by Linda Scrivner

BELFAST, Tenn. – Known as the “Walkway to the Celebration,” the Belfast Lions Club Horse Show is always held the first Friday night in August. Many great horses have shown here and gone on to wear the roses at the Celebration. This show was dedicated to the memory of Mike Civils.

This year, the 48th annual Belfast Horse Show, held Aug. 1, 2008, also had USDA officials present as they have been for the last four years. The horses shown were excellent and there was only two violations written by the NHSC DQPs.

Judge Billy Young marked the classes in the 27-class event. The proceeds from this horse show support projects in Belfast and Marshall County, such as eyeglasses and exams for the needy and street lighting for the community. The Belfast Lions Club also makes regular donations to the Lions White Can Fund and the Marshall County Child Development Center.

The Ferguson Farms WHTA Riders’ Cup Walking Horse Stake class trophy was awarded to World Grand Champion Santana’s El Nino and Link Webb for Michael and Ann Jones. El Nino previously won the East Tennessee Classic Stake and the Money Tree Classic Stake and is undefeated this season. The entire Link Webb Stables team was pleased with this victory. He also appeared to be the crowd favorite as the audience cheered loudly for him when he passed the judge. Reserve was awarded to the team of The Who and Jimmy McConnell for Molly Walters, and Jeff Green and General’s Show Stopper received the yellow streamer for Brad Murrath.

Joe Fleming Stables led the blue ribbon tally with three Belfast blues just as they did last year. Doug Barnes Stables, David Landrum Stables and Nathan Mills each claimed two blues. The remaining blues were won by Derickson Training Facility, Spender Benedict Stables, Joel Weaver of Rising Star Stables, Chris Richards, Buzzard View Stables, Jason Day Stables, Charlie Green Stables, Latham Stables, Rae Martin Stables, Jack Way of Five Way Farm, Sonny Holt Stables, Jimmy Norris of Pollack’s Silver Spur Ranch, Steve Dunn Stables, Joe Martin Stables, Andy Adkins and Link Webb Stables. There were 20 different stables or individuals returning home with Belfast Blues.

Complete results may be viewed by clicking here.