Blue Earth 2008 photos

Photo credits: © Chuck Kelly and DeeAnna Weed

These 30+ photos are our favorites from over 200 candid shots taken by Chuck and me at this year's show. We were not as interested in taking photographs of show ring activities as we were in capturing the busy, vivid and friendly "behind the scenes" life at our show.

The "thumbnail" images you see below are distorted, but they should give you the general idea of the photo subject. The full-size photos look much better. The full size photos are 2-3 MB each, so they may take some time to download, depending on the speed of your internet connection.

Fair use policy: We are providing these photos for use by MWFHC members and their families. These photos are not to be used for commercial purposes without our permission. Contact us at coyote@acrec.com or 563-864-3201.

15 Mariposa's Bragi, Los Trigos Heather, and Rokida's Seierrik wait impatiently to be unloaded after arriving at the Blue Earth fairgrounds

17 Michael Kline, Nancy Hotovy, and TUF Kari dodging deep puddles and the big arena tractor. The arena badly needed harrowing on Saturday evening after a heavy afternoon rain. The hot topic of conversation that evening: Will the arena be ready for the start of the show on Monday?

19 Robin Holland (left) and Peneloppe Meyendel (Penny) taking owner Robert Long for an evening spin

29 Bob Gudknecht, certified in Stall Hygiene Inspection Technology

37 Robin Holland (left) and Nick Bowers putting the finishing touches on Los Trigos Heather? under the watchful eye of Patti Jo Walters (rear)

43 MWFHC members Dave Lusty (left) and Vel Orth gesticulating meaningfully on the problems of the world

46 Brian Gudknecht (right) chatting with son Kyle at the water hydrant

54 Keelie Finnel and Megan Holschbach attending to the finishing details

55 The Syl and Anne Weyker family and friends hanging out with Mariposa’s Carsen

60 David Lusty taking a mid-day siesta in the breezy shade of his horse trailer. The show is often hot and tiring for young and old alike, and a good nap can be incredibly refreshing.

70 Sissel (left) and Mariposa’s Carsen being taught to drink from a water bottle by Tonya Long

86 Announcer Marlin Krupp and Treasurer Anne Weyker spent long hours keeping the show running smoothly

93 Show chair Pat Holland (left) and club member Mike Sadlon setting up jumps

111 Show superintendant Earl, owned by Dawn and Tyler Schlickman

119 ? and ? preparing ribbons for the next class

124 Merchandise coordinator Dawn Schlickman (left) helped Holli Gudknecht and daughter Erin choose the perfect tee. The tent, generously loaned by club member David Alexander, kept the club merchandise secure and pleasantly shady.

133 Rodika's Niklaus and Eby Higdon winning the Jumper’s Choice class

135 ditto

139 McKenna Plunkett and Reterra Farlan enjoying a quiet moment before a class

145 ditto

158 Sharon and Bryan Simonson and Rokida's Magnus sharing a quiet moment before a class

165 Kay Van Natta on North Creek Bjoge and Therine Gudknecht on Hinrichs Farms Memphis warming up for their riding classes.

191 Charming Erin Gudknecht after earning a color-coordinated red-ribbon in Youth Walk/Trot

194 Three generations of Clan Gudknecht turn out in force for the Blue Earth show. From left to right: Bob, baby Hanna, Brian, Erin (on horse), Therine, Holli, Jason, Jami, Kyle (tall one), Riley (in front of Kyle), Tricia, and Brady (in stroller)

195 Proud grandparents Dave and Su Ann Lusty with Megan Lusty riding Spruce Hill Bruno

216 The Sadlon family and friends getting ready for the Costume Class. Their entry featured Snow White, the Seven Dwarves, a handsome but shy Prince, and the Wicked Witch. From left to right: ?

227 Circus clown and lion tamer David Alexander and Raylee Gunnar, his fierce “lyun”

245 The dashing Prince Nick Bower, grandson of Mike and Susie Sadlon, and Rodika's Niklaus

258 Sheriff Alli Austin apprehending escaped prisoner McKenna Plunkett with the loyal aid of TUF Linnea

263 Circus clown and lion tamer David Alexander and Raylee Gunnar, his fierce “lyun”

268 Pat Holland leading, Sami Poirier riding, and Gary Holland driving the patient Pine's Edge Ivan. They are followed by June Wheeler and Bjorne dressed as Gumby and Gumby's trusty horse Pokey.

271 June Wheeler and Bjorne as Gumby and Pokey, with the backside of the famous Green Giant statue in the background.

285 Adam St. Clair, the Evil Troll, riding his fierce warhorse SFF Ebba, the great-great-....-great grandmother of all Fjord Horses!

286 ditto

305 Ella, Eva, and Harrison Holtz as the adorable Three Bears with the sweet Iduna Acres Hilde disguised as Goldilocks

320 Ann Longfellow on Loki Lee flaunting her winnings. A last-minute entry in the bareback “Ride A Buck” class, Ann handily trounced other riders in this lighthearted competition.