by Linda Scrivner

WOODBURY, Tenn. – The Woodbury Lions Club Horse Show once again held true to its tradition of talented horses and an overwhelming crowd. Show Chairman Bruce Steelman was very pleased. In the heat of the afternoon session, the covered arena was truly a respite. Everyone enjoyed the shade while they warmed up and waited to enter the big ring. The covered warm up area was also greatly appreciated when the skies opened up about halfway through the show and continued with intermittent downpours for the rest of the evening. Many of those not showing also took cover there. The crowd remained until the very end when they came out from cover and enjoyed the competitive stake competition.

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 and lots of extras like ice cream and home-baked goodies.

Woodbury was the third on the list of four Fourth of July weekend shows. This special event hosted huge classes until the rain began and then many entries dwindled because of the downpours. The crowd came to Woodbury expecting to see the best and they were not disappointed.

The afternoon’s session was held at 3:30 p.m. with Tracy Boyd of Shelbyville, Tenn., Brian Kiddy of Lawrenceburg, Tenn., and Terry Stone of Scottsboro, Ala., marking the cards. Sam Sorrell of Lexington, Ky., Lonnie Messick of Murfreesboro, Tenn. and Don Milligan 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, either under cover, in cars or motor homes or under umbrellas in their seats – the Championship Stake. Five-year-old Bum’s Cadillac and Edgar Abernathy claimed the WHTA Riders’ Cup Grand Championship title. This was his second stake win in his undefeated 2009 season for owner Pam Betts. He previously won the stake at the Billy M. Cary Memorial. Their fans cheered for them at Woodbury.

Up For Parole and Jimmy McConnell made a strong performance and received the reserve honors. This powerful five-year-old stallion is owned by Robert and Janelle Jones. This team had previous stake wins at the Purchase Area Charity and at Hardeman County Rescue Squad. The third position was awarded to the team of Blue Blooded Bandit and Knox Blackburn for Raymond Pedigo.

Complete results and judges’ cards from the Woodbury Lions Club Show are available by clicking here.