By Jennifer Maack-Condren

LEBANON, Mo. - The annual Laclede County Saddle Club horse show was held on June 21 in Lebanon, Mo. This is one of Missouri’s largest one-night shows and has received "Best One Night Show" honors in past years. This year should be no exception. Saddle Club President Brent Salsman kept things going outside the ring and secretary Melissa Salsman handled the center ring duties. The show had 25 classes for both walking horses and Fox Trotters. Marking the cards for the walking horses was Jake Rogers from Owensville, Ky. Jimmy Gonz and Floyd Hampsmire served as DQPs for this HAWHA affiliated show.

Adding to their list of achievements was Curt Caldwell and Jubilee’s Image. This duo walked away with another win in the Open Walking Horse class. This win came on the heels of a victory pass at Richland the previous night. Owner Matt McWilliams certainly has reason to be proud of this fine stallion. Cargo’s Royal Impression and Adam Carlyon made the good ride for the reserve ribbon.

The Juvenile 11 and Under Specialty opened up the evening for the walking horses with Show Me Jubilantly and Leslie Ann Mott taking top honors. This little girl and big bay mare made the job look easy under the guidance of Everett Clamp. Impressive Classic Lady and Haylee Miller made the good ride to claim reserve honors. The Juvenile 12-17 was light on quantity, but high on quality with Brad Nichols making the winning ride on Coin’s Smooth Operator.

The Two-Year-Old Amateur class was filled with seven top entries. Emerging victorious was Elvin Sapp and Genie’s Charming Lady. This team hails under the Ken and Josh Taylor Stables banner. Lite Jazz and Richard Mitch claimed the second in this fine class. Josh Taylor and Spun Out were named top horse and rider in the Two-Year-Old class with dad Ken Taylor and Sun Dust’s Fashion making the reserve ride.

Caretaker’s Image and Roger Campbell made the victory pass in the Park Pleasure Two-Gait class. This team has proven unstoppable this year throughout Midwest competition. Bill Branham had his Generating Cash well prepared to take the red ribbon in this fine class. These two entries returned for the Park Pleasure Three-Gait class for a near repeat performance. Brian Nichols was in the saddle to make the victory pass with Caretaker’s Image this time.

Mike Maack and Shaker’s Mr. Threat, also with a lengthy resume of wins this year, claimed top honors in the Lite-Shod Two-Gait class. Steve Skopec and Cash’s Midnight Sun were second. One of the best classes at the shows this year has been the Show Pleasure Specialty class, and this one was no exception. Mark The Time and Darlene Swaringim made it two in a row, following their Richland win on Friday night. Don Bills keeps this pair well tuned for the tough competition. Roger Campbell and The Movie Star were reserve in this field of top contenders.

The Three-Year-Old Amateur class was next with six top entries making the gate call. Donna Huffman presented Victory Colors to perfection to gain the judges approval and ride away with the blue. Trainer Jim Huffman was certainly proud of this pair. The Gate Keeper and Elvin Sapp made the ride to the reserve spot. Jim Huffman entered the ring himself this time on Talk Of Texas to claim the Three-Year-Old and Under Park Pleasure Two-Gait class.

This first day of summer left everyone scurrying to find jackets as the temperature dropped. The hot competition in the Amateur Specialty class was just what was needed to warm everyone up. Fourteen entries made the gate call and put on the best performance of the show. Coming out on top was Magic Impression and Dr. Glenn DeGraffenreid under the direction of Don Bills Stables. Leland McDougal and Impressive One rode to the reserve spot. The Four-Year-Old Amateur Specialty class kept the spectators at the rail as well with the fine horses presented for this class. Hydro Generator and Kristen Huffman gained the judge's and the crowd’s approval to receive the top honors. Jim Huffman prepares this duo for the tough competition in this class. Jane Brummet and Sun Dust Endless Dream received the reserve honors.

The big bay Spirited Rendezvous and Bill Branham have certainly found their way to the winner’s circle, claiming another win in the Open Amateur class under the direction of Mike Maack. Brian Nichols and Eclectic were second with their fine performance.

This show held to its tradition of quality and quantity of horses, beautiful grounds and a crowd of spectators. Everyone will be marking their calendars as not to miss this show each and every year. Complete results follow and may also be found by visiting our web site at www.walkinghorsereport.com.