By Sadie Fowler

Horses and competition are an obvious part of any horse show, but the extra layers of moments in between classes are what makes a show standout. The North Carolina Championship, sponsored by the North Carolina Walking Horse Association and held last weekend in Asheville, North Carolina featured several presentations and exhibits that provided special memories for many in attendance. 

Scholarships were awarded to deserving recipients, world grand champions made special appearances, and loved ones lost over the course of the year were honored, including the late Chad Baucom.

“The Candle Lighting Ceremony is something that the association does each year at the beginning of the show to honor all of our members who have passed away during the year,” said show manager Terri Mosley. “The special tribute to Chad Baucom was in honor of his contributions to the NCWHA and the horse industry.
“Chad grew up in the horse business in North Carolina and his most cherished legacy is his children, Tyler and Kayla…Tyler and Kayla wanted to do something special to honor their father and to celebrate his life.”
Others recognized during the memorial candle lighting ceremony included past NCWHA members: Dr. Mike Piet, Clyde France, Carol Tucker, Wofford Bush, Carlton Alexander, Vickie Wilson, Judy Johnson, Doug Barnes and Don Lominac. 

As candles were lit and music played, the audience heard the following inspiring words as Tyler and Kayla rode in their dad’s honor: 

“Sometimes the best memories and legacies are the things and people a person leaves behind when they depart from this world … We thank Tyler and Kayla for sharing this memory of Chad with all of us. We hope all of you have special memories of all your loved ones which bring smiles to your heart. From Tyler and Kayla, this ride is for you, Dad.”

Other exciting moments of the show came when world grand champions were recognized in the spotlight. All trained by Baucom Stables, exhibitions featured the following horses: Minor Ordeal, The Darkest Hour, José’s Delightful Pusher and Mr. Country Gentleman.

Minor Ordeal is the current Two-Year-Old World Grand Champion owned by Mona Dean and exhibited by Tyler Baucom. The Darkest Hour is the current Three-Year-Old Amateur World Grand Champion owned by Teresa Kincaid and exhibited by Madison Scarborough. Jose’s Delightful Pusher is the current Youth Show Pleasure World Grand Champion owned by the Alan Riddley Family and exhibited by Lilly Riddley. Mr. Country Gentleman is the current 15.2 & Under World Grand Champion owned by Robert Deutsch and exhibited by Tyler Baucom. 

Walking horses weren’t the only ones in the spotlight at the North Carolina Championship. Brandon Ailshie and recently crowned Racking World Grand Champion Helter Skelter also had the crowd on their feet as they entertained, straight out of their win just a couple weeks ago. 

Another special part of the show included the presentation of scholarships. The Dr. Michael H. Piet Memorial Scholarship recipient was awarded to William Gilbert Mosley. Piet was an avid horse owner and a long-time member of the NCWHA and his favorite horse was Master Pusher. 

William is the son of the late Ronald Mosley and Terri Mosley. He is a graduate of Wake Forest University and East Carolina University.

William, a life-long horse enthusiast, was not able to be present for the presentation as he is a first-year medical student at St. George’s University in Grenada with plans to be a pediatric oncologist. He has hopes to continue Piet’s legacy of giving back to the industry in which he was raised. 

The Lynn Culbreth Memorial Scholarship is given in memory of Lynn, a long-time member who loved showing her pleasure horses. This year’s recipient was Hailey Puckett, daughter of Johnny and Holly Puckett and granddaughter of Pat Digh.

Hailey is a graduate of Shelbyville Central High School and is currently at University of Tennessee Chattanooga where she is majoring in Exercise Science and regularly makes the Dean’s List. She was also unable to be present but has been a participant in the horse industry and shown regularly for many years. 
The last scholarship was given in memory of Ronald Mosley, a man who loved children and devoted his career to putting them in the show ring. This year’s recipient was Emily Frances Moore, daughter of Ken and Barbara Moore. She is a graduate of Westminster Christian Academy and is attending the University of Georgia majoring in Sports Medicine.

She does well academically, and also in the show ring, where she’s been active for years.
“Emily’s father, Ken, was a long-time friend of Ronald’s and Ronald had the privilege of watching Emily grow up,” Terri Mosley said.