WILLA TRAVIS AND EXCLUSIVE ENTRANCE SPLASH THEIR WAY TO TOP.
BY LARRI JO STARKEY, COPY EDITOR
Suzanne Muller and Willa Travis sat side-by-side on their horses in the middle of the Amarillo National Center. The hunt seat equitation pattern was over and the rail work was done. The judges had left the arena, and one by one, exhibitors had ridden up to accept their prizes. Suzanne and Willa reached across and grasped hands briefly as they waited to see which one would be world champion. Then Suzanne's name was called as reserve world champion. Willa started crying. The Journal caught up with her after her tears had dried some and she was able toanswer a few questions.
Q: Congratulations. Tell us about your horse. Willa: “Splash” is 15. I’ve been riding him for five years, and we have made the finals all five years, so that’s pretty cool here at the (Bayer Select World Championship Show).
Willa J. Travis accepts her trophy from Executive Committee member Dick Monahan after her win in hunt seat equitation.
Q: How does it feel to be world champion? Willa: Oh, my gosh. Like – no words. No words.
Q: Could you tell us about your pattern? Willa: Yes. I was first to go, and I just told everybody I was going out there to set the pace, and he was very good. He was so soft, and I guess we did a good job.
WINNER STATS
Horse name: Exclusive Entrance Pedigree: 1993 brown gelding by Ima Soul Mate x Exclusively Silk by Heir To The Fox Exhibitor: Willa J. Travis, Cheyenne, Wyoming Owner: Willa J. Travis, Cheyenne, Wyoming
