By Elizabeth Miller

COLUMBIA, Tenn.-The 19th annual Money Tree Classic was an exciting night of horse show action. Held June 5, 2003, at the Maury County Park, the show hosted 276 world class entries competing in 29 classes.

Sponsored by the hard working ladies of the Walking Horse Trainers Auxiliary, a portion of the show’s proceeds are donated to handicapped riding facilities throughout the southeast by Walking Horses Overcoming Obstacles. The auxiliary’s scholarship program also benefits from the success of the show.

Show managers Beth Thomas and Beth Young did an outstanding job of organizing all the details and making the show a huge success. Bill Cantrell and Ronal Young shared the responsibility of marking the cards in each class. Announcer Mark Farrar, Jr. directed the evening’s festivities from behind the microphone, and organist Brian Peery entertained the audience with his music. Jack Greene preserved the all of the show’s special moments with his photographs. Leah Boyd, Buist Carr and Judy Young served as the ringmasters for the evening.

Nine outstanding entries answered the gate call for the MASCUP Walking Horse Championship Stake. Their high level of competition did not disappoint the spectators and exhibitors who stayed until after midnight to witness the show’s grand finale. With a flawless performance, Pusher’s Force and Jason Day captured their second championship title of the year. This new team was crowned the grand champion at the World Cup Spring Premier in Shelbyville, Tenn., in April. The Burl Compton family proudly owns the formidable black stallion.

The reserve championship honors were awarded to Downtown Pusher and Steve Dunn. They were also the reserve grand champions at the recent Spring Fun Show in Shelbyville, Tenn. The Randall Baskin family’s Autumn Crest Farm owns the talented competitor. The third place award went to Spirit’s Midnight Rider and Ramsey Bullington for the Annie Williamson family.

Leading off the evening was the Walking Seat Equitation, Riders 11 and Under class. In her usual elegant style, two-time World Champion Lindsey Landrum was awarded the blue ribbon and floral horseshoe. Her mount The Olympic Touch is prepared by David Landrum Stables, and her equitation instructor is Faye Lynn Coffey. Reserve honors in the class went to Paige Bennett aboard Pride’s Spec. Her parents, Kim and Leigh, and their Bennett Stables prepares the horse and provides her instruction.

In the Walking Yearling Fillies division, Chris Richards and Scrumptious walked away with all the honors and awards bestowed on the champion. Dr. Roger Richards proudly owns the young star. Reserve went to Label’s Red Molly and Robert Nelms for owners Chris and Tami Proctor.

Eight lovely young ladies competed for top honors in the Walking Seat Equitation, Riders 12-17 class. Former World Champion Leah Nobles made the outstanding championship ride aboard Regal’s Midnight Threat. Her mount is prepared by Windy Hill Farm, and she is instructed by Jennifer Bingham. The reserve ribbon was collected by Alex Bumpus aboard Settle The Score. Tan View Farms prepared her mount, and Faye Lynn Coffey directed her instruction.

In the Plantation Pleasure Lite-Shod class, Spirit’s Amazing Grace and trainer Kirk Seaton made the winning ride. Royce and Ann Marie Couch were thrilled with the championship win of their talented entry. Jennifer Pendleton and Caligah made a top reserve performance. The entry of Dr. Gary McCullough is prepared by Maple Leaf Farm.

Jamie “Red” Etheredge made an outstanding ride to claim top honors in the Two-Year-Old Amateur class aboard I Could Command. Knox Blackburn Stables trains the entry for Jamie and Donna Etheredge. The reserve ribbon and award were earned by Jose’s Rojo and Nathan Clark. Clark Farms owns and trains the young horse.

In the Youth Riders 11 and Under class, the adorable team of Collector’s Mindy and her tiny rider Amy Ann McCormick made winning look easy. They rode away with the championship ribbon and floral horseshoe under the direction of proud father Mike. Design’s Masterpiece and Keely Sale made a strong performance to claim the reserve award. The McJunkin Farm’s entry is trained by Black Hawk Farm.

Ten young stallions answered the gate call for the Walking Yearling Colts class. Last year’s World Grand Champion Weanling Mucho Grande once again walked away with all the awards befitting a champion. Handler Bobby Richards had the colt well prepared for the show ring. Owner Lindy Holt was elated with the performance of her young star. Chris Richards and Black Diamond Ritz earned the reserve ribbon for owner Bobby Jones.

In the Adult Walking Seat Equitation class, Alice Klein made another flawless performance to capture the coveted Money Tree Classic title. Her mount was Discover Gold under the direction of Jeff Willis. Reserve went to Kathy Potter and Bayou Black. They are prepared by Johnny Puckett Stables.

Captive Heart and Bridget Rush made the winning ride in the Amateur Park Pleasure Specialty class. Del and Bridget Rush own the classy champion. Blue Ribbon Stables is responsible for her preparation. The reserve awards were earned by Gen’s Sundancer and Sarah Hastings. Shane and Sarah Hastings own the entry that is under the direction of Jeff Givens Stables.

Thirteen exciting entries vyed for the blue ribbon award in the MASCUP Two-Year-Old Mares and Geldings class. FDR and Joe Cotten made a championship campaign in one of the largest classes of the evening. Marty Irby was delighted with the performance of his young gelding. Dick Peebles directed General Judy to the reserve tie for Pollack’s Silver Spur Ranch.

A talented field of eight horses entered the ring to compete for top honors in the Walking Pony, Riders 17 and Under class. Following their recent win at the Children’s Classic, Jacob Baum and Late Night Jazz once again took home the blue ribbon award. Webb Stables directed the champion pony. The veteran team of I’m Bond, James Bond and Erika Mann collected the reserve award for Mann Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep, Eagle. This team is under the direction of David Landrum Stables.

A debut blue ribbon performance was on the agenda for Forever Spirit at the Money Tree Classic. The talented youngster took home top honors in the Two and Three-Year-Old Park Pleasure class under the direction of trainer Doug Barnes. Billy and Sue Dean were thrilled with the performance. Second place was awarded to Pusher’s Secret Tiger and Jeff Givens. Mr. and Mrs. Bob Bass own the entry.

A large class of 13 young horses answered the gate call for the MASCUP Two-Year-Old Stallions class. The Dance Hall Doctor and Keith Blackburn made the trip to the winner’s circle for Cook Stables. The reserve ribbon was claimed by The Mexican and Ramsey Bullington for William B. and Sandra Johnson.

Kathryn Ramsbottom made her first victory pass of the evening in the TWHBEA Youth Medallion, Riders 17 and Under class. She directed Beam’s Eclipse to the blue ribbon award. This duo also claimed the medallion title in Minor Hill, Tenn., last weekend. Webb Stables trains the champion entry for owner Bob Ramsbottom. Hello Generator and Helen Farrer made the reserve ride under the direction of Johnny Puckett Stables. Tammy Farrer owns the gelding.

A consistent winner at top shows throughout the southeast, Jose’ Quervo Gold captured the Amateur Lite-Shod Plantation Pleasure Specialty title for the third consecutive year. Bob Lawrence was once again in the irons for owners Lawrence and Hutto. The champion is trained by Blue Ribbon Stables. Humongous Score and Lynn Womack collected the reserve award for owner Jerry Stephens and trainer Mark West.

Reigning Gentleman’s Amateur Show Pleasure World Champions Insomnia and Keith Johnson made another performance in their usual style of excellence to claim the Money Tree Classic Amateur Show Pleasure title. Suzy Johnson is the delighted owner, and Mickey McCormick Stables is to be congratulated for their excellent preparation. Editorial Page and June Hawkins earned the reserve award in the 11-entry class. Hawkins owns the entry that is under the direction of Rollie Beard Stables.

Andy Adkins and Boomer In Command once again excited the crowd and crushed the competition in the 13-entry Three-Year-Old Amateur class. This awesome new team has earned four consecutive blue ribbons this year including the recent Spring Fun Show title. Proud grandparents John and Becky Sharp own the entry. He is under the direction of Bud Dunn and Son Stables. Reserve went to last year’s World Champion Two-Year-Old Amateur Stallion I’m Richie Rich and Karen Marriott. Finish Line Farms prepares the entry for owners Richard and Karen Marriott.

Webb Stables earned their third blue ribbon of the night in the Youth Riders 12-17 class. Pusher’s Special Design and Kathryn Ramsbottom continued their winning streak and moved one step closer to world championship honors. Bob Ramsbottom owns the outstanding mare. Collector’s Mr. Twister and Lindsey Cate were reserve for owner Nancy Cate. Willow Springs Farm prepares the gelding.

Fourteen exciting entries answered the gate call for the MASCUP Three-Year-Old Mares and Geldings class. John Allan Callaway and I’m Causin Commotion made their Money Tree Classic performance a cause for celebration. They earned the blue ribbon and floral horseshoe with a thrilling performance much to the delight of owners Jim and Debbie Myers. Mi Amore and Mike Hilley earned the reserve honors for owners Sarah Dunn and Lynn Dorris.

The Ladies Amateur Mares and Geldings class was loaded with a field of 15 world class entries. Candy Green and Make My Mark Black made another outstanding performance to capture their second blue ribbon of the year. Whitey Whitehead trains the entry of Bea Whitehead. Reserve honors were awarded to Gen On The Rocks and George Ann Pratt. The Don Pratt entry is trained by Allan Callaway Stables.

The largest class of the evening was the MASCUP Three-Year-Old Stallions event with 18 entries. Reigning World Champion Two-Year-Old Stallion Ritz’s Diamond Joe and Jamie Bradshaw continued their path toward future honors by capturing his third blue ribbon of the year at the Money Tree Classic. Randall and Martha Ferguson proudly own the outstanding young talent. Reserve in the class went to Watchout and Link Webb for the Robby Biggs family.

In one of the most talked about performances of the evening, JFK Again and Robin Smith walked away with the Four-Year-Old Amateur title. The flashy young stallion is the property of Smith and Mitchell and is trained by Woosley and Son Stables. Stephanie Gordon and The Sky Patrol earned the reserve honors under the direction of Dude Crowder Stables.

A big class of Aged Mares and Geldings entered the ring to compete for the Money Tree Classic honors. In a spectacular performance, Bill Callaway and A Secret Agent rode into victory lane to collect all the awards bestowed on the champions. Don Gandy is the proud owner of the black gelding. Reserve honors were collected by Pusher’s Diamond Dust and Blake Sims for owner Jim Hartzog.

Ellen Sale and Prism Sky were the outstanding victors in the Amateur Specialty class. Black Hawk Farm trains the silver stallion for the McJunkin Farm. Bound and Determined collected the reserve ribbon with Ed Breedlove in the irons. Allan Callaway Stables prepares the entry of Melissa Breedlove.

Reigning Three-Year-Old World Grand Champion Gen’s Black Gin made his 2003 debut a blue ribbon affair at the Money Tree Classic. Under the guidance of Keith Blackburn, the powerful stallion captured the MASCUP Four-Year-Old title to the delight of owners William B. and Sandra Johnson. Millenium Masquerade and Knox Blackburn made the reserve ride for the Gilbert Miller family.

Stephanie Gordon and Olympic Power made an outstanding show to earn the 15.2 and Under Amateur title. This team has previously earned the Trainers’ Show title in this division under the guidance of Dude Crowder Stables. Toby Scarbrough made the reserve ride aboard Simply Dangerous under the direction of Bud Dunn and Son Stables.

In the Open Amateur class, Nathan Clark rode into the winner’s circle aboard Paycheck By MG. The entry is owned by Steve and Sheila Clark and trained by Clark Farm. Recent Gallatin champions Cheatin Danger and Larry Lowman made a superb reserve ride for owner Judith Burgess. The black stallion is under the direction of David Landrum Stables.

Following his reserve performance earlier in the evening, Gen’s Sundancer returned to capture the Park Pleasure Specialty Championship with trainer Jeff Givens in the irons. Shane and Sarah Hastings are the thrilled owners. Threat’s Black Bum and Jeff Byrom were reserve for Ken Browning.

This highlights the 19th annual Money Tree Classic. Complete results follow and can also be found on our web site www.walkinghorsereport.com.