On Sunday, November 17, multi World Grand Champion and World Champion Drop The Hammer passed away in his stall. In 2012, Drop The Hammer was lovingly cared for by the Dr. Jim Baum family. The Baums gave him a great home after his stunning show ring career.
In 2003, as a six-year-old, Drop The Hammer made his first show ring appearance and had the walking horse world taking notice of this talented contender. In early 2003, Drop The Hammer went through the Kentucky After Christmas Sale and it was here Connie Waldo saw something special in this gelding and he was purchased by her and R.D. Waldo. At that year’s Celebration, the team earned their first reserve world grand championship in the English Lite-Shod class.
The Rhonda Martocci and the Bobby Richards families teamed up and selected Drop The Hammer for their show string in mid-2005. They found great success at many of the industries’ top venues and even earned Drop The Hammer’s first world championship. Come 2006, Bobby, BJ and Bradley Richards shared the reins at the Celebration, but it was Bobby who earned the coveted Western Lite-Shod World Grand Championship; the first of many for Drop The Hammer.
In December of 2006 Connie and R.D. Waldo partnered up with Jim and Judy Leek and purchased Drop The Hammer. The decision was made for Judy to show in the english lite-shod division, while Connie would tackle the western lite-shod competition.
The trio made their intentions known at the 2007 Spring Fun Show capturing both classes. They had a strong International and headed into the Celebration where history was made when Drop The Hammer earned five world championships and four world grand championships. He was awarded with Horse of the Year honors in both the english lite-shod and western lite-shod divisions. The year was capped off with the pleasure horse dedication in the Year In Walking Horses book.
More success came in 2008 as he was directed to another three world championships and world grand championship. Following these fantastic wins, Drop The Hammer retired from show ring competition.
In just five short years in the show ring, Drop The Hammer amassed six world grand championships, 11 world championships and an impressive 83 blue ribbons in two different divisions.