by Jennifer Maack-Condren

BOLIVAR, Mo. - Hurricane Ike was scheduled to make its way into Missouri late Saturday. Not a good forecast for a horse show. But as with many things in life, you learn to be flexible and that is what was done regarding the start time of the third annual Bill Maack Memorial Horse Show. The start time was moved up to 3 in the afternoon in an effort to get the show done before the ruminants of Ike hit. That was accomplished with only a few sprinkles that fell throughout the show. The mid-70s temperatures made for a very pleasant afternoon show for all those in attendance.

Susie Graham, daughter of the late Bill Maack, has been behind the scenes for many horse shows and certainly knows the ins and outs of putting on a top-notch show. Graham’s diligence and efforts were certainly evident as all the details were once again tended to with precision. Graham was presented a bouquet of flowers by nephew Doug Maack to thank her for her hard work and dedication to this memorial show.

The charity the Bill Maack family chose to receive the proceeds of this year’s show was the Optimist International, and specifically worked by the Buffalo Optimist Club of Buffalo, Mo. The show was appropriately held at the Bolivar Saddle Club Arena in Bolivar, Mo., where Bill Maack was a lifetime member.

Truman Volkart of Tipton, Mo., served as the judge for the 20-class docket.

Jim Huffman Stables lead the blue ribbon tally with seven blues. Don Bills Stables and 4-J Land and Cattle Co. took home four blues each. Brad Huffman Stables received three blues and the Nichols family took home a pair of blues.
Winners of the classes each received a plaque that contained a picture of Bill Maack aboard Threat’s Ebony, one of the Maacks favorite horses. Grooming kits were also presented to the winning rider of each class.

With the final gate call of the afternoon, Brad Huffman directed PJ’s Pusher to the winner’s circle in championship form for Dean Scott in the Bill Maack Championship class. Troy Maples and Lester Wilkerson escorted Mae Maack to present the championship trophy in the class.

 Starr Huffman, show chairman commented, “We all felt that someone was watching over us to ensure that this show was a success for the owners, exhibitors, trainers and the charity, and we all know who that was.” It seemed somewhat fitting that once the trailers had been loaded and the show grounds had emptied, the rains came, up to six inches in some places. Everyone felt that had to be more than coincidence.

Complete results can be viewed by clicking here.