By Linda Scrivner

BELL BUCKLE, Tenn. – Four winners from the second annual Take A Ride on multi-World Champion Line Item Veto Facebook contest traveled to Midland Equestrian Center for an enjoyable visit and rides on Veto. 
Members of Veto’s Facebook page were asked to submit their name, age, level of riding experience, what state they were from and their favorite VETO memory for a chance to take a RIDE on WGC VETO during the Walking Horse Celebration. Ashley Smith and Paige Yamnitz traveled from out of state to ride Veto and to attend the Celebration. They would not have attended the Celebration otherwise. Winners were selected by Bo and Rachel Teague based on the best memory contestants entered. Four lucky winners were selected: Stacy Shofner Park, Paige Yamnitz, Ashley Smith and Riley Gregory. 

There was a crowd in attendance watching and filming the rides and event. Veto loved every moment of the attention and petting that the eight-year-old stallion received. 

Veto has competed in the Trail Pleasure Western division winning a WC and WGC in 2013, 2014 and 2015 under the direction of trainer Laurie Toone. Rachel competed in AOT western trail pleasure this year with Veto and brought home a RWC after only three weeks work. 

The contest is a testimony to Veto’s calm nature, natural talent and his will to please. The Teagues plan to continue doing this contest once a year during the TWHNC to offer people the opportunity to ride a Tennessee Walking horse that is a multi-WGC. 

The winners and their winning memory posts are:

Stacy Shofner Park: (52, Chattanooga) My wonderful memory of Veto is walking into the Walking Horse Museum a couple years back just shortly after Rachel had been there dropping off her gorgeous Rose garland, clothes, trophy and pictures to display. As I stood there and was so thrilled she shared them at the museum. I wrote Rachel’s name down and that night I looked her up on Facebook and have been following her ever since. Bought jewelry from her when she was selling it, would have bought meals from her when she was making meals if I lived closer. I pray for her and her baby/family quite often and love seeing her life. So both Veto and Rachel bring joy to me.

Paige Yamnitz: (20, Missouri) I have been riding and showing since I was three, so I would say an advanced rider. My favorite memory of Veto was meeting him last year while in Tennessee for Internationals. Such a gentleman…Pretty sure we entered his stall with flip flops on. Hoping and praying for a Veto baby someday. Thanks for all you do to promote such a wonderful Tennessee Walking Horse, Rachel!

Ashley Smith: (20, Missouri) I would say I’m an advanced rider. I have been riding and showing TWH since I was three-years-old. I have two favorite memories of Veto, the first is when I actually got to meet him at Rising Star during the Internationals in July, 2016. He was so kind and loving and allowed us to go in the stall with him and love all over him. The second is when Rachel posted the video of him being ridden without a bridle. He is not only well mannered, talented and beautiful but to be able to ride him without a bridle just shows he is truly one of a kind. He is such a great ambassador for the TWH breed and is now passing that on to his offspring