By Linda Fox
CARTHAGE, Tenn. - One hundred twenty-seven entries made the gate call at the Carthage Fairgrounds on Friday evening, June 20, 2003, to vie for top honors at the Smith County Walking Horse Show. Judge John Fikes of Hamilton, Ala., evaluated the performers. The show was sponsored by the South Carthage Civitan Club. Wayne Nabors was selected to provided the music and Gary Brewington manned the microphone.
The exciting championship stake though small in numbers was filled with talent. And when the dust cleared, literally, the hard-walking Dark Rage and trainer Bill Bilbrey emerged victors. Dark Rage is owned by Horses To Go, LLC of Dallas, Texas. A Sweet Touch and trainer Buist Carr drew the second slot for Donnie and Paul O’Kelly of Gallatin, Tenn. Derrick Campbell and Isaac Green rounded out third place for SuSu Dennis of Pleasant Shade, Tenn.
Jeff Givens took three blues back to Murfreesboro, Tenn. The first came aboard the very talented property Mystery Man for Joe and Rina Daniels. Ann Darmody then claimed the Park Pleasure Amateur Specialty aboard her All Colors Dazzle. Next, Jeff and Royals Vanity Fair took the Lite-Shod Open class by storm for Darwin and Linda James.
Dual wins went to the Buist Carr Stables as hard-riding Nick Rippy directed his Command’s Mandy to the Juvenile 11 and Under division besting a top field of competitors. Next, trainer Buist Carr claimed the Four-Year-Old Open with Warning I’m Armed.
Tommy Loid and the Tommy Loid Stables took two blues back to Kentucky. The first came with Miss Ritzy in the Three-Year-Old Mare and Gelding competition and the second with Kent McGary’s fancy Dangerous Mystery in the Open Show Pleasure Specialty division.
Todd Smith Stables also claimed two blues for the state of Kentucky. Their first win came with trainer Smith aboard Dollar Made Me Do It in the Two-Year-Old Mare and Gelding class. Next, Smith won the Two-Year-Old Stallion competition with the newly acquired Pusher’s Flash-N-Sas for proud owner Connie Johns.
Joe Martin accounted for two Smith County blues as well. The first came when wife Cena took The Tiger Tale to the Ladies Specialty Mare and Gelding title. Later, Joe and Pusher’s Delightful Star took the Open Specialty title for the Chiappari family of Sana Rosa, Calif.
Several stables won single blue ribbon rides. A Flashy Looker and Christen Altman took the Juvenile 12-17 laurels directed by Tim Wheelon Stables.
April Burton and Prides Generizer won the Amateur Specialty title. This good team was readied by Jessie Reed.
The Two-Year-Old Amateur class saw Jeff Cox and his Lotta Loose Change make the blue ribbon ride.
She’s a Double Major and Dickie Scrivner took the blue in the Park Pleasure Open division for Double Springs Farm.
Fresh off their Harriman win, Abby Fox and her I’ll Take Command made the victory pass in the Four-Year-Old Amateur class. They were directed by Beaty Stables.
What a year Silver’s Spinal Tap and Jared Carrier have had. They just added a Smith County blue to their growing resume by taking the Lite-Shod Pleasure division.
Trainer Scotty Brooks’ team of Beth Carol Thomas and Jazz Pushover claimed the Three-Year-Old Amateur title. This team just claimed the Lafayette blue the week before.
The fancy Black Diamond Ritz, grandson of Eb’s Black Diamond, and Dr. Roger Richards took the Yearling Division for proud owners Bobby and Freda Jones.
The Three-Year-Old Stallion competition found Eric Barrett and Stewart Little in the winner’s circle for Eddie and Judy McCrary.
This concludes the highlights of the Smith County Walking Horse Show. Complete results follow and may also be found by visiting our web site at www.walkinghorsereport.com.