by Linda Fox

PIKEVILLE, Tenn. - For 35 years, talented horses, good riders and enthusiastic spectators have converged in Bledsoe County in the town of Pikeville, Tenn., to compare and have their horses evaluated. This year, on Saturday evening, June 6 at 6 p.m., 242 entries arrived at the Bledsoe/Pikeville Agriculture Complex to test their abilities.

L.M. Murphy marked the cards for the 29 walking and racking classes. Chase Williams entertained at the organ, and Bryan Wyatt was the official ringmaster. The master of ceremonies was Lee Morris, and Billy Van Winkle acted as show manager.

The proceeds from this year’s show go towards a scholarship to a well deserving young man.  Tyler Sapp has been showing since he was only four-years-old and has already accumulated seven Spotted Saddle Horse World Grand Championships and one state 4-H championship.

The 2009 Pikeville Show had to have been one of the most successful one-night shows of the year considering the large number of entries, the equine talent and the huge crowd, who were more than ready to make their opinions known when their favorite contender passed the judge.

Class number 29 was the Riders’ Cup Walking Horse Championship and each of the contenders was individually called to the ring. When the Jjudge’s card was turned in, it was Charlie Green and José’s Whole Shabang who were selected to wear the roses. Reserve in the class went to Josh Wall and Jazz N Ebony, and Scott Beaty and Joe Hand got the third place nod.

Complete results follow and may be found by clicking here.