By Elizabeth Miller

LEWISBURG, Tenn. - The Marshall County Horseman’s Association held their horse show on Friday, July 25. Known as one of the best one-night shows of the year, the 27th annual edition of the event attracted some of the best and brightest equine talents our industry has to offer. In each of the 29 classes, the competition was fierce for the coveted Lewisburg title.

The honorable Tommy Loid assumed the task of judging the 247 entries. Jennifer Bingham was in center ring serving as an apprentice judge. Other show officials included organist Brian Peery, announcer Bobby Sands, ringmaster Garry Blaylock and photographer Jack Greene.

In the opening ceremonies, Kelly Weaver and Gen’s Sharp Dressed Man had the honor and privilege of carrying our nation’s colors. A native of Lewisburg, Weaver rode the sorrel gelding for owners Jim and Bonnie Moon also of Lewisburg.

The show culminated in an exciting MASCUP Championship Walking Stake. Although there were only six entries, there was no lack of talent on display. Reigning World Champion Four-Year-Old Stallion Gen’s Johnny Walker Red and Sammy Day earned the prestigious Lewisburg title for the John and Gary LeGate families. This outstanding team has won blue ribbon honors previously this year at the Mississippi State Charity, the Gulf Coast Charity, the Spring Fun Show and the Owingsville Lions Club Horse Show. The reserve championship was awarded to I’m All Fired Up and Link Webb. The powerful black stallion was the 2002 Four-Year-Old Amateur World Grand Champion with Betty Corlew in the irons. James and Betty Corlew’s Bowtie Stables owns the entry. Claiming third were Really and Justin Jenne’ for McJunkin Farms.

The first class of the evening was the Open Yearling division for fillies and colts. Encore’s Magic Lady claimed her 10th blue ribbon of the year with Nathan Mills at the halter for owners Hoyte and Jane Eakes. High Altitude and Chris Richards earned the reserve ribbon for Dr. Roger Richards.

Nine adorable riders took part in the Lead Line class. Making her first blue ribbon ride was Bailey McCormick aboard Princess. Mom Dru McCormick was at the lead of the Bailey and Morgan McCormick owned pony. The red ribbon was collected by Ally Puckett and her pony Ta-Too. Mom Holly Puckett was at the lead.

Pride’s Final Mark and Charlie Howard followed up their recent Tony Rice victory with a win in the Country Pleasure Lite-Shod Specialty class. Taylor Morgan owns the entry. Delight’s Walk About and Kathy Owen earned the second place award for Double Springs Farm.

In the 12-entry Open Weanling class, Our American Idol walked away with blue ribbon acclaim. Karen McGee was at the halter for the MTSU Foundation. Reserve was awarded to Rock Of Ages and Nathan Mills for Hoyte and Jane Eakes.

Three-time world champion Hal’s Six Shooter made another victory pass in the Open Fine Harness class with Rollie Beard at the whip. The veteran competitor is owned by Floyd and Floyd. Clutch’s Power Play and Scott Beaty were reserve for the Double Spring Farm.

FDR continued his winning streak with a victory at Lewisburg. The flashy gelding was the Two-Year-Old Amateur Mares and Geldings champion with owner Marty Irby in the irons. David Landrum Stables trains the entry. Wallerin N Dollars and Tamara Kasser earned the reserve honors. The horse is the entry of Carol Ann Gavin and is prepared by trainer Travis Adams at the Gavin’s Belle Meadow Farm.

In the Park Pleasure Amateur Specialty division, Nathan Clark collected top honors aboard Gen’s Gold Coin Lady. The mare is proudly owned and trained by Clark Farms. Bob Lawrence and Hermano Gold earned the reserve award for owners Lawrence and Hutto. Blue Ribbon Stables trains the two-year-old sensation.

Repeating her winning performance from the Murfreesboro Exchange Club Horse Show, A Private Benjamin carried Joel Weaver into the winner’s circle following the MASCUP Two-Year-Old Mares and Geldings class. Delighted owners Barker, Richards and Sweeney were on hand to join in the celebration. James and Peggy Vernon were also proud of their reserve champion Miss Zippy ridden by Link Webb.

A recent graduate of the new TWHBEA Academy Program made her first appearance in victory lane at Lewisburg. Courtney Hicks and her new mount Fast Bucks were the Youth Riders 11 and Under on Mares and Geldings champions. They are under the direction of Tony Mercer at Groover Stables. Reserve honors went to the formidable team of This Is It and Lindsey Landrum. The multi-titled black gelding is prepared by Black Hawk Farm.

In the Open Plantation Lite-Shod Specialty class, Magical Illusionist and Rob Brainard walked away with blue ribbon honors. The champion is owned by Cheryl Reidy. Rain Song and Jeff Givens collected the reserve award for Mike and Pam Erickson.

Another MASCUP event was next on the schedule. George Walker Bush was voted the winner in the Three-Year-Old Mares and Geldings class with Joel Weaver in the irons. The flashy black gelding had a high approval rating with the crowd as well as his owners Wilhelm and Whitney. Reserve honors were collected by The Hotline and Link Webb for Larry and Pam Russell.

Pusher’s Secret Tiger and Jeff Givens were the blue ribbon award winners in the Park Pleasure Three-Year-Old and Under Specialty class. Mr. and Mrs. Bob Bass were delighted with the performance of their outstanding young competitor. Jazz All Night and Doug Barnes earned the reserve award. This was the second reserve finish of the night for horses owned by Lawrence and Hutto.

Seventeen talented Two-Year-Old Stallions competed for the prestigious Lewisburg title in a MASCUP event. After an exciting battle for top honors, It’s San Jose’ and Billy Gray were called into the winner’s circle. The handsome sorrel colt is the property of Kite and Gray. Claiming the reserve honors were Jorge’ and Kurt Kovalick. The black stallion is owned by the Wilbur Hastings family.

Continuing her undefeated show ring career, Texas Salsa and Nancy Groover captured blue ribbon honors in the Three-Year-Old Amateur Mares and Gelding class. Wink and Nancy Groover proudly own the sensational young mare. David Landrum Stables prepares her for competition. Beth Young made the reserve ride aboard She’s Barb Wire And Roses. Dad Ronal Young trains the entry of Ronal and Judy Young.

Gen’s Master Pusher and Mac Benham proved they are the newest team in contention for world class honors in the Walking Pony Riders 17 and Under division. They earned their first blue ribbon in Lewisburg. The Joe Christmas family owns the entry. Rising Star Ranch trains the sorrel champion. Half Dollar and Wes Hendrick were the reserve award winners. Scotty Brooks trains the entry of Kenny Hendrick.

Reigning Amateur Show Pleasure World Grand Champions Coin Maker and Suzanne Littell made their 2003 debut a blue ribbon affair in Lewisburg. The black stallion is proudly owned by Bud Moore and Suzanne Littell. Knox Blackburn Stables prepares the outstanding competitor. A consistent winner throughout 2003, Editorial Page and June Hawkins claimed the red ribbon. Rollie Beard Stables trains “Eddie” as he is affectionately known.

Real Bad Score and Knox Blackburn were the MASCUP Three-Year-Old Stallion champions. This was Blackburn’s second victory pass in 2003 on this talented colt. They earned the Trainers’ Show title to begin their season. Proud owners David and Erin Graf were thrilled with his performance. John Allan Callaway presented Nagano to the reserve honors. The black stallion is the entry of Jim and Debbie Myers.

Cheatin Danger and Larry Lowman earned another Open Amateur title in Lewisburg. The entry of Judith Burgess is trained by David Landrum Stables. Rain At Midnight and Kevin Parton were the reserve champions. Rising Star Ranch prepares this team for competition.

My Jackie O claimed her second blue ribbon in two weeks. After winning the Magnolia Classic title, the legendary gray mare retuned to earn the Ladies Amateur title in Lewisburg. Margaret Anne Beech was in the irons for the Ray Beech family. Webb Stables trains the reigning Amateur Specialty Mare World Champion. Earning the reserve award was Pusher’s Solid Design. The black mare was ridden by Kelly Sherman Garrett for owner Floyd Sherman. Backward S Ranch trains the mare.

In the Youth Riders 12-17 on Mares and Geldings class, Heart Attack’s Fast Beat and Beth Carol Thomas made the blue ribbon ride. The Butch Thomas family owns the outstanding gelding trained by Todd Smith Stables. Riding away with the red ribbon was Double Platinum. Erica Derickson was in the irons for owners Sarah Dunn and Lynn Dorris. Derickson Training Facilities trains the gelding.

An exciting class of Four-Year-Old Amateur competitors vyed for top honors. He’s Wild Eyed And Wicked and Mike Walden strolled into victory lane once again. With previous wins at the Mississippi State Charity, Gulf Coast Charity, Spring Fun Show and Bethesda, this team added the Lewisburg title to their resume’. David Landrum Stables trains the entry of Mike, Amy and Taylor Walden. I’m Willie Wonka and Janice Fostek made a strong reserve performance. Sammy Day Stable trains the entry of Joe and Janice Fostek.

Patti Gray and Twister’s Generator made a flawless performance to capture the Trainer’s Wives and Children crown. Southern Comfort Stables trains the entry of Mike Erickson.

In the Open Specialty division, Jazz King and Charlie Green topped a field of 15 talented competitors to take home blue ribbon honors. Gus King is the proud owner. The Super Bowl and Joe Cotten were reserve for Dr. an Mrs. Raphael Rigual.

Julio’ Julio’ continued his campaign toward world class honors in the Open Four-Year-Old class with Link Webb. This duo has already captured top honors at the Columbia Spring Jubilee and McMinnville this season. Donnie and Charlotte Taylor are the proud owners of the handsome black stallion. Millenium Masquerade and Knox Blackburn were the reserve champions for the Gilbert Miller family.

In the highly competitive 15.2 and Under Amateur class, 10 top entries competed for the prestigious Lewisburg title. Look Who’s In Command and Jaclyn Tillman made the winning ride. The impressive stallion is owned by Carl E. Smith, Inc., and is trained by Black Hawk Farm. Master’s Gunsmoke and Taylor Broderick were the reserve champions. The gray pony is owned by the Broderick family and trained by Finish Line Farms.

In the Two-Year-Old Amateur Stallions class, Julie Grider and The Sky Command followed up their Spring Fun Show victory with a Lewisburg blue ribbon. The talented colt is owned by the Tommy Grider family. Kurt Kovalick Stables prepares the young champion. The Mexican and Bill Johnson earned the reserve award. The colt is owned by William B. and Sandra Johnson. Dick Peebles Stables trains the entry.

Bill Johnson returned to win the next class of the evening. Johnson rode JFK All Over into the winner’s circle following the Open Amateur Specialty class. The gray stallion is owned by William B. and Sandra Johnson and is trained by Dick Peebles Stables. Pusher’s Excel and Mo Nisbett earned the reserve honors in the class. Nisbett’s entry is trained by Ronnie Spears Stables.

Highway Robbery and Betty Corlew followed up their Magnolia Classic victory with another Three-Year-Old Amateur Stallions win in Lewisburg. The reigning World Champion Two-Year-Old Amateur Stallion is proudly owned by James and Betty Corlew’s Bowtie Stables. Webb Stables trains the entry. Judy Young presented I’m A Nash to the reserve honors in the class. The colt is the property of Bill and Sylvia Barger. Kurt Kovalick Stables trains the youngster.

This highlights the 27th annual Marshall County Horseman’s Association Horse Show. Complete results follow and may be printed, searched or viewed on our web site www.walkinghorsereport.com.