by Jennifer Maack-Condren

DIXON, Mo. - The 59th annual Dixon Horse Show was held July 26 at the Dixon Saddle Club. This show is well known for its quality horses and beautiful grounds. Efforts of many long-time Saddle Club members was evident with the efficiency in which the show operated. The number of entries significantly declined with the arrival of Dr. Tanya Tims and her entourage of USDA officials and Highway Patrol escort.

Anne Hardin of DeSoto, Mo., served as the judge for the walking horse classes. A show is always more enjoyable with a good organist, and Tina Potts has done a great job this season at many shows. Farrier Jim Queen was on hand in the event of any cast shoes. Floyd Hampsmire and Tom Burton served as DQP officials and were quick to point out that the USDA officials were only collecting swabbed samples of walking horses and not of the Missouri Fox Trotters, which had their own HIO DQP present. The USDA collected “random” samples, which turned out to be most of the entries and not just the walking horses.

The Golden Sceptor and Jerry Manes earned the top honors in the Open Walking Horse class for Ward and Betty McKnight. This flashy sorrel stallion made a pretty picture as he took the victory pass with the large floral garland flowing. This was the third victory pass of the night for Manes as he also captured the Open Specialty win with Pusher’s Lady On The Loose and the Park Pleasure Two-Gait class with Winning Design.

Jerry Manes Stables took home a total of nine blues for their efforts with Extra’s Alan Jackson, Liza’s Cash Lining, Mr. Black Sundust, Spirit And Silver, Extra Stock and Master Of The Dreams as well as those mentioned above.

4-J Land and Cattle Co and the Laughlin family took home four blues when they captured the Open Model and the Lite-Shod class with Aspen Jewel, the Trail Pleasure class with JFK’s Royal Dreamer and Three & Under Park Pleasure class with Armed Scarlet Lady.

The Ted Nichols family earned two blues to make their trip home to Ozark a little sweeter. Brian Nichols made victory passes in the Park Performance class and the Open Amateur class with Coin’s Smooth Operator and Ritz’s Heart Of Ice, respectfully. Kate Carter and Spun’s Little Bit O’Honey captured the Two-Year-Old Open class for Mr. and Mrs. Carroll Counts.

The temperatures remained well into the 80s even after sundown and the humidity remained high while trainers and exhibitors prepared and showed horses. This show marks the last in a string of one-night shows held on the Midwest circuit as trainers, exhibitors and spectators look forward to the Missouri State Fair and the fall showcases remaining in the 2008 show season. Complete can be seen by clicking here.