by Linda Scrivner
WOODBURY, Tenn. – The Woodbury Lions Club Horse Show once again held true to its tradition of talented horses and an overflowing crowd. Show Chairman Bruce Steelman was very pleased. In the extreme heat of the afternoon session, the covered warm-up Clayton Glenn Champions Arena was truly a respite. Everyone enjoyed the shade as they warmed up and waited to enter the big ring. The covered warm up arena was also greatly appreciated when a deluge of rain came down during the evening session and those not showing were able to be under cover. Only one class had to show in the downpour and another with sprinkles.
Woodbury always seems to attract hot competition and many of its champions continue on to win at the Celebration each year. It is known for many performances made by world champions, its large and appreciative audience with lots of extras like ice cream and home-baked goodies.
Woodbury was the third on the list of three Fourth of July week shows. This special event, held Saturday, July 5, boasted 360 entries, up from 278 entries in 2007. There were 346 entries in 2006 and 375 in 2005. The string of shows began with the Money Tree Classic on Thursday with 324 entries, Tony Rice on Friday with 329 entries and ending with Woodbury, bringing the total number of horses shown during the three days to 1,013. The crowd came to Woodbury expecting to see the best and they were not disappointed.
The afternoon session was held at 3:30 p.m. with Tommy Howell of Shelbyville, Tenn., Grandy Tuck of Reidsville, N.C., and Laura Brandon of Franklin, Tenn., marking the cards. Bob Cherry of Centerville, Tenn., Brandye Mills of Richmond, Ky., and Justin Jenné of Shelbyville, Tenn., judged the evening session. Eight of the classes were WHTA Riders’ Cup classes.
Despite the early starting time, the show lasted until after midnight but people stayed to see what they waited for all night – the Championship Stake. Three-Year-Old and Four-Year-Old World Grand Champion Jose’s Intimidator victoriously claimed the Ferguson Farms WHTA Riders’ Cup Grand Championship title. This was the fourth stake win in his undefeated 2008 season for owner Randall Ferguson. He previously won the stakes at the Alabama Ladies Auxiliary Show, the Gallatin Lions Club and the Columbia Spring Jubilee. Their fans have continued to grow with each win and their cheers were evident at Woodbury. This win helped to pave his way toward the Celebration.
A Strong Dollar and Joel Weaver made a strong performance and received the reserve honors. This powerful stallion is owned by Curtice McCloy. The third position was awarded to the team of Blue Blooded Bandit and Knox Blackburn for Raymond Pedigo.
Many top stables brought their world-class horses to compete at Woodbury and the blues were spread across 25 different barns. Allan Callaway Stables topped the blue ribbon tally with six blues. David Landrum Stables protégés earned four blues and Pollack’s Silver Spur Ranch trained horses won four. Carl Edwards and Sons Stables, Derickson Training Facility, Southern Comfort Facility, Southern Serenity Ranch, Laurie Toone of Circle T Stables, Chad Williams Stables and the team of Amanda Winters and Brian Wright earned two blues apiece. Jeff Givens Stables, Nelms Training Facility, Ginger Simpson, Roger Richards, Formac Stables, Joe Martin Stables, Latham Stables, Link Webb Stables, Brock Tillman, Rising Star Ranch, Peebles Stables, Mickey McCormick Stables, Charlie Green Stables and Jamie Bradshaw won the remaining ribbons.
Patti Pollack had the dream show of a lifetime as she returned to the state of California with five Woodbury blues. She won the blues with Push N For Pleasure, Royal Sparking Gen, Overpass and He’s Extraordinary.
Complete results and video can be seen by clicking here.