LYNCHBURG, Tenn. - Nestled in a valley among green rolling hills is the historic town of Lynchburg which is known for its Jack Daniel’s Distillery, the Walking Horse Museum, and its famous restaurants on the square. This quiet little town saw a bustle as cars, trucks, and trailers rolled in for the 16th Annual Moore County Horse Show on July 20, 2002. This show was held at the Thomas Wiseman Park. Their excellent all weather track was soon surrounded by lawn chairs several rows deep.
Once again the show had the largest crowd ever in its history, as well as the largest number of entries ever, according to Show Official Billy Thomas. He also was extremely pleased, stating, “ We appreciate everyone that participated in our show which continues to grow each year.” This year’s entries were 275, compared to last year’s 220 entries.
Mike Sims handled the judging of the record entries with many top quality equine there. Photographer Sherry Oxford snapped photos as the horses walked by. Master of Ceremonies Bobby Sands and Organist Brian Perry entertained the crowd which fully viewed the many fine horseflesh showing in Lynchburg.
At the conclusion of the show, Judge Sims called for a second running walk and the crowd waited anxiously to see who would be the 2002 Lynchburg Grand Champion. As Ex-Dividend and Allan Callaway were called to make the victory pass, their fans expressed their approval. Stepping up to the aged ranks in style, Grand Champion Ex-Dividend is owned by George and Beverly Greenup. As many viewed this class, they felt that they had just viewed another top contender that may just be the 2002 World’s Grand Champion.
Reserve went to the team of Mister Pushbutton and Jerry Reid, who also had their share of devoted fans, for Bill and Sandra Johnson. Third place also had a rousing cheer when Stride’s Touch of Pride and Bill Bobo exited the gate for Ford and Jane Gates.
Top horses from many barns carried home 2002 Lynchburg blues. At the top of the list were Allan Callaway Stables with three blues for the evening. Dual blues were won by Landrum Stables.
In addition to the Grand Championship won by Allan Callaway Stables, world champion He’s Etched In Stone and Carolyn Miller exited the ring to thunderous applause as they made the victory pass in the Four-Year-Old Amateur Specialty Stallion division with ten top entries.
Their third blue was won by Handover The Cash and John Allan Callaway in a tough class of thirteen entries in the Three-Year-Old Mare and Gelding. Sue Irby proudly claims ownership to this talented horse.
David Landrum’s Stables dual blues began with Lindsey Landrum’s winning the WHTA Equitation Medal Class Specialty title aboard The Olympic Touch. This makes four blues and four shows for this tiny rider aboard the sorrel horse that also has quite a collection of blues in Saddle Seat Equitation classes.
Their second blue of the evening came with Joe Cotten and Cheatin’ Danger winning the Four-Year-Old Stallion title, following last year’s win by Cheatin’ Danger in the Three-Year-Old Stallion class at Lynchburg. Judith Burgess proudly boasts ownership of this talented young stallion.
The first blue of the evening was awarded to Cindy Womack aboard her head-shaking Pearl Jam in the Country Pleasure of eleven entries. Kathy Potter has a new weanling sensation, Cotton’s Power Pusher, and they topped the Weanling Fillies class after winning three blues at the Christian Horseman’s Association’s All Halter Show in Shelbyville on Thursday evening in her debut performance. Son Dillon Potter owns this excellent filly. Kathy Potter also won this same class last year with Laugh Out Loud.
Jeff Givens enjoyed dual wins this weekend with Sundrop Country, first at Mt. Pleasant and then at Lynchburg in the Plantation Pleasure Lite Shod Specialty. This was a nice birthday surprise for Mary Woodall on Saturday. Sundrop Country is owned by Dr. Harry and Mary Woodall.
The Weanling Stallion class was next on the agenda. Nathan Mills led Black Gold Commander to the blue for grandfather Hoyte Eakes. In the fourteen entry Two-Year-Old Mare and Gelding, it was My First Dollar and Herbert Derickson exhibiting to the blue streamer for Dr. Harv Carlton. Dr. Carlton just purchased My First Dollar the day of the show so he was a very proud new owner.
Dillon Potter also claims ownership of a second blue ribbon winner at Lynchburg. He owns Glamorous, which was led to the blue in the Yearling Filly class by Lynn Womack. Glamorous won the Yearling class in Asheville, North Carolina last week with Dillon Potter at the lead.
Seventeen top entries made the Show Pleasure Specialty one of the best of the season. Coin’s Black Stroke and Ashley Compton made the victory pass. Cliff Wilson trains this mount for the Burl Compton Family.