whole life and was grazing in a pasture for eight years. Her former owner gave her to me. When she got to our barn, she was put on a diet and put in a dry lot. She was a very good sport about it and was very gentle and sweet. She is very smart and thought that riding meant going fast. I work with her at least four days a week. She is finally learning to walk. When we got Lillie she was over 1,300 pounds and now weighs 1,067 pounds. Lillie is not afraid of much, except backing out of a trailer. Lillie wouldn't back out of the trailer when we got her, but I got her to do it twice now. She is great at keeping me safe when riding. She has taught me the responsbilities of owning a horse. She also helped her former owner because it makes that person so happy to know that Lillie has a little girl to love. I have only had Lillie for three months, but we have fo

Horse of the Year Winner for 2017!

Wisconsin Horse Council District 3 would like to congratulate Tinker as its WHC District 3 Horse of the Year winner for 2017!

Tinker is a Miniature Horse owned by Carol Takacs of Allenton, WI.

Tinker is a remarkable little mini horse, during the months of November and December every year on any given Saturday you can catch Tinker, ringing the bell for the Salvation Army. He has been ringing for over six years and has made thousands for the charity which has made a difference in so many people's lives, but just as important, Tinker has brought unbridled joy to countless people.

Tinker is an accomplished trick horse as well; he visits and performs for many nursing homes, retirement complexes, group homes, human service departments, schools and libraries. (This is just to name a few). He is a huge hit with all he visits and seems to relish in it. In fact, this little horse will try just about anything to get your attention.

His sweet demeanor, accompanied by his intelligence and patience makes Tinker the perfect horse to take to just about any venue.

Tinker has appeared in the Milwaukee Jounral Sentinel, Good Monring America's site, Associated Press, County Woman Magazine, countless newspapers throughout the country and the Stars and Stripes. He is also a yearly feature on 3 of Milwaukee's prime TV stations and has over 1,500 Facebook friends.

It is a privilege to own and work with such an amazing little horse and we are blessed to have him in our lives. He has brought so much happiness, delight, bliss and hope into the lives of so many. Tinker truly is a special little horse who has given and continues to give all that he can.

Horse of the Year Winner for 2016!

Wisconsin Horse Council District 3 would like to congratulate Hershey as its WHC District 3 Horse of the Year winner for 2016!

Hershey is an American Sport Pony/Quarter Pony owned by Melanie Lichtfeld of Columbus, WI.

I’m A Hershey Kiss is the pony who does it all with remarkable skill, gentle humor, and utmost care. If
one of his humans needs him to fill a slot, he does so wholeheartedly! Hershey is a master, teaching
young and old to ride and drive. He has touched countless people, taking them to prestigious events
such as Columbus Carriage Festival, Hickory Knoll CDE, Notora HDT and Villa Louis Carriage
Classic. He has been to State Championships in 4H, Columbus Sleigh Rally and Wisconsin
Interscholastic Horse Association. He has done cattle sorting, jumping, barrel racing, pole bending,
and skijoring, not to mention many parades and Urban Trail Rides. Hershey has fans in Madison,
Monona, Sun Prairie, Columbus and beyond!

Hershey has helped children cope with tough times, and brings people together for shared learning.
In recent years he has participated in Horse Fair Painted Pony interactive display; performed with
Chief Whiteman at the Horse Nation Celebration at West Allis, where delighted urban school children
gathered 8 deep to ask questions and pet Hershey; participated in Festival of the Horse and Drum,
where he was gifted with special bells for his feet while he demonstrated Native American use of the
travois.

Hershey is currently learning to paint. He hopes to compete in trail obstacle competitions next year.
His daily job is babysitting orphan foals.

What makes a horse of the year? Ask any of the II Bit kids. Each one would tell you the happiness
and learning Hershey has shared!

Horse of the Year Winner for 2013!

At the Midwest Horse Fair, on April 20, District 3 presented to "Patrick" District 3 Horse of the Year award. The award was presented to Kelly Mahloch and "Patrick" by Linda Ernsberger, President, and Bonnie Shepherd, Vice President, District 3 Wisconsin Horse Council.

Patrick was born on St. Patrick's Day 1993, Diamond in the Ruff (Patrick) was originally a driving horse due to his Belgium breeding.

Purchased in 1997 by Kelly Mahloch as a future upper level and eventing competition horse, he magnanimously made the adjustment.

In 1998, he made his debut at Midwest Horse Fair (MHF), demonstrating First Level Dressage for The American Warmblood Society (AWS). He continued to demonstrate for AWS for the next 15 years, demonstrating his advanced dressage skills as he progressed to the top levels of dressage. He performed a Musical Freestyles to large crowds of enthusiastic viewers, many times bringing them to their feet. Two years ago, he saved the US Flag from a mishap in the AWS demo ring when another handler and horse dropped it. His retrieval and subsequent cantering around the ring with it saved the day. He had never carried a flag before. While he was concerned, he was amazingly trusting that it was the thing to do, even with the crowd on their feet cheering.

Numerous years he served double duty and performed, also, for the Wisconsin Dressage and Combined Training Association for demos and lectures at MHF.

He has performed routinely for guest speakers, such as Richard Schrake, Jayne Savoie, and Lois Heyerdahl at the MHF. Additionally, he was the main demo horse for Dressage Maneuvers", "Dressage Levels" and "A Taste of Eventing", lectures given by Kelly at MHF.

Several years ago, he was the Intermission demonstration for the Saturday night Jumper Invitational at MHF along with other Saturday night performances. Two years ago, he helped the Wind Rider Challenge Winner with his contribution to the impromptu musical freestyle Pas de Deux.

Many times, he has been used for the MHF judging contest as a demo horse, helping youth to judge halter and performance classes.

At 17.2, he is a commanding presence. He draws large MHF crowds to his stall and is always ready to play ambassador. Many people have stated that he is the reason they come to the horse fair. They come to his stall first.

For such a large horse, he is light on his feet and has won Regional Dressage and Combine Training awards. Patrick has also been recognized by the AWS on a national level for his success at eventing.

In addition, Patrick has been utilized in helping to educate instructors at their regional seminar, showcasing his dressage maneuvers. Several times he has performed for various neighboring counties for 4-H groups educating youth about dressage and jumping.

His contributions on a more local level include serving as a School Master Dressage Horse allowing young accomplished riders the opportunity to learn to ride the upper level maneuvers.

Patrick is a gentleman in his stately bearing and his willingness to please. 2013 will be his last MHF performance. We will be announcing his retirement. It will be sad that his era in the limelight will be over, but we will enjoy the trail rides, the sporadic jumping, and the ambassadorship at home on Sundance Farm. At 20 years of age, he deserves to be recognized for his contribution to educating and entertaining the people of Wisconsin.

Horse of the Year Winner for 2012!

Something About Dazy, the District 3, Horse of the Year

In the picture, Dazy is shown helping a youth learn about halter and showmanship. Dazy is very soft and gentle with kids, as well as the adults. In her 20 years with us, she has touched so many lives and brought great joy to all sorts of people.

I have had foster kids, adults, handicapped youth and 4-H kids work with her throughout the years. She went to State Competition with a 4-H Horseless Horse young lady and placed Grand Champion and Reserve Champion 3 years in a row.

We are very proud of her and find she is a very safe and trusting horse. She is still active giving lessons to the younger group of youth but only for 1/2 hour at a time. She loves her trail rides and seems to feel the fear or joy in the rider and helps them feel better about themselves and her. So we have to thank her for all her trust, care and love of the people she has been with. Dazy has left a little piece of herself to all concerned. Thank you Lady Dazy September aka DAZY for all your love!

LAZY CREEK FARM -Gary and Claudia Shipshock

Horse of the Year Winner for 2011!

The Wisconsin Horse Council's District 3 would like to congratulate Mister, (Shandala Dew), owned by Diane Sackett of Burnett, Wisconsin as the winner of the District 3 Horse of the Year! This award will be presented at Horse-A-Rama on May 7th.

Congratulations, Mister and Diane!!!