by Renee Isaacs

LIBERTY, Ky. – The 43rd annual Kentucky Celebration was held at the Central Kentucky Ag/Expo Center in Liberty, Ky., on Sept. 16-19, 2009. The four-day event was judged by Tommy Loid of Bowling Green, Ky., Eddie Ray Davis of Nicholasville, Ky., and Bill Carmichael of Mt. Sterling, Ky. The three judges agreed on 34 first place ties for the show. The show was successful with 500 entries and many sponsors. The Kentucky Celebration raffle basket, which was a $2200 value was won by Chris Burton. Sponsors for the basket were, The Walking Horse Report, The Scoop, Bedford Tack, Winner’s Circle supply, World Champion, Le Cheval, Travis Wiley Stables and Robbie Wiley.

Wiley Stables lead the blue ribbon tally with seven blues for the show. Hankins Stables dominated the pleasure divisions with five blues, Rolling Acres Stables and Highland Stables tied with four blues, Wolfe Creek Stables and Oliver Stables tied for three blues each. Many other stables participated and claimed blue ribbon and reserve honors as well.

Championship honors were presented to Aliesha Isaacs and Fungusamongus in the Weanling championship, Hallelujah In The Sky and Logan Hankins in the Juvenile Country Pleasure World Grand Championship, Bobby Jacobs and A Cash In Command in the Yearling championship, Mike Anasis and Spirit’s Candy Man in the Plantation Pleasure division, David Mast and Mr. RoHo in the Country Pleasure World Grand Championship, Darrell Collins and Malibu Irish in the Park Performance World Grand Championship, Kerri Laughlin and Spun’s Delight in the Trail Pleasure championship, Scott Beatty in the Plantation Pleasure Canter championship, Jamie Wiley and Cujo’s Mojo in the Amateur Specialty championship, and Donald Stamper and Label’s Lucky Charm claimed the Walking Stake division.

The Miss Kentucky Celebration ceremony was held on Friday night and the 2009 queen is Ashley Shelton of Glasgow, Ky. Ashley will be happy to volunteer her time to present awards at various horse shows and banquets.

The Kentucky Walking Horse Association sends out a special thanks to everyone who sponsored classes, donated items or volunteered their time to make this show successful as well as the spectators, exhibitors and trainers.

Complete results may be viewed by clicking here.