By K.C. Hensley

CLEMSON, S.C. - The 2004 South Carolina Ladies Auxiliary Show had a tremendous response with 479 entries from trainers, exhibitors and spectators alike. The T. Ed Garrison Arena held the two-day event April 9-10. MG Above The Rest and Shawn Abee opened the season in winning style to the unanimous approval of the judges and a standing ovation from the crowd as they captured the Walking Horse Grand Championship.

The gentlemen marking the cards and making the final decisions were B.M. Bullis of Millers Creek, N.C., Mike Conley of Benton, Ill., and Jeff Willis of Shelbyville, Tenn. Of the 57 classes 26 of the first place ties were unanimous. Also, all funds from the show benefitted the American Cancer Society.

The show got off to a light start Friday evening with only two entries in the Weanling Under Halter class. Both entries were also competing for the same owner Ronnie Arflin of Honea Path, S.C. D.J.’s Favorite Lady, with Ronnie Arflin as the handler, claimed the top honors, and Hollies’s Sunny Delight and Mary Ann Arflin took the reserve ribbon.

Ten bold entries made the gate call for the Open Walking Specialty class. The Diamond Broker claimed his first blue of the show with Jason Hughes aboard but it was not his last. Alicia Perry of Gafney, S.C., owns the entry. Reserve in the class went to Pusher’s Society Man and Derek Bonner for Gary Rose of Asheville, N.C.

The South Carolina shows are well-known for having several diverse plantation classes. The Ladies Auxiliary show follows suit with that assumption. The first flat-shod class welcomed to the ring was the Amateur, Owned & Trained Lite-Shod class.Six head shaking entries competed for the main prize.

Judge’s Golden Generator and owner/rider Jessica Holmes of Fuquay-Varina, N.C. claimed the honors. Drums In The Deep and Rachel Dickens, also of Fuquay-Varina, N.C., received reserve.

In the Amateur Ladies Specialty class 12 competitors were ready to take on the challenge. Sensational Premier and Latithia Oran of Sweetwater, Tenn., took the victory. Oran also had a good show the week before taking top honors on the 15.2 & Under Amateur Specialty class at Upper Cumberland. Coming in as a strong reserve was Dale Martin aboard Santana’s Renaissance Man for Michael Sullins of Columbia, S.C.

The champion of the Two-Year-Old Amateur Stallion class was quite the combination. Tyler Baucom took the crowd and the competition with Jim O’Toole for Dona Griffin of Monroe, S.C. Close on Baucom’s heels were Caleb and owner/rider Gene Davis of Wadley, Ga.

The North Carolina crew was ready to strut their stuff in the North Carolina Members Only class. Extra Ebony and Clay Mills wowed everyone with their high stepping ways to take the blue in the class. The well-known Design’s Checkmate and Mike McBrayer received the reserve ribbon.

An amazing 14 entries made the gate call for the Lite-Shod English Specialty class. The impressive Black Rain Drops and Henry Findley took the top honors for Robert Findley of Buford, Ga. Reserve in the class went to Jazz On Time and Grandy Tuck for Burl Dale of Boydton Beach, Fla.

Cobra Commander and Debbie Wells snaked their way through the Pickens County Members Only class to receive top honors for Larry Heiden of Florence, S.C. I Beg Your Pardon and Celia Urguhurt took reserve for Wildwood Farms also located in Florence, S.C.

Only two talented mares showed up for the Aged Mare class. Coin’s Satin Doll with Sam Martin aboard for Sonja Shealy of Leesville, S.C. put on a great show for the blue. The reserve ribbon went to D-Day’s Classy Lady and Grandy Tuck for Angela Tuck of Edem, N.C.

The North Carolina Ladies were next to be welcomed to the arena. Three bold entries made the gate call. Ann Callicutt was excited about her ride aboard My Bright Star in the North Carolina Ladies Auxiliary Members Only class. Reserve went to Extra Special Touch and owner/rider Lynda Cook of Morresville, N.C.

The Novice Specialty class was a large class with 17 entries. This class was for horses that had not won a blue ribbon in 2003. I'm Pushin' Gen and Tom Kakassy left the novice division in blue ribbon style. Tom and Rita Kakassy of Lake Wylie, S.C., own the entry. Ultra's Gusto and Derek Bonner came in as a strong reserve for Wofford Bush of Chesnee, S.C.

The Sundrop Shaker and Patricia Holt made an exhibition ride in the Ladies Amateur Mares & Geldings class. Though there was only a single entry this duo was still in championship form for Brent Hiott of Sumter, S.C.

The Plantation English class was next owner/rider Kathy Jamison of Florence, S.C., and He's Pushin' Time claimed the top honors. He's Pushin' Time is the grandson of Jamison's late multi-titled Royal Good Times. Reserve in this talented group of horses went to Pusher's Grand Motion and Ronald Mosely for Gary and Carolyn Hope of Taylorsdville, N.C.

Vicki Self made an impressive ride aboard The Midnight Cry for Gene Davis of Wadley, Ga., in the Three-Year-Old Mares & Geldings class. Sam Martin was a strong reserve with Counselors Heartbeat for Ronnie and Mary Culley of Eastover, S.C.

The flat-shod youngsters were next to the ring in the Lite-Shod Four-Year-Old & Under Specialty class. The Grand Command and Grandy Tuck were welcomed to the winner's circle for Darrell Dennis of Plum Branch, S.C. Reserve in the class went to Score's Heartbreaker and Debbie Wells for Larry Heiden of Florence, S.C.

The first juvenile class of the show was the Youth 11 & Under Specialty. Six tiny riders made the gate call. A JFK Masterpiece and Brittnie Cox made an outstanding show for the blue ribbon honors. An excited Codi Marie Wright and Senator's Delight Of Pride were delighted with their reserve tie.

Samantha Gaddy was possibly the youngest exhibitor of the show. At only seven years old tiny "Sam" claimed blue ribbon honors in the Youth Walking Pony Specialty class with her new mount Sure Threat's Masterpiece. Reserve in this talented group went to Harvey Walker and Megan Chastain.

Outrageous Design and John Toney made a championship performance in the Plantation English Specialty class. Sky Command and Yvonna Mathis received a strong reserve ribbon for John Weihl and Yvonna Mathis of Kings Mountain, N.C.

The 15.2 & Under class may have been a little light on entries with only five making the call, but it was not light on talented horses. Sam McLaughlin made his way to the winner's circle aboard JFK's Golden Order for Jerry Lunsford of Ballground, Ga. Reserve went to Over Drawn and Alvin Strickland for Larry Sharpe of Gaston, S.C.

The well-known champion Jonathan claimed another blue with Sherrie Shealy in the Youth 12-17 Specialty. Reserve in the outstanding class went to world champion Pushin' The Limits and Madison Holloway.

Tom Kakassy was welcomed to the winner's circle again, but this time it was with Armed With Looks in the Open Amateur class. Beverly McLeod and Pride's Lady Di claimed reserve in the class.

Three entries made the gate call for the Plantation Juvenile class. Chris Kelley Jr. received the victory with Edge Of Time for Guy Ben Findley of Buford, Ga., to the unanimous approval of the judging panel. Reserve in the class went to Avenger's Moonlight and Jennifer Brinkley for Matthew Brinkley of Fuquay-Varina, N.C.

The Three-Year-Old Stallion class was next to thrill the audience. The two top positions in this class were both newly acquired mounts. A beautiful bay named Olympic Star, with Robert Kellett aboard claimed the top honors for Dr. and Mrs. Jim Gore of Easley, S.C. Reserve in this talented class went to Jazz House with Chad Baucom aboard for Buddy Stasney of Lincolnton, N.C.

The Two-Year-Old Amateur Mares & Geldings class is always a popular one for spectators and exhibitors alike because these horses are the youngsters of the show ring. Everyone is looking for that next world champion. Power To Charm and Joseph Bartholomew claimed the blue for Rick Bartholomew of Rolesville, N.C. Reserve in the class went to Read My Lips and owner/rider Billy White of Newberry, S.C.

Clay Mills returned to impress the audience and the judges. This time it was with I'm Game in the Men's Amateur Specialty class. Reserve in the extraordinary class went to Gen's Secret Warrior and Dr. Ray Caughman.

The judges then turned their attention the Lite-Shod English class with its nine entries answering the gate call. Master's True Star and Julie Lovin emerged from the line up to claim the top honors. Judge's Golden Generator and Jessica Holmes were back, but this time they claimed the reserve tie.

Evil Rebel and Chad Baucom claimed the Four-Year-Old Open class for Caroline Equine Inc. of Raleigh, N.C. Evil Rebel was selected at the end of the 2003 season during the North Carolina State Championships in Asheville, N.C. The reserve spot was held by The Call To Arms and Shawn Abee for the Bar Tina Group of Charlotte, N.C.

The largest class of the show was the 19-entry Show Pleasure Amateur Specialty class. Willie Bust and Celia Urguhurt claimed the top honors for Wildwood Farms. Reserve in the class was claimed by Pride Of Charger with Angela Tuck at reins.

In the South Carolina Ladies Auxiliary class Sky Command and Yvonne Mathis received the top honors with Caroline's Dollar and Emma Lee Cannon coming in as reserve.

The open Stallions and Geldings class had talented entries. Royal By Choice and Robert Kellett made that victory pass for Colie Stancil of Pickens, N.C. Mark's Poncho and Tim Hicks claimed the reserve tie for Kenneth Nations of Easley, S.C.

In the Amateur Specialty 50 & Over class eight graceful entries made the gate call. Well-known champions John FK's Pusher and Robin MacDonald were welcomed into the winner's circle. Reserve in the class went to another well-known champion Olympic's Energizer and rider Becky May.

Next was Yearlings Under Halter class. The seven-entry class had five entries owned by Ronnie Arflin of Honea Path, S.C. Again both top positions were owned by Arflin. She's JFK Carolina and handler Shannon Jordan were first, and Busting Loose A Lady and handler Hollie Jordan were second.

Outrageous Design and John Toney returned to the winner's circle in the Model Plantation class. Reserve in the seven-entry class went to Walking In The Dark with Regina Corradina as the handler.

In the Four-Year-Old Amateur class Rio Grande Command and Debbie Wells made an excellent ride for Larry Heiden of Florence, S.C. Keep My Score and Millie Player took reserve for Player, Bumgartner and Beckner of Lanchaster, N.C.

Sky Command and Yvonna Mathis claimed a blue in the North Carolina Ladies Auxiliary Plantation Specialty class. Reserve in the class went to The Cash Collector and Amanda Dickerson.

In the popular Two-Year-Old Stallion class Heartbeat's Motown and Sam Martin received top honors for Kim Hawkins of Bythewood, S.C. Don't Touch My Hat and Chad Baucom took the reserve honors for Doug and Margaret Ann Newton of Clio, S.C.

The Three-Year-Old Amateur Mares & Geldings class turned out to be one of the most exciting classes of the show. The talented It's Taboo and Robin MacDonald received the top honors in the class for Bruce and Robin MacDonald of Atlanta, Ga. Reserve honors went to Counselor's Heartbeat in his second good ribbon with Ronnie Culley for Ronnie and Mary Culley of Eastover, S.C.

It was happy trails for the six competitors in the Western Plantation Specialty class. Jazz Star and John Toney received the honors for Carl and Sandra Clark of Black Mountain, N.C. Reserve in the class went to My My and Danny Kistler for Lora Fortenber of Statesville, N.C.

There were 16 entries in the 15.2 & Under Amateur Specialty class. Sensational Premier and Latithia Oran claimed their third blue in two weeks! Reserve in the talented class were JFK's Golden Order and Stephanie Rawlinson for Jerry Lunsford of Bull Ground, Ga.

Whether the class is English or western Judge's Golden Generator and Jessica Holmes can claim the blue. The outstanding duo claimed their third victory in the Lite-Shod Western Specialty class. Reserve in the 11-entry class went to The Grand Command and Grandy Tuck Jr.

Ten competitors made the gate call for the South Carolina Ladies Auxiliary class. Coin's Satin Doll claimed her second blue for the show. This time it was with Sonja Shealy. Shealy's daughter Sherrie claimed top honors with the talented mare the day before in the Youth 11 & Under class. Reserve in the 10-entry class went to Ritz Carl Ton and Debbie Wells for Larry Heiden.

The two-year-olds returned to the arena for the mares and geldings class. Power To Charm received her second victory of the show. This time it was with trainer Chad Baucom. Reserve in this strong class of horses went to the recently selected Major Ms. Push and Dick Peebles for Joyce Meadows of Ashland City, Tenn.

The Pro-Am class made its debut at a Saturday night show in Shelbyville, Tenn., two years ago and has quickly become one of the spectators' favorite classes. Claiming the top honors was Bustin Out, with Kenneth Callicutt as the amateur and Chad Baucom as the professional. Reserve in the class went to I Beg Your Pardon. Celia Urghurt was the amateur and her brother Sam McLaughlin was the professional.

The Amateur Owned & Trained class was next to enter the ring. Extra Ebony and Clay Mills stepped up to grab the blue. This was the duo's second trip to the winner's circle. Reserve in the class went to the beautiful bay Private Terms with owner/rider Dana Kyte of Fall Branch, Tenn., in the irons.

Another class that has just recently made its debut is the Amateur Pony class. The pony division is not just for juveniles anymore. The multi-time champion Gold Coin Cash claimed the top honors with Paige Brown riding for the Joel Davis family of Graham, N.C. Reserve in the class went to another good looking bay Olympic's Supergizer wuth Joe Bartholomew in the irons.

The Diamond Broker was back to stake his claim on the Four-Year-Old Amateur Stallion class with owner Alicia Perry at the reins. The Call To Arms also claimed his second reserve ribbon. This time it was with Amy Abee up for the Bar Tina Group of Charlotte, N.C.

Judge's Golden Generator and Jessica Holmes made their fourth victory pass of the show in the Lite-Shod Western class. The second place tie went to Joshua's Command and owner/rider Larry Oglesby of Hephzibah, Ga.

Returning to the winner's circle for the last time of the evening were Clay Mills and I'm Game in the Three-Year-Old Amateur Stallion class. Reserve in the class went to the new team of Jose's Raven and Bruce MacDonald.

Sam McLaughlin claimed another blue for Wildwood Farms in the Show Pleasure Open class aboard Willie Bost. Reserve in the class was the talented Whispering Pride with Buddy Stasney in the irons for Stasney-Wycoff of Lincolnton, N.C.

The first set of championship roses of the show were received by Black Rain Drop and Robert Findley in the Lite-Shod Specialty Championship. Reserve in the eight-entry class went to the notorious Judge's Golden Generator and Jessica Holmes.

Jonathan and Sherri Shealy were back to claim their roses in the Juvenile Specialty Championship after their previous two blues. Reserve in the class was received by current world champions Pushin' The Limits and Madison Holloway.

Returning to the winner's circle for the last time of the evening in championship form were Judge's Golden Generator and Jessica Holmes. Reserve in the class went to Joshua's Command and Victoria Macpherson.

Eleven outstanding entries made the gate call for the Amateur Specialty Championship. The decision was unanimous by the judging panel for John FK's Pusher and Robin MacDonald. Reserve in the class went to The Grim Reaper and Tom Kincaid for Teresa Kincaid of Davidson, N.C.

He's Pushin' Time and Kathy Jamison returned to the winner's circle to receive the roses in the plantation championship. Edge Of Time and Chris Kelley Sr. received the reserve championship honors in the class.

World grand champion Pushover's My Papa an djennifer Gorden showed their talents to perfection in the amateur championship. Coming in as a strong reserve were Pride's Lady Di and Beverly McLeod.

Finally it was time for the main event, the Walking Horse Championship. The seven entries were called in by name one by one. Much to the delight of the crowd and to the unanimous decision of the three-judge panel, MG Above The Rest and Shawn Abee were crowned champions for owners Tommy and Sissy Weese of Catawba, NC. Well-known champion Julio Julio made his debut with Dick Peebles for Joyce Meadows of Ashland City, Tenn., to claim the reserve tie. Also making a great show was Pusher's Backstreet Boy with Vicki Self in the irons for Gene Davis of Wadley, Ga. This concludes our coverage of the South Carolina Ladies Auxiliary Shos in Clemson, S.C. Complete results follow and can be viewed on our website at www.walkinghorsereport.com