The Minnesota horse community lost an iconic figure July 15 with the passing of a lady simply known as WeeZee. Recognized by many as the ribbon lady at the Minnesota State Fair, WeeZee was a fixture in the equine community for over forty years. Legally blind, she could be easily spotted in the ring with her handmade colorful outfits, trademark knee high boots, scarf in her hair, and large sunglasses. Artist, author, and fashionista, her presence touched several generations of horsemen and women.
WeeZee chose to keep her life outside of horse shows very private, instead focusing all her energy on giving back to various equine show communities. From Saddlebreds to Morgans to Drafts to Quarter Horses, WeeZee made her presence known.
A very accomplished horsewoman herself; WeeZee showed gaited horses in her early years. She often shared her adventures with exhibitors, even recalling an introduction to William Shatner, an avid Saddlebred owner and exhibitor.
Countless people of all breed disciplines have posted on WeeZee’s Facebook since her passing. The broad impact of her compassion can be seen in the countless pictures and stories that horse enthusiasts young and old have shared.
Known for her artwork, she commonly made sketches of her favorite horses at the shows. These sketches became treasures to the horses’ owners, often times transformed into plates and ribbon pillows bearing the horses’ images.
WeeZee compiled many of these sketches to form The Tapestry of Life, published in 2013. Comprised of mostly Saddlebred stallions, WeeZee herself described the project as a “dream come true” on her Facebook page. Her love of horses and the horse show community were clearly evident in all her endeavors.
In some instances her artwork was handed out as awards of various types at shows. It was considered a great honor to receive WeeZee artwork.
The Minnesota Quarter Horse Association treated AQHA trainers to this honor at the Corporate Challenge show. Recipients were honored for giving back to the industry and WeeZee was in charge of designing and presenting the awards.
AQHA trainer Jenny Welhouse shared a close friendship with WeeZee and treasures her award that WeeZee presented. WeeZee “could’ve been my mom. She was simply so positive and encouraging to others. I attended shows just to see WeeZee.”
“She (WeeZee) was unbelievable,” said Welhouse. “She never sat down. People like WeeZee are just as important as judges and trainers to horse shows. She did her own thing. She was herself. She didn’t care what others thought. She made you want to be like that.” (pictured right Jenny (middle) dressed as WeeZee for the day at the Corporate Challenge)
This incredible ability to put people at ease and to simply be themselves is a difficult task in the horse show world. Welhouse believed that this connection between WeeZee and the exhibitors allowed them to smile and relax, in turn keeping the horses at ease, which translated into better rides for exhibitors of all ages.
AQHA exhibitor Jessie Godin described WeeZee as “a great ambassador for the horse show community regardless of breed. She transcends breed singularity and simply did it for the love of horses.” Regardless of the exhibitor, “she welcomed everyone like she knew them for a million years. She was able to make anyone feel comfortable at the show.”
Bridget Siebenaler Edgar, who assisted WeeZee with passing out awards at the Minnesota State Fair called her “an icon in our community.”
“Many people have grown up watching her and dreamed of getting a ribbon from WeeZee. The color didn’t matter but who it came from did. She could command the attention and respect from anyone in the arena,” said Siebenaler Edgar.
Handing out ribbons was serious business to WeeZee. Outfits were specially selected for each day, usually handmade and elaborately adorned with sparkly flair. Most commonly remembered is her ribbon dress, saved for the last day each year of the Minnesota State Fair.
Assisting WeeZee with ribbons was honor shared by many young girls serving as Queens for various clubs and associations. Often WeeZee liked to meet and assess the girls beforehand.
Bridget Siebenaler Edgar shared her “interview” with WeeZee for the occasion. Her response to the request to assist WeeZee was met with approval in the form of ‘yes, you are petite, cute, tanned, and tone,’ along with a wardrobe recommendation of ‘you have great arms and shoulders so something strapless.’
Bridget described her emotions, “I was floored, but I was glad I had her approval.” A whirlwind experience to find something to wear to ‘be red carpet ready’ with WeeZee in just a few days resulted in a gorgeous evening gown.
She described the opportunity, “It was a fun and memorable experience. I’m happy to have received awards and assisted passing out awards with such a wonderful lady.”
Whether offering congratulatory praises or words of encouragement after a rough ride, WeeZes’s presence extended outside the confines of the show ring.
One example of this compassion was shared by Rachel Lueth. Rachel was involved in a serious collision with another exhibitor during an event known as the Stump Race during the 2012 Minnesota State Fair. The collision sent both Rachel and her horse Ima Western Bug, Bruiser, to the hospital with serious injuries.
After being released from the hospital, Rachel returned to the Fair where WeeZee approached her.
Rachel recalled, “She came to me so gently and so kindly. It was as if she wanted to take away all my pain, emotional and physical, and give it to herself. She would do that for me. She would do that for anybody. That’s the compassionate soul she is.”
Little did Rachel know, her mother had given WeeZee Rachel’s address. A week later a package arrived containing a letter and a handmade cozy comfort bear (pictured right). The letter contained prayers, while talking of hope and love. WeeZee instructed Rachel to name the bear, and she did, Hope. At the time she stilled hoped for Bruiser’s recovery, however another week later Rachel made the difficult decision to lay Bruiser to rest.
Through this difficult time Rachel was guided by WeeZee, “WeeZee’s words of encouragement as something I will never forget. WeeZee played a large role in my recovery and maintaining a positive outlook after such tragedy. She had this way about her that gave you comfort, as if she was giving you a giant hug everytime you looked at that bear. I wish I could have thanked her more. I feel as though I could never express how much gratitude I have for what she did for me. It was purely out of her love for other people.”
Welhouse repeated these praises, “WeeZee was cut from a different fabric and (she) made a difference. The world needs another WeeZee.”
About the Author: Ashley Getsay of Harmony, Pennsylvania is currently completing a second Bachelor’s Degree at Penn State in Agribusiness Management with a Minor in Equine Science. She shows Cant Escape This (Charlotte) in the amateur events including the hunter under saddle, equitation, showmanship and performance halter mares.
