by Sara Engel
 
TAMPA, Fla. – The 2008 edition of the Florida Walking and Racking Horse Association hosted their state championship show in conjunction with a Walking Horse Owners’ Association sponsored event. Both shows were held at the beautiful Florida State Fairgrounds in the Charlie Lykes Arena, and featured walking, racking and spotted horse classes.

The combination of shows began Friday, Oct. 17 with the WHOA show which included a morning and evening session. Wayne Abee of Shelbyville, Tenn., made the trip to judge the Friday event, which had a total of 132 entries. Newton Parks of Murfreesboro, Tenn., marked the cards for the State Championship show which hosted 170 entries, making the two-day total 302 entries.

The entries were slightly down due mostly in part to the economy, but there was absolutely no lack of quality or enthusiasm throughout the weekend. Jack Greene and PJ Wamble returned to the show once again to capture the action and portrait style photographs for the winners and participants.

The Water Glass class on Saturday morning really got the crowd involved and on their feet when a ride-off was need to determine the second and third place winners. After the first round of the class, Tracy Pinson and Regal Rebel were still topped off enough to capture the first place honor, but it was too close to call between Jeanette Kuszlyk aboard Tunie’s Magic Enchanter and Dylan Obsborne and Rembrandt Dot Com. Following the final pass, it was Kuszlyk who edged out Osborne by a small spill.

Another highlight of the show was World Champion Delight Silver Design and Darren Gray capturing not one, but four titles for new owner Paul Davis of Princeton, Texas. Since Delight Silver Design began showing in 2006, he had been undefeated at the FWRHA State Championship, now with 10 blue ribbon honors and two WHOA titles.

World Champion Major Orders was back in his summer home of sunny Florida with owners Ron and Sue Fullerton. Sue directed Major Orders to the WHOA Flat-Shod Pleasure Driving title. For the 2008 show season, Major Orders has been awarded nine blue ribbons.

Complete results can be viewed by clicking here.