By Debbie Graham

RIPLEY, Tenn. - The seventh annual Ripley Walking Horse Classic,sponsored by Boy Scout Troop 63, was held June 20, 2003, at the beautiful Ripley Park. The hard work and dedication of the members of the Boy Scout Troop, their parents and volunteers in the community has made the Ripley Classic a successful show each year and the 2003 edition continued the tradition. Proceeds from the show benefit St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital in Memphis, Tenn., and also Troop 63. St. Jude is one of the world’s premier biomedical research centers. The institution’s mission is to find cures for children with catastrophic diseases through research and treatment.

The Ripley show was a double point show for the Mid-South Horse Show Association. Joe Campbell judged the 25 walking classes that drew 115 entries. Carthel Smith was the master of ceremonies. Jimmy Cole served as ringmaster and Diane Beaver was the organist. Sid Abernathy captured the evening on film as photographer. Bryan Hays provided farrier services.

Eagle Scouts Tyler Herndon and Kevin Webb posted the colors. Herndon carried the American flag aboard Hytone’s Buster Brown and Webb carried the Boy Scout flag riding Krystal, a plantation pleasure horse.

The evening began with a Stick Horse class which featured three energetic entries: Jacob Douglas, Seth Douglas and Logan Rose. The Lead Line class was topped by Midnight, with Ella Anderson and Jennifer Anderson.

My Santara and David Smith made a blue ribbon debut in the Yearling class for Jimmy Graham.

Whitter Stables led the blue ribbon tally with six Ripley titles for the night. The first honor came in the Two-Year-Old Amateur Filly and Gelding class with Pusher’s Moving Score and Lynn Loftin turning in a winning performance for Lynn and Henry Loftin. Jackie McConnell made four trips to the winner's circle to accept blue ribbon honors. The first title was awarded to She’s A Pistol Pusher in the Two-Year-Old Filly and Gelding class for owners, Steve and Carol Shelton. McConnell returned to claim the Two-Year-Old Stallion title riding Love That Dollar for The Bobby East family.

The Grand Constellation and Half and Half, the properties of John Ying, earned Ripley titles. The Grand Constellation and Jackie McConnell were Open Walking Specialty champions. Half and Half with Brad East in the irons took top honors in the 15.2 and Under Amateur Specialty class.

In the Walking Stake, Generator’s Flirtin’ and Jackie McConnell claimed the Ripley tricolor for Floyd Sherman.

Entries prepared by Ray Gilmer Stables at Falcon Ridge Farm were the recipients of four blues at the show. Lillian Gaines was awarded two of these titles riding Come To Papa in the Ladies Amateur Specialty class and Pride’s Flapjack in the Open Amateur class for Mr. and Mrs. L.H. Gaines. The Youth Park Pleasure class was led by I’m A Paleface with Tyler Herndon riding for Mr. and Mrs. Dudley Moore. Colorblind and Dr. Luby Jones are enjoying a successful 2003 season with another Amateur Specialty win for Dr. and Mrs. Luby Jones.

Four winning performances were also rewarded with blue ribbons by contenders prepared by Southern Serenity Ranch. Gem Sweep and Pam Schoenster claimed their sixth Country Pleasure title of the season. Pusher’s Bustin’ Time and Billy Crockett were in the spotlight in the Amateur Spotted Saddle Horse class for Wayne Crockett. Fully Armed and Joe Dixon were crowned Amateur Park Pleasure Specialty champions for Randall and Gloria Dixon. In the Amateur Show Pleasure Specialty class, Sam Blackwell was thrilled to accept the blue riding Beam’s Dark Storm.

Three Ripley titles were claimed by Formac Stables. Jazz’s Master and Bill Johnson turned in a flawless performance to claim the Three-Year-Old Amateur title for Bill and Sandra Johnson. Jimmy McConnell turned in two winning performances on show ring contenders owned by Mr. and Mrs. E.B. Tanner. Doc Ty was the Three-Year-Old Open Champion and Black Danger took top honors in the Four-Year-Old Open class.

Dual blues were received by Eddie Barclay Stables, White Oak Farm and Summer Crest Farms.

Marina Barclay claimed the first blue for Eddie Barclay riding Man Of Mine in the Youth 11 and Under class. On the heels of their recent Guntown victory, Gen’s All Night and Amber Waggoner returned to the winner’s circle at Ripley in the Amateur Plantation Pleasure class for Bobby Barclay.

Stephanie Carter made the victory pass on two occasions riding under the Summer Crest Farms banner. The first honor came in the Youth 12-17 class with I’m A Ritz followed by a win in the Four-Year-Old Amateur Specialty class with Olympic’s Godfather. Barry Carter owns the entries.

Pushin’ Hot Cargo and Tyler Herndon were victorious in the Youth Show Pleasure class for Great Oaks Farm. Tyler claimed his third Ripley title in the Walking Pony class riding Black Sails for Tim Herndon. White Oak Farm trainer, Shea Woods prepares Pushin’ Hot Cargo and Black Sails.

Robert Redford and Jenny Jones followed their recent Philadelphia, Miss., title with another Two-Year-Old Amateur Stallion title to add their growing list of blue ribbon events this season. Holley and Son Stables prepares this successful team for owners, Frank and Sissy Bailey.

Favorite’s Sassy Sunday claimed the first of two blues for the weekend at Ripley with a Amateur Owned and Trained title with Jeff Sanderson in the irons.

This concludes the highlights from Ripley. Complete results follow and may also be found by visiting our website at www.walkinghorsereport.com.