Page 94 2026 Animal Stories Lincoln Daily News February 2026 The 2026 winner of the Barnyard Buddies category of the Lincoln Daily News Animal Stories Pet contest is Willow, owned by Jaidyn Ewins of Atlanta. Willow is a nine-year-old Quarter Horse who by the way is expecting her first foal in late March early April. Shoppers at Lincoln Farm & Home were pleasantly surprised when assistant store manager Bob Rankin said that Willow should be brought into the store to receive her $50 gift card and enjoy some time in the spotlight. Ewins said that she has had Willow for the past six of her total nine years. The horse competes with Ewins in barrel racing at rodeo events. Willow was very calm and cooperative in the store and seemed to enjoy the attention. After being brought to a striking pose, Willow was joined by Ewins, Peyton Gehrt, baby Hudson, Rankin, and Karen Castelein of Lincoln Daily News. Rankin presented Ewins with a $50 gift card while Castelein handed over an LDN swag bag of goodies. Ewins said that the card would be used as soon as Willow was back in the horse trailer safe and sound. She planned to purchase some of the essential needs for her horse as well as some of the other animals on her farm.
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