The owner dedication of the Year In Walking Horses always proves to be a difficult task for the simple reason that there are so many deserving individuals. This year’s inductees have been a strong source of support for the industry for many years. Bob and Mary Medina of Skillman, N.J., have forgotten more about the horse business than many people will ever know.

Though the Medinas have had many horses through the years, the combination of owner and trainer that has stood the test of time is that of Medina and Formac. The Medinas have been permanent fixtures at Formac Stables since the fall of 1983, which would make their friendship span over the course of 23 years.

The number of blues is countless to both Bob Medina and Jimmy McConnell. Possibly the winningest horse the Medinas have owned that McConnell trained is Barracuda. Barracuda is a 12 -ear-old gelding that the Medinas have owned for many years. He has brought much joy to their time in the show ring including five trips to the Celebration’s winner’s circle. During the past season Barracuda carried Jimmy McConnell and owner Mary Medina to five victories that span from the National Trainers’ Show, the Mississippi State Charity Show and the Gulf Coast Charity Show.

Currently the Medinas have 12 horses under the direction of Formac with high hopes for the 2006 season. Team Medina and Formac have been very successful through the years picking out talented youngsters for the show ring. Some youngsters the Medinas have introduced to the show ring are Orient Express, The Ivy League, Jazzing Papa and Hey Hey Ole. Orient Express captured approximately 10 victories during the Medinas’ ownership. The Ivy League has also done well under this partnership earning the 2003 Two-Year Old Stallion World Championship with Jimmy McConnell in the irons. Possibly one the most impressive young horses that the Medinas have owned and are still winning with is Hey Hey Ole. From 2004 to 2005 Hey Hey Ole received almost 20 blues that include two world championships with Bob Medina up.

The Medinas are two of the industry’s top competitors, supporters and owners, and we are proud and honored to dedicate the 2005 Year In Walking Horses to Bob and Mary Medina.