Wishing Star Gallop
August 16, 2003
Spokane, Washington

Dale and Holly Offermann of the Rockin’ Bar H Nokota Horses had the honor and privilege to have their Nokota Stallion Chief perform for a 4^th year in the Opening Ceremony of the Wishing Star Gallop on August 16, 2003. This annual event features stallions from across the Northwest and auctions their breeding to benefit the many children for the Make-A-Wish Foundation.

The performance began as smoke crept out from behind the curtains and the spot light created a silhouette of Dale and Chief rearing up as they entered the arena. As the curtains opened and the music began, Dale and Chief took off in a gallop across the arena in front of hundreds of people. The spotlight followed them as they performed numerous advanced maneuvers such as jumping, rearing on request, coming on call, spins, and lying down. All of these are performed with and without a bridle or saddle. It is their fun freestyle and liberty routines that have made them so popular with the audience.

One of the highlights this year was when Dale asked Chief to stand on a platform, then he sat down next to him and Chief laid his head in Dale’s arms. The crowd roared with applause as they stood there in the spotlight. Chief loves applause and will often create his own little routine in response to the crowd to show his sense of humor.