by Debbie Graham

NETTLETON, Miss. - The 44^th annual Nettleton Walking Horse Show was held on May 12, 2007, at the Lion Jimmy Rogers Horse Show Arena in Nettleton, Miss. The show was sponsored by the Nettleton Lions Club. Proceeds from the event benefited the many projects of the club.

Rain and thundershowers were forecasted once again for the weekend. Although clouds and thunder were close to the Nettleton area, the show grounds remained dry with no weather related problems. A large crowd of spectators were present to be entertained by some of the area’s finest contenders. Each year the show provides delicious concessions with homemade pies that have become a Nettleton tradition.

Jeff Willis judged the 30 walking and racking classes. Perry Thomas was the announcer for the show while Charles Ritchie entertained the crowd with his horse show tunes on the organ. Michael Dickerson served as ringmaster. Dwight Ivy provided farrier services. Sid Abernathy was the official photographer. Don Rogers currently serves as show chairman.

Woods Stables led the blue ribbon tally with five Nettleton blues. Whitter Stables received four Nettleton titles. Dual winners were Abernathy Stables, Wright Stables and James Nichols. Single blue ribbons were awarded to Swingin’ Gates Stables, Magnolia Stables, Creekside Stables, Smith Stables, Jan Carnathan, Summer Crest Farms, Webb Stables, Koda Downs, Larry McKee, Brian Anderton, Brandon Hurst and Chris Moody.

In the final class of the evening, the WHTA Riders’ Cup Walking Horse Stake class, A Formula One and Jackie McConnell received the Nettleton tricolor for owner Stan Wilcoxen.

Complete results follow and can be viewed at www.walkinghorsereport.com.