by Debbie Graham

JACKSON, Tenn. - The Mid-South Horse Show Association’s 15th annual walking horse show was held July 12, 2003, at Pugh Bourne Park. Proceeds from the show benefited Operation H.O.P.E., whose motto is “Helping Others Prepare For Excellence”. Operation H.O.P.E. is a non-profit community serving agency located in Jackson, Tenn. The organization began in 1995 as a way to deal with the problems that lead to juvenile crime and delinquency. Their mission is to break the cycle of crime and poverty by doing whatever it takes to equip the children and families they serve to live successful, productive lives and to give them hope for a better tomorrow. The Operation H.O.P.E. center provides services that aid parents, neighbors and children through a variety of programs.

Walking horse trainers, exhibitors and fans packed the showgrounds despite the typical July heat wave that sent temperatures soaring to the high 90s. The crowd enjoyed the delicious concessions that were provided by Just One Catering.

Chad Williams was judge for the 31 class event featuring 178 entries; Dianne Beaver was organist; Chip Walters kept the show running smoothly as master of ceremonies; John McCarter was ringmaster; and Sherry Oxford served as the show's official photographer.

The show began with a Stick Horse class for young exhibitors. Midnight and Ella Anderson claimed another blue in the Lead Line class.

Lexus NS and Patrick Wright were winners in the Amateur Country Pleasure class for Amy Dunnavant. Hallelujah I’m A Strokin’ and Melissa Sparks made the victory pass in the Juvenile Park Pleasure class for Mickey and Gerald Sandridge.

Whitter Stables led the blue ribbon tally with seven Mid-South titles. Jackie McConnell received two of these titles. The first came in the Two-Year-Old Mare and Gelding class with Pusher’s Moving Score for owners Lynn and Henry Lofton. Then the Two-Year-Old Stallion title was awarded to A Harley, a talented young progeny of Pride’s Generator, for Linda Crowley. Wilsene Moody continued her successful season with two wins at the Mid-South show. Ritz Woman claimed the Three-Year-Old Amateur Mare and Gelding title and Blues was in the spotlight in the 15.2 and Under Amateur Specialty class for O. and W. Moody, Ltd. Both of these contenders were champions at the recent White Oak Classic. A White Rose and Stephanie Carter were awarded top honors in the Four-Year-Old Amateur Mare and Gelding class for Cyndi McConnell. Twist About’s Hero and Rhonda East were winners in the Amateur Show Pleasure Specialty class. Winning back to back blues at Brownsville and Jackson were Rebel’s Knight and Johnny Caviness in the Amateur Specialty class for Caviness and Stewart.

Entries trained by Southern Serenity Ranch were awarded five blues at Jackson this year. Grand Safari and Travis Hensley captured the Amateur Park Pleasure Specialty title for David and Jodi Ashmore. Pusher’s Beaming Pride and Jim Nichols were in top form to win the Amateur Plantation Pleasure Lite-Shod Specialty class for Jim and Debbie Nichols. Lauren Hamilton was pleased to accept the blue in the Two-Year-Old Amateur Stallion class with Ritz Or Poorer for Vance Walls and Lauren Hamilton. Moonrider and Bill Hamilton continued to blaze a blue ribbon trail in the Amateur Spotted Saddle Horse division with another title at the Mid-South show. Stemwinder and Josh Coble claimed the victory in the Three-Year-Old Open Stallion class for proud owners Mike and Scherry Burt.

Show ring contenders prepared by Ray Gilmer Stables at Falcon Ridge Farm received four blue ribbons at the show. Lillian Gaines continued her winning season with two outstanding performances. Come To Papa was the Ladies Amateur Mare and Gelding champion and Pride’s Flapjack claimed the Amateur Open class for Mr. and Mrs. L.H. Gaines. Falcon’s Backdraft and Ray Gilmer topped the Three-Year-Old Open Mare and Gelding class for Charles and Jill Cox. Red Danger and Bart Gilmer won their third blue of the season in the Four-Year-Old Amateur Stallion class for Gilmer and Hayburt.

Formac Stables received three Mid-South titles. Charmed and Dangerous and Jimmy McConnell were named the Four-Year-Old Open Champions for Pam and Donnie Betts. Pushover’s Infiniti led the 15.2 and Under Open class for Bob Medina. McConnell claimed his second stake title of the weekend winning the Mid-South tricolor aboard Barracuda for Mary Medina.

Entries readied for competition by Shea Woods at White Oak Farm were granted three trips to the winner’s circle. Hytone’s Buster Brown and Tyler Herndon continued their successful season with great performances in the Juvenile 12-17 Specialty division for Tim Herndon. Two contenders from the Great Oaks Farm show string were in the spotlight at Jackson. Bill Williams was thrilled to win the Two-Year-Old Amateur Mare and Gelding class with Generator’s Sunsation and also the Amateur Mare and Gelding Specialty class riding Just So You’ll Know.

Stanfill Stables were winners in two divisions at Jackson. Skywalk and Seth Stanfill walked their way to another Walking Pony Specialty title for Billy Stanfill. E-Male earned back to back blues in the Three-Year-Old Amateur Stallion class with Stephanie Cagle in the irons for this title.

Man Of Mine and Marina Barclay were also recipients of back to back blues for the weekend with another Youth 11 and Under title. Her dad, Eddie Barclay, prepares Man Of Mine for competition.

The Amateur Owned and Trained team of Big Scores Beamer and Joey Tackett carried dual blues back to their home in Piketon, Ohio winning this division at both the Brownsville and Jackson shows for Southbound Stables.

Spoiled Rotten Colts had the winning entry in the Yearling division. Generator’s Stormy Spirit and Carlyle Johnson made the victory pass for Harbert and Nora Alexander.

This concludes the highlights from the 15th annual Mid-South Horse Show.