The Dixie Jubilee Horse Show is where everyone goes to have a great time and the best horses battle for the coveted Dixie Jubilee titles. The 2004 show began with a new look since this year’s show was held at the fabulous Lamar-Dixon Expo Center in Gonzales, La.

I'm Unarmed and Joe Cotten won the North American Walking Grand Championship as well as the stallion class. The show was held Oct. 27-30.

“Our facility is on 105 acres with 65 acres of concrete and the rest a solid base of limestone. We have 960 stalls, two covered arenas and one outside arena. We have 300 RV spaces at the facility....We hope you enjoy your stay at Lamar-Dixon Expo Center," said Jeff Southall, executive director of the center.

Each year on the last weekend in October, the Dixie Jubilee hosts great horses, seafood, cajun cooking, and all the festivities that set this show apart from all the others. Many exhibitors make the North American Championship a great ending to their show season.

The Dixie Jubilee, sponsored by the members of the Dixie Jubilee, is put on by director and chairman of the board Richard Mary and secretary Faye Mary efficiently and with precision. Faye Mary celebrated her 81st birthday this season and has been with the show since 1946.

This show is always features many world champions and special events which make it such an outstanding show.

The Dixie Jubilee Lagniappe Aisle Party with food and drink was held on Thursday evening. The exhibitors enjoyed the Bananas Foster and other specialty dishes with much gusto.

Friday evening tops it all. After the show, the annual Dixie Jubilee Mardi Gras Ball was held. A king and queen along with their court are elected each year. Representing the Walking horse world were King Jimmy McConnell, First Duke Bob Medina, First Duchess Mary Medina, Second Duchess Irene Spears. Queen Debbie Graves, ASB trainer at Shenandoah Stables in Dallas, Texas, was chosen as Queen. Costumes and beads and a second line all added to the food and drink, as well as a live band. In accordance with Dixie Jubilee tradition, a parade of costumed exhibitors passed out Mardi Gras beads.

At the Dixie Jubilee, the four-day show is laid back and congratulations are freely passed out to the winners. Most exhibitors also hit the numerous cajun and seafood restaurants. The Dixie Jubilee draws breeds including Tennessee Walking Horses, American Saddlebreds and other breeds from throughout the United States. With the Alabama Jubilee being held at the same time this year, numbers were down but quality was high with several world champions in most of the classes.

In addition to the many world champions competing, the crowd was also treated to a special exhibition on Saturday night before the championship stake. Jimmy McConnell exhibited 2004 World Grand Champion The Black Night Shade as well as letting those interested ride him during the morning sessions. He was called back into the ring after the show so that ASB trainer and judge Malinda Moore could ride him, high heels and all. This big powerful stallion with the gentle disposition creates fans wherever he goes and is greeted with standing ovations when he exhibits.

It was only fitting that The Black Night Shade be exhibited at the Dixie Jubilee with the King upon his back since he had also won the Grand Championship at the Dixie Jubilee in 2002 and 2003. In 2001, the team of Jimmy McConnell and The Black Night Shade was the Three-Year-Old Grand Champions and the

Three-Year-Old Stallion Champions. In 2002, they also won the Junior Stallion title before winning the Grand Championship and in 2003 they claimed the Stallion blue before winning the Stake. Faye Mary, however, was disappointed that Jimmy did not wear his king’s robe and crown when he exhibited the head-shaking sensation that belongs to Mr. and Mrs. Tom Waite.

Judges for the show were Bob Cherry of Centerville, Tenn., Donnie May of Richmond, Ky., and Mike Carpenter of Murfreesboro, Tenn.

I’m Unarmed and Joe Cotten made two outstanding shows at Gonzales. They first claimed the Stallion class and then returned to earn the tricolor in the Grand Championship in a spectacular show. Jerry Jones proudly owns this stallion. Wasted Wages and Mickey McCormick made two fabulous shows to win reserve in both the championship and the stallion class for owners John and Shane Cox. Keith Johnson also catch rode this talented horse and won the Amateur 15.2 and Under Canter class.

When the blues were distributed David Landrum Stables earned 13 blues. Jimmy McConnell of Formac Stables and Mickey McCormick Stables were awarded eight blues apiece. Darden Gladney was close behind with six, while Steve Aymett Stables won four and Wayne Westbrook and Ronnie Spears Stables returned home with three blues.

Dual blues were won by Ty Irby and Dickie Scrivner of Tanview Farm. The remaining blues were won by Roger Ivins, Ricky Corbello, Dale Watts of Pioneer Stables, Chris Hazelwood, Mills, Kim Chandler and John Fikes.

In addition to the two blues won by I’m Unarmed, Landrum Stables’ 13 blues included the Juvenile Specialty Grand Championship won by Alexandria Holland and Ritz’s Diamond Joe, 2004 World Champion Youth Riders, 12-14. Earlier in the week, this team also claimed the Senior Juvenile Specialty title. Holland also claimed the Youth Walking Pony class aboard Rudy Rudiger in their debut performance which left many talking about this performance also. It’s hard to believe that Holland’s first ride was in Jackson, Miss., in April this year. Her smile says it all and her equestrian skills are fast becoming finely honed. Neal and Sherry Holland and their other five children that were present were all thrilled and proud of Alexandria’s first grand championship win.

Laura Brandon had two great shows with Pushin That Jazz. They were crowned Amateur Specialty Grand Champions after winning the North American Ladies Amateur Specialty Stake earlier in the week. The crowd was on the edge of their seats during the Amateur Specialty Grand Championship class that was loaded with talent. It was obvious why this team has had a great season this year with numerous blue ribbon rides.

The Dixie Jubilee crowd was treated to a great show when Kay Green made her debut performance aboard Ted Williams in the Four-Year-Old Amateur Stallion class. They flawlessly performed and this beautiful shiny bay created quite a stir. In 2002 Joe Cotten and Ted Williams won the Two-Year-Old Stallion World Championship and the Two-Year-Old World Grand Championship. In 2003 they were crowned World Champion Three-Year-Old Stallion and won the Dixie Jubilee Three-Year-Old Stallion class and the Three-Year-Old Grand Championship. Green said he was definitely worth waiting for and that she had so much fun showing him this year at the Dixie Jubilee. On Saturday they claimed the Four-Year-Old Amateur Grand Championship unanimously also. This was his first appearance since he won the 2004 World Champion Four-Year-Old Stallion title.

World champion New York New York and Joe Cotten claimed victory in the Senior Mare and Gelding class in an excellent show. On Friday Terry Mann directed New York New York to his second Dixie Jubilee blue in the Ladies Amateur Stake class with another superb show.

Cotten also claimed the Senior Mare and Gelding title with Oh My Gosh! Her name said it all. This tall flax maned and tailed mare was supreme. In a few moments, Cotten was back in the ring aboard Futurity Champion and 2004 World Champion Three-Year-Old Gelding General Splash to win the Three-Year-Old Mare and Gelding title. Last year, Karla Landrum directed General Splash to a Dixie Jubilee win in the Two-Year-Old Amateur Stallion division.

Bouncing off one splash and back on another, Joe Cotten claimed victory in the 15.2 and Under class aboard Brother Splash for Evergreen Farms.

Formac Stables also did extremely well with their horses at the Dixie Jubilee. Jimmy McConnell’s proteges enjoyed eight blues. Bob Medina proudly claimed the tricolor in the Amateur Grand Championship with world champion Walking All Over. Medina also directed Walking All Over to the blue in the North American Men’s Amateur Stake earlier in the week. Bob and Mary Medina also owned the Four-Year-Old Grand Champion Dragonfly. Jimmy McConnell expertly guided Dragonfly to the tricolor in this class as well as the Four-Year-Old Stallion preliminary title. Dragonfly recently won the North Carolina Championship Grand Championship in Asheville, NC. Mary Medina also enjoyed a victorious ride aboard world champion Barracuda in the Amateur Specialty Mare or Gelding class. Hey Hey Ole’ and Bob Medina topped the Two-Year-Old Amateur Mare and Gelding class at Gonzales.

Another very excited rider from Formac Stables was Farrah McAlexander. When she exited the Four-Year-Old Amateur Mare and Gelding class, McAlexander kept saying, “This is so much fun!” McAlexander is new to the horse industry and has been showing for about a year and a half. He’s Dr. Cash has been purchased recently and they make quite a team. McConnell also claimed victory in the Junior Mare and Gelding class with He’s Dr. Cash.

McConnell also won the Two-Year-Old Stallion class with He’s Fame. This high headed stallion has improved steadily this fall.

Mickey McCormick’s eight blues included 2004 World Champion Gelding The Perfect Masquerade’s Two-Year-Old Grand Championship win. McCormick also directed this blaze faced sensation to victory in the Two-Year-Old Mare and Gelding class.

2003 and 2004 world champions Insomnia and Keith Johnson added two more wins to their lengthy resume. They won both the Show Pleasure Amateur Specialty Grand Championship and the Amateur Show Pleasure class at the Dixie Jubilee.

The current world championship team of Shock Jock and Becky Coleman also won the Two-Year-Old Amateur Grand Championship and the Two-Year-Old Amateur Stallion title under Mickey McCormick Stables’ banner.

Ann Bailey had a great Dixie Jubilee. She won the Amateur Specialty Stallion blue with her current world champion Night Twister. McCormick trains this talented black. Bailey also claimed dual Dixie Jubilee blues on her American Saddlebred mount, Knight Of Steel. Bailey said, “You’re never too old to learn if you’ll try.” This is her first experience showing Saddlebreds and she did an excellent job showing both breeds.

Keith Johnson won a third blue when he catch rode Wasted Wages to the blue in the 15.2 and Under Amateur class. He had never cantered this horse and performed three gaits flawlessly. Darden Gladney and his world champion stallion It’s Up In Arms made a clean sweep of the Park division. It’s Up In Arms claimed five blues including two championships. Darden and this shining chestnut stallion claimed the Park Pleasure Grand Championship, the Amateur Park Pleasure Grand Championship, the Men’s Amateur Park Pleasure Specialty class and the Park Pleasure class. Wayne Westbrook catch rode to win the Ladies Amateur Park Pleasure Specialty aboard “Mike”. Gladney’s sixth blue was won by Paper Thin, Dixie Jubilee Model champion.

Steve Aymett Stables won four blues, including one championship. Kelly Sherman Garrett directed Tex’s Dinero down victory lane in both the Three-Year-Old Amateur Championship and the Three-Year-Old Amateur class. Tex’s Dinero has had a great show season which included dual blues at Big D and a Germantown Charity Show victory.

Garrett also directed Mr. M.D. to the top of a very competitive 15.2 and Under Amateur Specialty. Judge Me and Lake Weaver, Aymett’s grandson claimed the Junior Juvenile Specialty blue with a flawless performance. In addition to winning this class, Weaver also made several laps around the ring on World Grand Champion The Black Night Shade during morning workouts. His fans applauded both performances.

Wayne and Robert Westbrook traveled from Flower Mound, Texas, to earn three blues also. These were won by their head-shaking black mare, Armed Lady From Dixie. Wayne Westbrook and the talented mare earned titles in the Lite-Shod Pleasure Specialty Championship, the Lite-Shod Pleasure and the Lite-Shod Amateur Specialty classes. Their previous 2004 blues included the Big D Charity Show and three International victories.

Ty Irby traveled to Gonzales to win dual blues with The American President. They won first the Three And Under Park Pleasure class and returned a few classes later to win the Western Park Pleasure title.

Alex Bumpus and Settle The Score claimed two Dixie Jubilee victories for trainer Dickie Scrivner of Tanview Farm. Bumpus retired the challenge trophy in the Senior Equitation division having won it three years in a row. On Saturday this flawless team won the Equitation Grand Championship just as they did in 2003. Instructor Faye Lynn Coffey and the Scrivners are proud of Alex and Settle The Score’s 2003 and 2004 World Grand Champion Equitation titles.

Ronnie Spears and Empire Maker stunned the Gonzales crowd on two occasions. They claimed both the Three-Year-Old Stallion class and the Three-Year-Old Championship. Spears Stables’ third blue was won by Charles Wharton and Magic Sweet Victory. They were victorious in the Over 15.2 Amateur class.

Jessica Davis and Another City Slicker were the Adult Equitation champions from Roger Ivins Stables. The Heart O’ Dixie Members Specialty class was earned by Ricky Corbello aboard Santini’s Rave Review.

Wendy Moran made a superior show in the Three-Year-Old Amateur Mares and Geldings class with her talented mare, A Private Benjamin. Dale Watts of Pioneer Stables proudly prepares this team for the showring.

On Friday weanlings and yearlings were shown. Chris Hazelwood led A Majority Winner to the blue in the Weanling class while Nathan Mills and Generator’s Maria claimed the Yearling blue. Kim Chandler and U2 Debut were crowned the Three-Year-Old and Under Lite-Shod Specialty winners.

John Fikes showed fine harness ponies at the Dixie Jubilee as well as winning the Amateur Fine Harness Walking class with ET’s Time.

If you’ve never gone to the Dixie Jubilee, you’ve missed one of the best shows of the year. With good food to eat, friends to enjoy, a chance to show in a new state-of-the art facility and to see the best of the best in the walking horse world., this show should be on your list for 2005.