by Julia Livingston

            ASHEVILLE, N.C. - It's been 10 years since the first Chunn’s Cove Horse Show. Though there have been changes through the years, the goals of the annual event remain the same- to raise funds to support CarePartners Hospice. The club's commitment to Hospice has grown out of personal experience. Each year at the time of the horse show, the club has had a member or friend in the midst of receiving Hospice care. In the 10th anniversary year, club members honored their loved ones and raised awareness of the many programs Hospice offers to patients and their families in the community.             According to Horse Show Chairperson and President Bev Taylor, "The efforts of the past nine years have resulted in donations of over $60,000 to CarePartners Hospice." She hopes that the 2008 show will raise more money than ever before.

            The two-day event took place at the WNC Agricultural Center on March 21 and 22. Dude Crowder of Shelbyville, Tenn., judged the walking horse classes and Ken Estes of Morristown Tenn., judged the URHOEA racking classes. Dan Grigson was the announcer, the talented Jane Frye was the organist, the photographer was Jack Green and the ringmasters were Sylvia Thomas, Joe Ball and Russell Hollifield.

            The Open Walking Horse Specialty Stake class had 11 talented entries. Derek Bonner and Double Overtime delivered the blue, floral horseshoe, cooler and trophy after giving the crowd a great show, but this was not his first win. Owner Preatcher Wade Huntley delivered a great ride to win the Amateur Specialty class Friday night against a class of nine competitors.

            This concludes the highlights for the Chunn’s Cove Horse Show. Complete results follow.