by Julia Livingston

BLAND, Va. - One of the longest running horse shows around is the 82nd annual Bland County Fair Horse Show. Bland County is known as the land between the tunnels. It sits between Big Walker Mountain and the East River Mountain tunnels, which are the only way in or out. The horse show was a part of the annual county fair until it outgrew the shared fairgrounds. The Bland County Horse Show became a separate event in 2000. It remains a fundraiser for the county fair, along with donations to special events for the schools Relay for Life with the Department of Social Services at Christmas.

In 2009, this event will also be able to start a scholarship program. Secretary Patty Strock explained the show best, "It's a little of this and a little of that. There are miniature horses, rode ponies, Saddlebreds, racking,and of course the Tennessee walkers.”

The two-day event started Friday night, and kicked back up Saturday morning at 11, with a small break and resuming again at 5. There were 94 classes offered with a total of 451 entries. Sid Baker had the honors of marking the walking and racking cards.

The Walking Horse Stake class had a total of four entries. Ronald Mosley directed the beautiful mare Gen’s Orange Lady with a flawless performance to the top awards. The team captured the blue ribbon and trophy along with the cheers from the fans for proud owner Terri Mosley.

Complete results follow and can be viewed, searched and printed by clicking here.