JACKSON, Miss. - The 2005 Mississippi State Charity Horse Show lived up to its long-standing reputation for excellence and hospitality at its 75th annual show. The show, held April 14-16, had 595 entries this year compared to 593 last year and 502 in 2003.

The Mississippi State Show has been in existence since 1930, but many exhibitors felt that the quality and quantity was the best ever.

Contributions were once again given to the Mississippi Burn Center.

Dude Prestwood expressed appreciation for the trainers that came as he welcomed exhibitors to the show with the following statement:

"We thank you for coming and for your participation. We have top horses and hope for more next year," said Prestwood. "We want your input. Let us know what we can do to improve our show. We do everything we can to please our participants. Thanks to the staff for their hard work and input. We felt that the breakfast in the warm up arena in the morning made the working time more pleasurable. Thank you for coming and participating and come back next year.”

The association exemplified comforting hospitality in their traditional ways with a fish fry and an exhibitor’s party that was held after the show with food and entertainment that lasted well into the morning.

Saturday, the Kenneth Warner family treated exhibitors to a luxurious crawfish feast. Crayfish were cooked and served cajun style along with potatoes and corn on the cob, as well as plenty to drink and live music entertainment.

The show was held at the Mississippi Coliseum and featured 73 classes for walking horses. Wayne Dean, Ronnie Spears and Robin Strain served as judges for the 2005 event. Thirty-four, or 47%, of the 73 classes were judged unanimously.

The crowd was treated to an excellent array of championships Saturday night culminating with the Grand Championship Stake. The crowd voiced their approval for their favorites throughout the performance.

Last year’s Four-Year-Old Reserve World Grand Champion A Strong Dollar won the stallion class Thursday evening unanimously and returned Saturday evening to unanimously carry out the tricolor with trainer Link Webb in the irons. This talented gray stallion is owned by Curtice McCloy of Norman, Okla. Last year’s Dixie Jubilee Grand Champion and this year’s Marshall, Texas, Grand Champion I’m Unarmed and Joe Cotten claimed the reserve position in both the Aged Stallion class and the Championship Stake. They also executed two flawless Jackson performances for Mr. and Mrs. Jerry Jones of Dillon, S.C. Third place was awarded to a very popular Santini and Jackie McConnell for the East family of Germantown, Tenn.

The David Landrum Stables team topped the blue ribbon count at this year’s show with a total of 14 blues. They won 16 blues in 2004 and in 2002 and 2003 they won 15 Jackson blues. Three of these were stakes.

The Gold Pistol won dual blues this year at Jackson. He won the 12-entry Two-Year-Old Stallion class Thursday evening and returned Saturday night to win the Two-Year-Old Championship unanimously with Joe Cotten directing for Waterfall Farms. Reserve in both these classes was another young stallion, Command Again. Command Again was shown by Knox Blackburn for Mike and Arette Weber.

The competition was extremely strong in the novice divisions at Jackson. The judges selected Driving Miss Dumas and Terry Mann to make the victory pass in the 17-entry Novice Lady Riders Amateur Specialty class, followed by the unanimous tricolor in the Novice Amateur Championship Stake. Driving Miss Dumas is owned by Mann Chrysler Dodge Jeep Eagle. In both of these classes the exciting team of Halter Ego and Karen Inman was reserve for Mike and Karen Inman under Jennifer Martin’s guidance.

The current world championship team of Ritz’s Diamond Joe and Alexandria Holland unanimously claimed the 10-entry Youth Walking Championship Stake for the children of Neal and Sherri Holland. They recently won a National Trainers’ Show blue, also. Alexandria made her show ring debut a year ago at this show, which was followed by a tremendous show season. Reserve went to Watch-N-Bedazzled and Mary Morrison for Andrew Morrison and trainer Dale Watts.

Bravado and Carol Lackey won the 11-entry Novice Amateur Walking Horse Specialty (horses that have not won a blue ribbon in the past three years at Jackson) class. Bravado is owned by Jimmy and Carol Lackey. Moments Of Jazz and Carolyn Rutner garnered the reserve under the Five-Way Farm banner.

Evergreen Walking Horse Farm won four Jackson blues at Jackson under the Landrum Stables banner. World champion Andrew Johnson won both the 10-entry Show Pleasure Open Specialty with Joe Cotten unanimously Thursday and the Amateur Show Pleasure Ladies Specialty with Rhea Ellen Webb unanimously Friday. Virginia Stewart and Gene Schaefer own this talented entry. Jeff Givens and Major Affair finished reserve in the Show Pleasure Open class for Shadow Hawk Farm, while Gen’s Blazing King and Andrea Zahnd were reserve in the ladies section.

Brother Splash also earned the barn two blues. Virginia Stewart directed Brother Splash to the top of the Heart Of Dixie Amateur Specialty class with a unanimous tie on Thursday and on Friday, Stewart and David Landrum each directed Brother Splash one way of the ring to win the 14-entry Pro-Amateur Specialty class. In the Heart Of Dixie class, the team of Rain At Midnight and Danna Shirley accepted reserve under the guidance of Dale Watts. Renee Carlton, Jennifer Martin and Pusher’s Royal Flush were the trio that picked up the reserve award in the Pro-Amateur division.

The Concealed Weapon made two unanimous victories at Jackson for owners S & P, LLC. Following his recent National Trainers’ Show victory, Nancy Groover catch rode him to the blue in the 10-entry Park Performance Amateur Specialty class Thursday. Reserve was awarded to Ricky Corbello on Storm From The Sky. In the Park Performance Specialty, Joe Cotten was in the irons to defeat his competitors. Reserve went to John Feltner, Jr. aboard Texas Outlaw for Deborah Williams.

Current world champions Texas Salsa and Nancy Groover claimed the victory in the 15.2 and Under Amateur Mares and Geldings Specialty class in her 2005 season debut. Swoosh and Steve Mozeley claimed the reserve spot under the guidance of Link Webb.

Landrum’s final blue was won by Lindsey Landrum in the Youth Equitation. Landrum directed Savannah through the workouts to win unanimously. Lindsey’s first blue ribbon ride was made in Jackson in 2001 aboard The Olympic Touch. They also won the Youth Equitation in 2002, 2003 and 2004. They made this their fifth consecutive year when they won the class again. Mr. and Mrs. Jimmy Lackey own Savannah. The reserve award went to Rachel Jernigan and her Reggie.

Four trainers won six Jackson blues apiece. They were Knox Blackburn Stables, Bud Dunn & Son Stables, Jeff Givens Stables and Webb Stables.

Knox Blackburn Stables came to Jackson with their trucks loaded. They were certainly rewarded for their efforts, returning home with their blues, including two championship stakes.

David and Erin Graf are the proud owners of 2004 world champion Silverado Spirit. Erin Graf and Silverado Spirit were unanimously crowned victorious Thursday night in the Amateur Ladies Mares and Geldings Specialty class. Graf returned on Saturday evening to claim the tricolor in the Amateur Specialty Championship Stake with another unanimous tie. Kelly Sherman was reserve in both classes. She was reserve in the ladies aboard Rankin County and in the Amateur Specialty Stake aboard Papa’s Smokin Pusher for Floyd Sherman.

The Phantom Menace also claimed two unanimous blues under Blackburn Stables' banner. The Phantom Menace and Thom Meek made an outstanding performance in the 15.2 and Under Amateur Stallions Specialty class. Reserve went to Arm’s Dealer and Ben Moss under Steve Dunn’s guidance. They returned Saturday evening and claimed the 15.2 and Under Amateur Specialty Championship Stake for Deerwood Manor. Swoosh and Steve Mozeley earned reserve under the direction Link Webb.

I Could Command and Knox Blackburn walked away with the Four-Year-Old Mares and Geldings title for Mr. and Mrs. Bobby Luna. Reserve went to A Private Benjamin and Dale Watts for Mitch and Wendy Moran.

Following their Four-Year-Old Stallions Specialty win at Jackson last year, the outstanding team of Sky Jam and Suzanne Littell made the move up into aged competition easily as they claimed the Amateur Stallion Specialty title for Bud Moore and Suzanne Littell. This current reserve world championship team was followed by Papa’s Smokin Pusher and Kelly Sherman for Floyd Sherman.

Bud Dunn and Son Stables’ six blues included three stake victories. The Mark Williams family horses claimed three of these blues. Tony Montana-Scarface and Debbie Williams first claimed the Amateur Two-Year-Old Mares and Geldings class Friday night. A Sweeping Beauty and Tricia Timmons claimed reserve for Gordon Timmons and trainer Mickey McCormick. This striking team returned Saturday evening to win the Two-Year-Old Amateur Championship Stake. Sweepstakes By Choice and Kelly Sherman turned in the reserve performance for owner Eddie Tuck, Sr. and trainer Bobby Wells.

With 2004 blues at Starkville, Holly Springs and the National Trainers’ Show, the team of The Polar Express and Kristen Williams continued to entertain the crowd and judges with their talent as they were named Four-Year Old Amateur Specialty winners. Escalade and Wilsene Moody claimed reserve from Whitter Stables.

Ultra Copy’s Dark Shadow and Chuck Cheek enjoyed victory in the Amateur Championship Stake in an outstanding show Saturday. Real Bad Score and Erin Graf picked up the reserve tricolor as she exited the ring. Ben Moss directed his Arm’s Dealer to victory lane in the 11-entry Mississippi Amateur Specialty class Friday. Reserve went to William Faulkner directed by Meg Duchaine for John and Meg Duchaine. Mike Inman also claimed victory in the 11-entry Novice Men Riders Amateur Specialty class aboard Generator’s Cashin’ In. Gen’s Master Pusher and Greg Bright picked up the reserve award under Joel Weaver’s direction.

Jeff Givens Stables' six blues included two championship stakes. Multi-titled Gen’s Sundancer first won the Park Pleasure Specialty Thursday. On Saturday, they unanimously swept the Park Pleasure Specialty Championship for Shane and Sarah Hastings.

The beautiful, spotted Calvin Klein’s Obsession claimed three of the six blues for Givens Stables. Thursday evening, Donald Knight first claimed the Lite-Shod Amateur Specialty class. A few classes later, Jeff Givens directed him to the Lite-Shod Open Three-Gait class blue, unanimously. They also claimed the Lite-Shod Specialty Championship Stake Saturday evening unanimously.

Givens and Trigger Treat also claimed the Model Plantation Pleasure title unanimously for Jo Ann Dowell.

In addition to the Grand Championship Stake and the Stallion class, Link Webb also claimed both the Junior Stallions and the Junior Championship Stake with Back To The Ritz for James and Peggy Vernon. Jazz On Bourbon and Jackie McConnell were reserve in the Junior Stallions class for Donny and Lisa Palmer. The reserve grand champion junior horse was Watch Me Closely and Jimmy McConnell for Carney and Hammons,

James Vernon also won the very competitive Men’s Amateur Show Pleasure title. Insomnia and Keith Johnson claimed the reserve position for Cartwright and Johnson.

Everyone at Webb Stables was extremely proud of current world champions Sanman and Benjamin Bowen for winning the 11 and Under class unanimously. They also claimed this same title at the recent Trainers’ Show.

Formac Stables and Mickey McCormick Stables each earned five Jackson blues. Bob and Mary Medina were very proud of their five champions. On Thursday evening, world champion Walking All Over and Bob Medina unanimously claimed the 11-entry Amateur Canter class. Real Bad Score and Erin Graf claimed reserve in the class. World grand champion Barracuda and Jimmy McConnell enjoyed victory in the Mare and Gelding class for Mary Medina. Current world champion Hey Hey Ole’ claimed dual Jackson blues. Bob Medina directed the talented entry to the blue in the 18-horse Amateur Three-Year-Old Mares and Geldings class. Friday, Hey Hey Ole’ and Jimmy McConnell won the 15-entry Three-Year-Old Mares and Geldings unanimously. Santa Monica was reserve in both classes, first with Sharon Richmond and followed by reserve with Jackie McConnell aboard.

In yet another unanimous decision by the panel, Bob Medina directed They Call Me Sir to the top of the Men’s Amateur Mares and Geldings class. Oh My Gosh and Marty Irby picked up the red streamer for Legacy Walkers.

Mickey McCormick Stables' five blues included two championship stakes. Current world champion Shock Jock won the 16-entry Amateur Three-Year-Old Stallions class Thursday with Becky Coleman aboard for Michael and Becky Coleman. Gotti and Nancy Groover picked up the reserve spot in this competitive class. On Saturday, the world championship team of Coleman and Shock Jock claimed the Amateur Three-Year-Old Championship Stake under Mickey McCormick Stables' banner. On The Line and Suzanne Littell proudly accepted the reserve for Bud Moore and Suzanne Littell and trainer Knox Blackburn.

Current world champion Insomnia and Keith Johnson captured the tricolor in the Show Pleasure Championship Stake for Cartwright and Johnson. The Great Escape and Sarah Akin took home reserve for Camille Akin.

Skywatch’s Dark & Stormy and Mickey McCormick won the 15.2 and Under Mares and Geldings class for Patricia Timmons followed by Swoosh and Link Webb claiming reserve for Steve Mozeley. Dru McCormick topped the Walking Horse Trainers’ Auxiliary and Daughters Specialty class aboard A Big Time Pusher for Herb Murrath. Rhea Ellen Webb directed I’m Infamous to the reserve position for Phil Havens.

Five-Way Farm enjoyed four blues at Jackson with horses owned by Carolyn Rutner. Rutner was beside herself with joy several times during the show. Her first blue was won by world grand champion Pride’s Sundance Star. Following their Alabama Ladies Auxiliary blue earlier this season, this new team won the Amateur 50 and Over Specialty title unanimously Thursday evening in an extremely competitive class. Pushin That Jazz and Laura Brandon claimed the reserve spot.

On Friday evening, Moments Of Jazz and Jack Way enjoyed success when they topped the 10-entry Open Specialty class. Alex Way concluded Friday night’s performance with a blue aboard The Summitt in the Youth Show Pleasure Specialty class. Their final blue came Saturday when Move Over and Alex Way walked to the top of the Youth Pony class. Reserve went to Dang My Time and Daniel Warner for Adam and K.C. Hensley.

Jackie McConnell of Whitter Stables proudly earned three blues including the tricolor in the Three-Year-Old Championship. Hydrostatic enjoyed two blues, first in the 15-entry Three-Year-Old Stallions class, followed by the Three-Year-Old Championship Stake on Saturday. Buster Big Lick and Joel Weaver were reserve in the preliminary for Eddie Johnson and Spun Around and Jimmy McConnell claimed reserve with Spun Around for Bob and Mary Medina. McConnell and Jane’s Magic Bay captured the 11-entry Two-Year-Old Mares and Geldings class for Akin, Day and Wilcoxen. She’s Calamity Jane picked up the reserve award with Jimmy McConnell directing for Jim and Bonnie Gerhardt.

John Feltner, Jr. and Laurie Toone returned home with dual blues. John Feltner, Jr. and Outlined With Silver walked away with the blue in the Pleasure Four-Year-Old Lite-Shod Specialty unanimously for Jan Anderson. I’m Ebony’s Dixie Delight and Jenny Armstrong were named reserve winners for Terry and Donna Armstrong. Dr. John Gladney made a unanimous victory pass in the Amateur Park Pleasure Specialty class. Laura Brandon and Milleneum Sky claimed the reserve placing.

Laurie Toone’s protégés included the Western Lite-Shod Specialty class with Gem Sweep and Laurie Toone for Pamela Schoenster. Reserve went to Kay Easterling aboard her Olympic Senator.

Many top barns won single blues at Jackson. Thursday, Summer Sullivan won the Owner-Amateur Trained Specialty class aboard Stormy’s Black Rain unanimously for the Jim Sullivan family. Reserve went to Santini’s Rave Review and Ricky Carbello for White Rock Stables.

Prince Of The Knight and Luke Carswell topped the Youth Medallion class aboard Prince Of The Knight for John Jones. I’m Well Armed and Phillip Carter proudly claimed reserve.

Gen’s Single Shot and Karla Massey won the Country Pleasure class. Dollar’s Dream Weaver and Mike Nichols claimed the reserve spot for James Nichols.

Watch-N-Bedazzled and Mary Morrison made the blue ribbon ride Thursday in the 12-entry Youth 12-17 Specialty division for Andrew Morrison under Dale Watts’ guidance. Alexandria Holland and Ritz’s Diamond Joe were reserve.

Sarah Hastings won the blue unanimously Friday night aboard Glamorous in the 13-entry Amateur Four-Year-Old Mares and Geldings Specialty class for trainer Joel Weaver. The Polar Express and Kristin Williams were steady for the reserve position.

Landon Head proudly exited the Youth Park Pleasure Specialty class with a victory pass aboard Rodney Dangerfield unanimously for Bert and Cheryl Head. Harper Wells and Grandy’s Grand Slam were reserve for the Greg Wells family.

Kelly Sherman made a great ride aboard Sweepstakes By Choice to win the 11-entry Amateur Two-Year-Old Stallions title for Eddie Tuck, Sr. and trainer Bobby Wells. Rhea Ellen Webb and Santana’s Dynaminte claimed second for L& L Enterprises.

Wallace Brandon made a unanimous ride in the Western Park Pleasure Specialty class aboard Milleneum Sky for Laura and Wallace Brandon. Miles Irby rode 2 Times The Magic to reserve for Irby Stables.

Ty Irby won the Two and Three-Year-Old Park Pleasure with the The American President, who had an excellent performance for Irby Stables. Icy’s Smart Girl, ridden by Edgar Abernathy, claimed reserve for Dr. Tommy and Pat Vinson.

The Steve Aymett-trained Tex’s Dinero won the 17-entry Amateur Four-Year-Old Stallions Specialty class for Floyd Sherman. Escalade and Wilsene Moody claimed the reserve position from Whitter Stables.

Travis Adams directed Drop Of Gen to first Friday evening in the 15.2 and Under Stallions class for Wayne Rea. Reserve went to Rain At Midnight and Dale Watts for Danna Shirley.

On Saturday, Michelle Walker won the Weanling and Yearling Fillies class unanimously with 2 Good 2 Miss for Lewis Foster. One Red Hot Mama and Ronnie Triplet won reserve for Beverly Carpenter.

Bold Generator and Hunter Fikes were unanimous winners in the Weanling and Yearling, Stallions class for Betty Reneger. Unrap The Magic and Jimmy Hardy were second for John and Donna Weaver.

Michelle Walker directed Spellbound Generator to the top of the 10-entry Novice Youth Riders Specialty class for John and Bobbie Maxwell. Dumas and Miller Carlton claimed reserve for the Keith Carlton family.

This highlights the winners from the Mississippi State Charity Show. Complete results and judges’ cards follow and may be viewed or printed at www.walkinghorsereport.com. If you have any events you would like for the Walking Horse Report to try to cover or if you would like to submit a feature, letter to the editor or news please e-mail me at scrivner@horseworld.net.