by Linda Scrivner

WHITE PINE, Tenn. – The United Racking and Walking Spring Show was held April 3-4, 2009, at the Great Smoky Mountain Expo Center. The show was affiliated with the Make-A-Wish Foundations. This gave URHOEA the opportunity to help some child’s dreams come true.

Due to the economic times, the show decided to draw judges for the show instead of hiring a judge. There were 54 classes during the two-day event with very talented horses showing. The show committee wished to send a special thanks to all who donated their time and efforts in helping with the show.

This year’s Stake class was in honor of announcer Chris Proffitt’s wife, Jan. Before the class came into the ring the following was read:
“The URHOEA would like to take a few minutes to remember Jan Proffitt. Jan Proffitt was one of the friendly faces that many of you saw in the registration office during the World Celebration and occasionally at other shows as well. Jan was always willing to do whatever she could to help anybody, anywhere. Many times in the days leading up to a horse show, Jan would appear as if by magic, open up the back of her vehicle, and there would be a wonderful feast for those working at the show.

“Whenever Jan’s name is mentioned, several things come to mind. The main thing was her love and dedication for her husband, Chris. Although horse shows might not be at the top of Jan’s list of “fun things to do,” it was at the top of Chris’s list, so she came too and eventually became involved in horse shows. Everyone knew Jan was into UT sports, especially basketball. But, whenever and wherever her niece was playing, Jan was there supporting her. It was times such as these that Jan and Chris mixed their loves of basketball and horses. Basketball during the day and watching horse shows at night were the weekend ritual for Jan and Chris. Jan’s teaching career allowed her to influence the lives of numerous young people over the years.

“The following quote completely describes our Jan, ‘When you do the common things in life in an uncommon way, you command the attention of the world.’ The lives of family, friends, co-workers and students were made richer for having known her and she is greatly missed.”

The Walking Horse Stake entries were next called in, one at a time. Kenny Smith directed The Sky Bandit to the top honor for owner Molly Smith. This win followed the team’s recent reserve at Chunn’s Cove in the Open Specialty Stake. Smith won the Garrard County Four-Year-Old class and the Amateur Canter class at the Lincoln County Fair last season. Legacy Of Ritz and Wayne Conley were reserve for C.J. Hicks while third was awarded to the team of Keith Ailshie and Pusher’s Phantom for RPC Farms.

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