by Stephanie Rose and Linda Scrivner

ASHEVILLE, N.C. – The North Carolina Championship Walking Horse Show was held Oct. 2, 3 and 4, 2008, in the Western North Carolina Agricultural Center in Fletcher, N.C. Dale Watts, Spencer Benedict and Dan Waddell marked the cards for the 68-class event, There were 614 horses that participated compared to over 700 horses in 2007 and close to 800 in 2006. The quality and talent of the horses was outstanding.

Each night the stands filled more and by Saturday anticipation was high concerning the final stake class and the other championships and the stands were full of cheering spectators. Two-time World Grand Champion The Golden Sovereign and David Landrum topped the class with six competitive entries for Evergreen Walking Horse Farm. Pusher’s Power House and Derek Bonner received the second place tie for Irving Williams. Holyfield and Link Webb received third for Bob and Judy Hill.

David Landrum Stables won the blue ribbon tally with 11 blues, followed by Baucom Stables with seven blues. Mike Kluttz, Derickson Stables and John Puckett Stables earned four blues each. Scotty Brooks Stables, Roger Richards, Todd Smith Stables and Grandy Tuck of Walk Away Stables each returned home with three blues followed by Scott Beaty Stables, Herschel Blessing of What A Blessing Farm, Bonner Stables, Kenny Compton, John Toney and Link Webb Stables had two blues apiece.

The crowd was also treated to exhibitions by 2008 World Grand Champion Santana’s El Nino and Link Webb, Three-Year-Old Amateur World Grand Champion I’m Wall Street and Clay Mills, Amateur Canter World Grand Champion NYPD and Kenny Compton and a special retirement ceremony for Amateur 15.2 & Under World Grand Champion Muddy Buddy and Alicia McDaniel.

Complete results can be viewed by clicking here.