Wednesday Evening
SHELBYVILLE, Tenn. - The first class on the agenda for the first night of the 39th annual National Trainers’ Show was the Model Park Pleasure Open class. For the fourth consecutive year Generator’s Icy Hot and Jeff Givens were the champions. This win marks the third year that they have received unanimous ties from the judging panel. Generator’s Icy Hot is owned by Jack Heffington of Shelbyville, Tenn. The Executive Decision and Ronald Morton were reserve in the class for Leslie Callaway of Cummings, Ga. Multi-titled The Executive Decision was the model champion in four classes last year.
Four entries competed in the Fine Harness class, however, one horse was excused by the judges for its appearance. The judges in the class were Donnie May, Larry Martin and Rob Brainard. She’s One Hot Tamale and Vicki Self made their debut in the class and drove away with top honors for Betty Denton of Murrieta, Calif. The 2006 Fine Harness World Champions Major Miss Understood and Lynn Womack were reserve for Neill, Harwell, West and Womack of Manchester, Murfreesboro and Savannah.
World Champion Jazz In Dixie and Joe Cotten made their first show of the year in the Warr Development Open 15.2 and Under Riders’ Cup class for Joe Harrington of LaQuinta, Calif. This was the first class of the evening won by the Harrington family. Summer Passion and Joel Weaver wore the red ribbon for Brett and Lisa Jones of Tylertown, Miss. It was just last year this team took home the Riders’ Cup 15.2 and Under High Point Championship.
The Adult Auxiliary Equitation class brought four skilled riders to the ring. World Grand Champion Youth Equitation rider Alex Bumpus moved up to the adult division this year and took home the blue in the class. Erica Derickson of Wartrace, Tenn., was second.
The flashy white stallion Stewart Little and Jimmy McConnell won the Open Show Pleasure Specialty division for Red Strickland of Olive Branch, Miss. Stewart Little was the Open Show Pleasure World Champion in 2004 with Brandon Stout. I’m A Evil Rebel and Chad Baucom were second for Matthis and Weihl of Kings Mtn, N.C. This is a new owner and new division for this horse.
Calvin Klein’s Obsession and Jeff Givens won with a unanimous tie of the judges in the Plantation Pleasure Lite-Shod Open Specialty class for Donald Knight of Murfreesboro, Tenn. In 2006, Calvin Klein’s Obsession took home four Trainers’ Show blues and an impressive 28 blues in the season. World Champion and National Futurity Champion The Armed Cashier and Bart Gilmer were reserve for Susannah and Sophia Borg of Quitman, Ga.
Fourteen competitive entries made the gate call for the James Corlew Chevrolet Two-Year-Old Mare and Gelding Riders’ Cup class. An exciting class it was since most of these entries were in the ring for the first time. Joy Of Jose’ and Justin Jenne’ took home the top honors for Gene Carbine of Florence, Ala. One Last Command and Andy Simpson were second for the Dr. H.E. Barker family of Arab, Ala.
Six horses entered the ring for the Pro-Am Specialty class. Tina Graves made a catch ride aboard She’s High Falutin’ with Spencer Benedict to claim the blue for Dwight and Elizabeth Ottman of Philpot, Ky. Night Twister with Ann Bailey and Mickey McCormick were second for Ann Bailey of Metairie, La.
Mitch Miller and Kenny Smith received unanimous marks in the Amateur Canter class for Christy Garrison. Mitch Miller made it down to Tennessee after showing in the Kentucky circuit for the last few years. Decisions Decisions and Jeff Smith were unanimously second in the class for Smith of Greer, S.C. This team also picked up a reserve world championship at last year’s Celebration.
Down Town Pusher and Steve Dunn made a flawless performance to earn unanimous ties in the 15.2 and Over Aged Mares and Geldings Specialty for Randall and Sadie Baskin of Autumn Crest Farms in Franklin, Tenn. Grandy’s Rhythm Lady and Knox Blackburn took on the open division and were unanimously second for the Tim Stokes family. Halie Stokes usually rides him in the youth division.
The exciting team of Rocky Mountain Sky and Lucky Collins rode to the winner’s circle in the Amateur 50 and Over class for Don and Lucky Collins of Ft. Myers, Fla. Aristotle Onasis and Patsy Odom wore the red ribbon in the good class.
Hurricane Rain and Connie Hess debuted this season with a blue in the Amateur Pony class. They closed out the season with 12 blues last year. Jose’s Habanero and Diana Bowers moved up from the Four-Year-Old Amateur ranks from last year to get a reserve in the Amateur Pony for Bowers of Elizabethton, Tenn.
Reigning Amateur Mare and Gelding World Grand Champion JFK’s Irish Dream and Sue Harrington added another blue to their resume in the Amateur Mares Specialty class. This win came unanimously for Joe Harrington of LaQuinta, Calif. Doc’s Darlin Dumas and Shelia Groover rode to the unanimous red ribbon from the judges for Groover of Shelbyville, Tenn.
Five entries were in the Park Pleasure Open Specialty class. He’s Pushin The Button and Bruce Hankins rode to victory unanimously for Joe Fizer. Gen’s I Love Lucy and Jeff Green were reserve for Nancy Clements of Batavia, Ohio.
The largest class of the night with 18 entries was the Amateur Three-Year-Old Mare and Gelding class. Jose’ Solitaire and Janice Fostek had a unanimous tie from the judges to win the class. Jose’ Solitaire closed out the season last year with four blues in the two-year-old classes with wins at Walking In The Park, Spring Fun Show, Murfreesboro Exchange and Walking For The Children. Joe and Janice Fostek of Roanoke, Va., are the proud owners. Forbidden and Renee Carlton were reserve for the Keith Carlton family of Corinth, Miss. Forbidden is no stranger to the winner’s circle as he earned three blue ribbon ties last season at Nolensville, Walking For The Children and the Delta Fall Classic.
Bruce Hankins’s second blue of the evening was with three-year-old Williwalkin in the Plantation Pleasure Lite-Shod Western Specialty class for Sharon Higginbotham of Lewisburg, Tenn. Magic Illusionist and Jeff Givens were reserve for Cheryl Reidy of Rancho Santa Fe, Calif. Magic Illusionist won at the 2006 Trainers’ Show with Givens’s son, Christopher, in the Youth Lite-Shod class.
The reigning world championship team of Miss Demanding and Kay Adcock walked down victory lane in the Amateur Four-Year-Old Mares and Geldings class for Lee and Kay Adcock of Shelbyville, Tenn. Hawk’s True Love and Patti Pollack were reserve for the Pollack’s Silver Spur Ranch of Saratoga, Calif. This aggressive class was full with 14 participants. Both of these champions were under the Rising Star Ranch banner.
Six horses competed for the Open Over 15.2, Five and Over Specialty class. Hydrostatic and Link Webb claimed top honors for Jim and Sharon Richmond of Crockett, Texas. Command & Control and Winky Groover were reserve for Crawford Colts of Carrollton, Ga.
Fresh off of their South Alabama Charity blue, Gotti and Bob Lawrence claimed another victory in the Amateur Men’s Specialty class for Lawrence and Hutto of Thomasville, Ga. The world championship team of JFK’s Bravado and Jimmy Lackey were second for Jimmy and Carol Lackey of Forest, Miss.
Silver On The Line and Spencer Benedict had a unanimous win in the last class of the night, the Park Performance Four Years and Under class for his son, Austin Benedict, of Glasgow, Ky. Silver On The Line and Carrie Benedict just won the Amateur Park Performance at the South Alabama Charity Show. Knight’s Gambler and Bruce Hankins made their debut show and were reserve for Mose Jobe of Nashville, Tenn.
Thursday Evening
Spirits were up as entries rose for the second night of the annual Trainers’ Show. Due to the efforts of the DQPs, thorough inspections and the judging panels, many people felt that the 208 entries were free going and enjoyable to watch.
Starting off the night’s competition was the Amateur Stallions Specialty class. Ten top entries entered the ring to vie for the first blue ribbon honor. Walking from the line-up for the second consecutive year was Jazz King with Ed Breedlove in the irons for Keith Breedlove of Buford, Ga. Jazz King is well on the way to continue his outstanding winning record from the 2006 season. The reserve ribbon went to Sheryl Crawford and Command & Control for Crawford Colts of Carrollton, Ga.
Another winner racking up another 2006 Trainers’ Show award was Nita’s Double Pride directed by owner Ginger Simpson of Winchester, Tenn., in the Amateur Plantation Lite-Shod Specialty class. Donald Knight and multi-titled Calvin Klein’s Obsession graciously accepted the red streamer under the Jeff Givens Stables banner.
Making their debut performance was the new team of Barbados and Lucky Collins of Shelbyville, Tenn. Topping the Amateur Two-Year-Old Stallions field, Barbados and Collins made their way to the winner’s circle to collect their awards for Don and Lucky Collins of Shelbyville, Tenn. Prodigy and Dalia Smith claimed the second place position for owners Brack and Rosemary Slate of Glade Springs, Va.
Six entries made the gate in the Amateur Park Pleasure Specialty to show the judges all their talent. Patti Pollack directed multi-titled Gen’s Major Coin to the top spot for Pollack’s Silver Spur Ranch of Saratoga, Calif. Sunfire’s Phoenix and Courtney Gibson earned the reserve award for Dr. Morna Conway of Shelbyville, Tenn.
Up next was the Trail Pleasure Amateur Specialty English class with 25 entries. Lion King and Marty Irby stepped forward out of the crowd victorious for Marty Irby of Murfreesboro, Tenn. This honor also came with a unanimous decision from the judging panel. I’m Benny Too and owner Tim Brooks of Hot Springs, Ark., garnered the red in the tough class.
Whitney Breedlove, granddaughter of Ed Breedlove, and Royal Masque were elated to receive the first place award in the Amateur Gelding Specialty, a class filled of who’s-who. Barry Breedlove of Buford, Ga., owns the great entry. This had been the first show for this young lady. What an impressive way to start! Kamakazi was directed by Suzy Johnson to the reserve victory lap.
The Amateur Show Pleasure Specialty class had 13 entries that were expertly directed around the ring. This class had multiple top competitors vying for the top spot. An excited Alicia Cooper was called from the line-up where she and Extra Expense performed again to the crowd’s delight. Starting his year off right, Extra Expense is owned by C & T Investments of Shelbyville and Mt. Juliet, Tenn. Generator’s Top Dollar and Keith Johnson of Shelbyville, Tenn., happily accepted the reserve position.
World Champion I’m NRA and David Sisk captured the judges’ eyes in the Amateur Three-Year-Old Stallion class. Linda Sisk of Columbia, Tenn., owns this top competitor who finished 2006 undefeated and is starting off 2007 in top fashion. Second was awarded to Jose’ Up and Patti Pollack for Pollack’s Silver Spur Ranch of Saratoga, Calif.
The second unanimous tie of the evening came in class 28, Amateur Plantation Pleasure Lite-Shod Four-Years-Old and Under Open Specialty. Owner Sharon Higginbotham of Lewisburg, Tenn., and Williwalkin picked up the blue. This win starts the 2007 season off on an exciting note. Generator’s Sun Devil and Glenda Levin of Barnwell, S.C., walked away with the red ribbon in the good class.
Twelve highly talented entries made the gate call for the Amateur 15.2 and Under Stallions Specialty class. World Grand Champion Shock Jock and Becky Coleman received the nod from the judging panel and walked their way to the winner’s circle. Michael and Becky Coleman of Money, Miss., own this outstanding champion. Clay Mills and Greyline picked up the second place honor for Lee Mills of Mt. Airy, N.C.
The youth hit the ring in the Youth Plantation Lite-Shod 17 and Under Specialty class. Coming off his sweep at the South Alabama Charity show, Magic Illusionist, this time directed by Taylor Morgan, received the unanimous tie from the judges. Cheryl Reidy of Rancho Sante Fe, Calif., owns this top champion. I Spec I’m In Command and Brittany Herman took home the reserve ribbon for Shelly Herman of Shelbyville, Tenn.
The judges had the same idea again and another unanimous decision was made amongst them. This decision came in the Amateur 15.2 and Under Mares and Geldings Specialty class with reigning Auxiliary World Champion Prime’s Suspect and Candra Carroll receiving the top award for Brian and Candra Carroll of Knoxville, Tenn. Miss Dumas Ebony and Connie Hess performed an impressive show and graciously accepted the second place ribbon for Zenda Hill Farm, CM and Connie Hess, of Harrisonburg, Va.
Multi-World Champion All American Ritz and trainer Howard Hamilton topped the park performance division. This victory came in the Park Performance Open Specialty class for owner Cynthia Wright of Jackson, Tenn. Straight Line and Jeff Green are on the right track for making a name for themselves. This time the pair walked away with the reserve award for Carolyn Deleon of Lodi, Calif.
The entries did not seem to stop coming in the next class. Twenty-seven hopefuls filed into the ring one-by-one for a chance to take the victory lap. Capturing the top seat with a unanimous decision from the judging panel was none other than the reigning world and Trainers’ Show champion pair of Lion King and Marty Irby. Lion King is owned by Marty Irby of Murfreesboro, Tenn. This tough competition saw Sara Womack direct My Stormy Pride to the winner’s circle. The duo picked up the well-earned reserve honor for Womack Stables also of Murfreesboro, Tenn.
Eleven entries worked both ways of the ring in the Amateur Four-Year-Old Stallions Specialty class. The 2005 World Grand Champion Amateur Two-Year-Old He’s Extra Ordinary and Patti Pollack proved they were back in top form to accept the unanimous blue ribbon victory pass for S & P, LLC of Saratoga, Calif. Second place honors were awarded to The Who and Carolyn Joseph for the Anthony Joseph family of Columbiana, Ala.
Honeygold’s Sweet Memory and Jeremy Archer topped the five-entry field in the Park Pleasure Two and Three-Year-Old Open Specialty class. This three-year-old stallion captured the blue in his second ever show ring appearance. Owner Dr. Morna Conway of Shelbyville, Tenn., was very excited. Charlie Moore and Encore’s Sugar ‘N Spice graciously accepted their red ribbon and reserve victory pass for Michael and Jeanette Taylor of Wayne, W.Va.
The four-year-old stallion Ritz’s Jackpot, owned by Randall Ferguson of Union Grove, Ala., and Jamie Bradshaw walked their way to the winner’s circle. The three judges in charge of selecting the winner all agreed on this top contender. This victory came in the second to last class of the night, the Four-Year-Old and Under Show Pleasure Specialty. Jeff Green and Lakota Colors happily accepted the red streamer for Wadsworth Farms of Hernando, Miss.
Up next in the ring was the WHTA Auxiliary Members Only Specialty class. This class gives family members of trainers the opportunity to show horses from their barn. The ever popular team of Joyce Marie Green and Spring’s Starmaker topped the four-entry field and walked to the winner’s circle. Spring’s Starmaker is owned by Green’s daughters, Samantha and Corey Green, of Shelbyville, Tenn. Reserve honors went to Busted At Bonnaroo and Maria Derickson for EL Enterprises of Birmingham, Ala.
The last class of the Thursday evening session brought four entries through the gate. Bruce Hankins directed Big N Rich N to the top spot in the Western Park Pleasure Specialty class. Mr. and Mrs. Steve Harris of Columbia, Tenn., own the top entry who received the first place tie on all three judges’ cards. Jennifer Pendleton and Go Boy’s Dark Spirit ended the evening with the reserve for owners Huckaby and Pendleton of Columbia and Shelbyville, Tenn.
Friday
The third session of the 39th annual National Trainers’ Show was delayed until 7:30 p.m. Friday evening due to the arrival of a large number of USDA officials.
Many spectators filled the arena ready to see another night of top competition. The WHTA Board of Directors met in the show horse office and discussions and negotiations were carried out with the conclusion that the show will go on as planned. Dr. Chester Gipson was included part of the time.
The mother/son team of Laurie Toone aboard Mr. Jessie James and Hunter Morgan aboard Royal Sparkling Gen once again displayed Old Glory and the Trainers’ Association flag. The two displayed the flags and made their way to center ring for the invocation and singing of the national anthem. Bill Bryant sang a beautiful rendition of the national anthem. At the conclusion of the national anthem, both riders took to the rail together and made a mother/son pass.
The crowd was entertained following the third class with two handicapped riders demonstrating their skills as they were led around the ring.
Four presentations were made Friday for the Walking Horse Report Year In Walking Horse, presented to those whom the book has been dedicated. On the schedule for Friday evening was the juvenile dedication, the pleasure dedication, the industry within dedication and the stallion dedication. Jacob Baum was honored for the 2006 juvenile dedication. The recipient of the pleasure horse dedication was World Grand Champion Owner Amateur Western Trail Pleasure Push N For Pleasure. Patti Pollack proudly accepted the award. John T. Bobo was honored for his work in the industry and received his award. Jose’ Jose’ claimed the stallion dedication for Waterfall Farms. Marty Irby received the award.
Later in the evening, Sharon Brandon, TWHBEA Secretary, who is retiring was honored. The 2007 show was dedicated to Brandon for her countless hours of work spent in the industry.
Numbers were down from the previous two nights with 142 showing on Friday. The first class of the evening, the Walking Horse Auxiliary Equitation Youth class, also had the first unanimous tie of the evening. Multi-titled Paige Bennett was unanimously selected to make the victory pass following a flawless performance and individual workout. Reserve went to another fine equestrian, Rachel Burch in this class of two entries.
Kaitlyn Rippy entered the ring to make an exhibition in the Walking Horse Auxiliary 11 and Under Equitation mount. Rippy directed her mount down victory lane following her excellent performance.
This class was followed by the show’s first halter class, the Open Yearling Fillies, with 12 entries. Chris Richards led Maybe I’m Maybelline to the blue for Joe Martin Stables with a unanimous tie. This talented filly also won the 2007 South Alabama Charity Yearling class with Andrea Nelson at the lead. The 2006 World Champions Miss Annika and Holly Puckett claimed reserve for owners Bradford and Mesimer.
The industry’s youth were once again highlighted in the two-entry WHTA/WHOA Youth Challenge Canter class. Audrey Grant directed the classic world champion mare Pride’s Flashy Girl to the winner’s circle for the Jimmy Grant family. Joe Fleming Stables prepared this team for the show ring. They concluded their 2006 season with blues at Tallassee Rotary Club and the Southern Championships. Pushover’s Dreamaker and Jacob Kelley graciously accepted the red streamer for owner Linda Atkinson.
Next appearing on the scene were seven top entries in the Amateur Two-Year-Old Mares and Geldings class. The audience had their eyes glued on these new teams hoping to get a peek at a possible 2007 world champion. Kathryn Ramsbottom and her mount Jose’s Dulce captured the attention of all three judges and walked to the winner’s circle with a unanimous decision. Jose’s Dulce is owned by Clinch River Ranch and trained by Link Webb Stables. I’m Dangerous With Cash carried his rider to the reserve position, which also warranted a beautiful victory pass at the Trainers’ Show. Richard Greer is the owner of I’m Dangerous With Cash.
Sadly, the Youth 11 and Under class had no entries so the always competitive Ladies Amateur Specialty class was next. Three top caliber horses entered the ring. The winning team of Sensational Premier and Latithia Oran are no newcomers to the show ring. They have amassed over 30 blue ribbons and have won practically all of the shows in East Tennessee and North and South Carolina where they have previously shown. The team unanimously topped the field to add the Trainers’ Show victory to their already impressive resume. The Melton Oran family owns this great stallion who is trained by Hal Newman Stables. Receiving the reserve honor was Pedal To The Metal with Debbie Eichler in the irons for Rising Star Ranch.
The team of Famous Phil and Ronald Morton walked to the blue in the six-entry yearling colt division for owner Lisa Washburn. Hot on their heels was the team of Nine Mile High and Chris Richards for Mr. and Mrs. Charles Brantley, who also made an excellent show and walked away with the second place honor.
The panel chose the current world championship team of Lindsay Hess and She’s Push In Command to wear the blue in the five-entry Youth Mares and Geldings 12-14 Specialty class for owner Connie Hess. This was the team’s debut into the older division and they stepped up in style under the direction of David Landrum Stables. The reserve winners were current World Champions Doctor Liz and Jessica Popp for Bob Hurt. Groover Stables proudly prepared this team.
Up next on the long agenda of the evening was the Waterfall Farms WHTA Riders’ Cup Three-Year-Old Mares and Geldings class. Eleven top competitors filled the arena to compete for all three judges’ attention. Following a South Jones Show win in Laurel, Miss., with Josh Watts, the highly talked about Dark Escape is enjoying an undefeated season. Dale Watts expertly directed her to victory lane for Brett and Lisa Jones. Sam Martin and his mount Counselor’s Heartbeat wore the red streamer from the ring for Dr. Dale Cannon.
Last year at the Trainers’ Show, Hunter Morgan captured the Youth Trail Pleasure Specialty class and his sister, Mackenzie Morgan, was reserve. Ten top entries answered the gate call and Mackenzie Morgan was selected as the winner unanimously aboard world champion and 10-time International champion Mr. Jessie James for owners Dr. Kent and Ann Jones. This year Hunter was third on multi-world champion Royal Sparkling Gen that his sister was reserve with in 2006. Circle T Stables and mother Laurie Toone prepared these youngsters and their mounts for the ring. Shelby Wright and My Lucky Dollar claimed the reserve spot for Wright and May.
The current world championship team of Pushin That Jazz and Dalia Smith claimed the two-entry Youth 15-17 Specialty class unanimously. This was Pushin That Jazz’s fourth Trainers’ Show blue. Smith owns Pushin That Jazz who is trained by Landrum Stables. Jordan and Austin Jones claimed reserve for Ray Jones Trucking, Inc.
Nathan Mills found himself in the winner’s circle unanimously in the 10-entry Open Weanling class. Mills led Black Satin Lined to the blue ribbon. Hoyte Eakes owns the champion. Reserve went to Jazzalicious and Ronald Morton for Lisa Washburn.
The Hartland Farms WHTA Riders’ Cup Four-Year-Old Mares and Geldings blue was awarded to Stone Age and Joel Weaver for Rising Star Ranch, LLC. Stone Age topped this three-entry class in his 2007 debut performance following 2006 wins at Murfreesboro Exchange Club and Dickson County shows. The reserve award went to Jose’s Sweet Pepper and Charlie Green for the Robert Adcock family.
The juveniles were on display again, this time in the four-entry Show Pleasure 17 and Under Specialty class. Claiming the prestigious honor were Reserve World Champion The Secret Senator and owner/rider Paige Bennett. Second place honors were graciously accepted by Lilly Waites and The Hotline for the Andrew Waites family. This team is also on a great roll this season.
Ten competitors made the gate call for the Amateur Weanling class. The crowd roared in excitement as Pearl Gun and Cathy Baker were called from the line-up to claim their prizes in the winner’s circle. This Baby Night Shade and Jesse Dotson made a polished performance for the reserve position. This Baby Night Shade is owned by Dotson Brothers.
Joe Cotten aboard Oops I’m Splashed won the eight-entry Waterfall Farms WHTA Riders’ Cup Three-Year-Old Stallion class for Frank and Rita Hudgens. This talented colt had 2006 wins at Cornersville and Nolensville Lions Club Shows. Joel Weaver directed Diamonds And Dollars to the reserve honor for Rising Star Ranch, LLC.
The 2006 World Champion Park Performance All American Ritz made a clean sweep of the National Trainers’ Show park performance division. Owner Cynthia Wright and her All American Ritz made a flawless performance to win the eight-entry Amateur Park Performance under the guidance of trainer Howard Hamilton. Another outstanding entry, JFK’s Ten High and Alecia Cooper, claimed reserve in this very competitive class for Cooper and Torrance under Brandon Stout Stables banner.
Finishing out the round of halter classes was the 10-entry Open Amateur Yearling class. Walking their way to the winner’s circle was the pair of Pat Head Summit and Ernie Schlabach for Harlinsdale Farms. This colt was reserve at the South Alabama Charity in his season debut. Maybe I’m Maybelline and Andrea Nelson made the reserve victory pass for Joe Martin Stables.
The first championship class of the show was the five-entry Amateur Plantation Pleasure Lite-Shod Specialty Championship. Nita’s Double Pride and owner/rider Ginger Simpson captured the win in this championship unanimously. This reserve world champion ended his 2006 season with a Southern Championship blue and began this season with two Trainers’ Show blues. The reserve win went to Generator’s Sun Devil and owner/rider Glenda Levin.
Patti Pollack had a great time at the 2007 Trainers’ Show. She won many firsts and reserves on both her and her sister’s horses, as well as being honored with the Year In Walking Horse dedication for Push N For Pleasure. Three-time world champion and four-time Trainers’ Show Champion Gen’s Major Coin was directed by Patti Pollack for sister Sherri Pollack to win the eight-entry Amateur Park Pleasure Specialty Championship unanimously. Pollack’s Silver Spur Ranch owns the Pollacks’ horses and Rising Star Ranch trains this star.
Reigning four-time World Champion Ironwork’s Tin Man unanimously won the six-entry Amateur Show Pleasure Specialty Championship with Steve Jones in the irons for Ray Jones Trucking, Inc. Chad Way Stables prepared this stunning gray stallion. Last year Grant Jones and Ironwork’s Tin Man were reserve in this class. Cheers followed this popular stallion as he made his victory pass. The remaining crowd was on their feet for the reserve win of Coin’s Black Stroke and Jean O’Brien for Reginald Pimentel. Coin’s Black Stroke is trained by John Puckett Stables.
Due to the late starting time, this class was in the ring at 1 a.m. Dedicated fans dragged themselves home wondering about the Saturday night champions.
Saturday Evening
The fourth night of the show started as it had done the previous three nights, with the popular mother/son pair of Laurie Toone and Hunter Morgan. Toone directed Mr. Jessie James while Morgan expertly guided Royal Sparkling Gen around the ring with their flags flying high.
Entries were down once again with uncertainty still hanging in the air. For the Saturday night edition, 88 horses were slated to enter the show ring for competition. During the course of the night, one horse was excused from the ring by the judges due to an unacceptable image.
The first class to start off the evening was the Warr Development 15.2 and Under Stallions Riders’ Cup class. Two horses made the gate call to vie for the judges’ attention. Bust Me Loose and Link Webb were called from the line up to receive the top honor for Steve and Martha Neff of Franklin, Tenn. Anthony Prince directed Magic By JFK to the reserve position.
Up next on the agenda was the Amateur English Trail Pleasure Specialty Championship with nine competitors working both ways of the ring. Starting out their 2007 season on top was the team of A Sure Fire and Christy Mauney with a unanimous selection of the judging panel. Last year A Sure Fire claimed 15 blue ribbons along with many top reserve finishes for owners Roger and Laura Mauney of Gastonia, N.C. Beams Best Bet and Rachel Burch of College Grove, Tenn., graciously accepted the strong reserve finish.
Five entries competed in the James Corlew Chevrolet Two-Year-Old Stallions Riders’ Cup class, but one horse and exhibitor were excused by the judges, leaving four to strive for the top honor. The judges in the class were Johnny Puckett, Jeff Willis and Donnie May. The unanimous first place award was captured by the 2006 WHTA Riders’ Cup Champion Joel Weaver and Arm’s Deal For Real. Pollack’s Silver Spur Ranch of Saratoga, Calif., owns the winning entry. Also receiving a unanimous decision from the judges was the pair of Jose’s Real Deal and Sam Martin for the reserve tie. Jay McLaughlin of Florence, S.C., owns this top entry.
For the third consecutive year in a row Dalia Smith of Manchester, Ky., directed John FK’s Diamond Delight to the Juvenile Specialty Championship. Like many other victories during the Trainers’ Show, this win also came as a unanimous decision. Reserve in the class went to the world championship team of Doctor Liz and Jessica Popp for grandfather Bob Hurt of Shelbyville, Tenn.
Another unanimous decision was marked on the cards. This time the decision went to multi-titled champions Calvin Klein’s Obsession and Jeff Givens. This pair claimed this same class, Plantation Pleasure Lite-Shod Open Specialty Championship, at last year’s Trainers’ Show for owner Donald Knight of Murfreesboro, Tenn. The reserve championship honors went to Generator’s Sun Devil with Shelly Herman in the irons for Glenda Levin of Barnwell, S.C.
The trainers were back in the ring next in the Waterfall Farms Three-Year-Old Classic Riders’ Cup class. The crowd was wowed with six top contenders competing for the top position, with another set of first and second place unanimous decisions coming from the judges. It was the pair of Chad Baucom and First Parole who received the call from the line up. Rhonda Warren of Winston-Salem, N.C., is the proud owner of this talented stallion. Second place was captured by the Pollack’s Silver Spur owned entry of Reserve World Champion Jose’ Up. Joel Weaver was in the irons for this top honor.
Dalia Smith was back in the winner’s circle, this time aboard In My Pocket in the Walking Ponies 17 and Under Specialty class. Sister Annabelle Smith of Manchester, Ky., owns this competitive entry. The reserve champions in the class, Haley Lane and I’m Uncle Kracker, graciously accepted the red streamer. I’m Uncle Kracker is owned by Dr. Linda Jones and Haley Lane of Bainbridge, Ga.
Up next were three talented horses in the Hartland Farms Four-Year-Old Stallions Riders’ Cup class. These first year “canterees” were beautiful in the famous rocking chair gait. Link Webb directed Tony Montana to the blue ribbon honors for Jim and Linda Newby of McMinnville, Tenn. This pair finished off their season last year with a victory at the Southern Championships, and obviously is still on the correct track. Reserve in the class went to An American Tradition and Mike Overcast. Ed and Carolyn Brock of Decatur, Ala., own An American Tradition.
Three horses made the gate call in the Amateur Championship class. A repeat performance of last year’s Trainers’ Show Amateur Championship occurred with the two top horses. It was Retro and Larry Davis who captured the top honors. The unanimous decision of the judging panel was awarded to Davis who catch-rode Retro for new owners Doyle Wayne and Anita George of Hickman, Ky. Reserve honors went to current World Grand Champion Watch For Glory. Erica Derickson directed this top mare for her and her sister, Maria, of Wartrace, Tenn.
It was then time for the Park Pleasure Open Specialty Championship. All five talented entries made the gate call. Howard Hamilton directed Kody’s High Roller to the unanimous victory for Red Eagle Farms of Dacula, Ga. Sunfire’s Phoenix and Jeff Hatcher happily walked away with the red streamer for Dr. Morna Conway of Shelbyville, Tenn.
For the Amateur Specialty Championship six competitors hit the ring. Clay Mills and Greyline were the recipients of the top award. Last year this pair amassed four blue ribbons together after their pairing late in the season. Lee Mills of Mt. Airy, N.C., is the owner of Greyline. Ed Breedlove and Kid Callahan captured the reserve position for Keith Breedlove of Buford, Ga.
The well-respected Francis C. Gentry Ladies Specialty class was next to enter the ring. Pushin That Jazz and Dalia Smith claimed their second blue ribbon and first set of roses of the 2007 season. Dalia Smith is the proud owner of this top winning gelding. Brenda Carlon guided Bo’s Shania Rose to a top performance for the reserve honors.
Twelve entries made the gate call to compete for the roses in the Amateur Western Trail Pleasure Specialty Championship. Wrapping up their 2007 Trainers’ Show performances with three blue ribbons, three unanimous decisions, and a set of roses was the pair of Lion King and Marty Irby of Murfreesboro, Tenn. Laura Mauney took the reins of top competitor A Sure Fire to capture the reserve honors in the tough class. A Sure Fire is owned by Roger and Laura Mauney of Gastonia, N.C.
In the Show Pleasure Specialty Championship class, four entries hit the ring to compete for the prestigious title. The popular team of Coin’s Black Stroke and John Puckett walked away with the blue ribbon for owner Reggie Pimental of Bell Buckle, Tenn. This pair, along with Jean O’Brien, ended last year on a top note and started 2007 on top as well. Reserve in the class was Bold Scream with trainer Jeff Givens in the irons for Veniot and Stembridge of Modesto, Calif., and Woodbury, Tenn.
Finally it was that moment everyone had been waiting for. It was time for the Young Motors WHTA Championship Walking Horse Stake Riders’ Cup class. As in years past, each of the seven entries were directed into the arena one by one for the crowd to get a good look at each one of them. Jeff Hatcher and I’m Packin A Pistol threw a shoe just as the judges were calling for the lineup. The farrier made quick work of that problem as the judges turned in their cards. It’s a good thing they fixed that shoe, because Hatcher had more work to do for owner Charlene Gibson of Sykesville, Md. It was the pair of Jeff Hatcher and I’m Packin A Pistol that consistently showed the crowd and judges what a walking horse looked like. They won the class with a 1-1-6 tie with Sonny Holt being the only judge that didn’t have Hatcher at the top of the card. Hatcher and Pistol have already hit the show ring three times this season with two reserves in Monroe, La,, and Andalusia, Ala., before winning the National Trainers’ Show. Hatcher just recently made the move from West Virginia to Middle Tennessee, and with this victory he showed his was here to stay.
The reserve championship ribbon was awarded to More Of The Major with Joe Cotten in the irons for owners Jim and Kay Green of Meridian, Miss. Generator’s Champion and Joel Weaver rounded out the top three in the class for Brett and Lisa Jones of Tylertown, Miss.
Be sure to visit our newly designed Web site at www.walkinghorsereport.com to checkout all it has to offer including where everyone stands after the Trainers’ Show in the High Point Report and WHTA Riders’ Cup standings.