Everything Horses and Livestock® Magazine Feb 2021 Vol 6 Issue 1

Everything Horses and Livestock Magazine ®

World Renowned Horse Event Announcer Coming To Equifest By Frank J. Buchman

Trigger won’t be there, but Roy Rogers has come back to life for the Equifest of Kansas. That’s not a true statement, and even more sadly many of those attending have no idea who Trigger and Roy are. However, one of the most renowned demanded horseshow announcers will be there introducing the special programs. Wayne Williams of Whitewater, Wisconsin, will serve as master of ceremonies for the Equifest at Salina, March 5-6-7. “We feel so very fortunate to have Wayne coming to Equifest this year,” appreciated Justine Staten of the Kansas Horse Council, event sponsor. “Wayne is demanded and has announced most of the largest horse events throughout the country,” Staten said.

Speaking of Horses Shows have the most dedicated nationwide following.” From his country home, Williams, preferably known as Wayne, talked about his life with horses, broadcasting and announcing. “I’ve always had a love of horses ever since I got my first pony when I was six- years-old,” Wayne said. “I enjoy owning horses, riding horses and being involved with anything to do with horses.” Before elaborating further a bit of clarification on Wayne’s tie to Roy Rogers. “He was my hero along with Gene Autry, both silver screen movie cowboys in the early ’50s,” Wayne said. “I’ve always had palomino horses like Roy Rogers’ Trigger. I’ve had a lot fun portraying Roy Rogers in honor of that famous singing cowboy on a number of occasions. “Of course, I don’t sing or do any shooting stunts and my horse doesn’t know any tricks,” Wayne

admitted. While singing cowboys with world famous horses were popular to Wayne’s generation, it’s a different world nowadays. “Young people today even those who are middle age don’t have a clue who Roy Rogers is,” Wayne said. “Roy and Trigger were my heroes and to all of my friends, but this is a changed time. Now when I portray Roy most of those who see me ask ‘who was that?’ It makes me so sad.” However, Wayne still enjoys dressing up like Roy putting his silver saddle on his palomino horse and riding in events. “My wife Pat has a buckskin gelding she named Buttermilk after Roy’s wife Dale Evans’ horse. So Pat and I ride our palomino and buckskin horses portraying Roy Rogers and Dale Evans. “We have a skit with short narrative accompanied by Roy and Dale music we have often presented along with riding in parades. Most

“His popular and acclaimed

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