Three Christian Harness Horsemen’s Association scholars have been awarded scholarships.
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Three Christian Harness Horsemen’s Association scholars have been awarded scholarships for the 2015 – 2016 school year.
Thomas Wine was awarded CHHA’s John and Janet Klark Memorial Scholarship for his studies at Florida Atlantic University. Johnathan Hallett was awarded CHHA’s Rambling Willie Scholarship for his studies at the University of Central Florida. Michelle Thompson was awarded CHHA’s Weldon and Nancy Stockwell Memorial Scholarship. She will continue her studies at the University of Guelph in Ontario.
CHHA members stepped forward to extol the merits of these fine students.
Tee Wine and Straight Priority
From John Berry of the Isle Pompano Park Raceway…
I am pleased to write this communique’ on behalf of this extolling young man’s character.
I have known young Tom for several years, having met him, I believe, in 2010, as his parents operated a Standardbred racing stable here at Pompano Park.
I have witnessed his growing from a young lad to a responsible, reliable young man with high intelligence coupled with exceptionally high morals and ethics, which, I believe, have become rather rare in this day and age.
Having personally witnessed his exceptional work ethic, his willingness to learn and achieve, your organization would be well served to award a scholarship to this extraordinary young man enabling your organization to obtain future “bragging rights” as he becomes a successful and honorable citizen serving this future world in an exemplary manner.
From Bruce Ranger, Driver/Trainer…
Johnathan Hallett
I have known Johnathan and his sister since they were toddlers. His parents are stabled right in back of me and are hardworking horsemen. They have two of the nicest kids. I see Johnathan when he comes to the barn to help his mom and dad. He is clean-cut, quiet and polite and wants to be a doctor.
Joahnathan keeps himself very busy at school and with his volunteer activities. He has been a member of the National Honor Society the last two years. I understand he will graduate with a 4.93 GPA. He volunteers for Let’s Keep It Together, an organization that visits nursing homes with minis and for another program that uses horses to help the handicapped.
Johnathan is a member of a local Baptist church and active in their Thursday night Youth Group.
In Johnathon you will find a young man who will make you proud you helped him. Please consider giving him a CHHA scholarship.
From Jackie Warner of Grand River Raceway…
Michelle Thompson
I have worked with Michelle at several Grand River Raceway events. She often assists Kelly Spencer, Grand River Marketing Manager, for special promotions.
My observations are as follows:
Michelle is enthusiastic. She is passionate about horse racing. She has outstanding public relations skills.
Michelle is proactive and takes initiative. She is an athletic and high energy person. Michelle is a delightful person to work with.
Kelly Spencer says, “I’ve hired Michelle on numerous occasions to wear the track mascot outfit and assume the role for our large events.
Her high energy and wonderful attitude are consistently excellent. She is, in a few words, a lovely young lady with a bright future rooted in good family values and an atmosphere of caring and achievement.”
Moshannon Mojo is Racing for Christ
The phone rang at 5AM. Never a good sign. It was our groom, Teddy. Something was very wrong with Mojo. He didn’t know what, but he knew she was not in good shape. Teddy was very experienced, and Ray knew it wasn’t good. Ray called the vet on call and left for the track. The vet arrived and thought she was having a bout of colic and treated her. Ray wasn’t convinced and never left Mojo’s side. By 9AM Mojo had gotten worse. Ray called our regular vet and asked her to come right away. She walked into the stall and within 2 minutes told Ray to get her on the trailer and out to OSU. She was positive it was botulism.
Ray immediately left for OSU, almost a 3 hour drive. By the time Ray arrived, Mojo was in very bad shape, barely able to stand. The admitting vet prepared us for the worst, it was indeed Botulism.
Moshannon Mojo at OSU
For one week, it was touch and go. We received updates twice daily from OSU. She was very sick but fighting to live. We made two trips out to see her, letting her know we were there. For almost a week, she never stood up, not a good sign. Late one evening a phone call came in from OSU, my heart sunk fearing the worst; however, it was just the opposite -Mojo had gotten up on her own! Several days later, once she could eat on her own, they released her. With bed sores on both hips and face (the scars still remain to this day) and only weighing 750 pounds, we knew she probably would never race again. However, in true Mojo fashion, she would prove us wrong!
Ray and I bred Mojo and raised her. Mojo was the smallest horse that we had ever had make it to the races. She stands only 14 hands high. From the first time she hit the track she thought that she was the toughest horse out there. She has the heart of a world champion, but so small in stature that competing is tough. She gives 150% every time she races. Her groom says she has the smallest feet he has ever seen for a racehorse! She is the smallest horse racing at The Meadows today and continues to bring joy to everyone she comes in contact with and usually a paycheck just about every time she races.
For Ray and me, there was no better horse to enter into CHHA’s Racing for Christ program. This little girl was truly a gift from God! We have since entered her full sister, Moshannon Motown, into Racing for Christ as well.
There is no better way to support the work of CHHA and its ministry to horsemen. You can pledge any amount and keep the outstanding work of CHHA in full swing. We hope you will join us in making a pledge today! Take me to the Racing for Christ page.
Ray and Lori Romanetti
