by Linda Scrivner
LYNCHBURG, Tenn. – The 22nd annual Moore County Horse Show was held once again in the historic town of Lynchburg, Tenn. This town is nestled in a valley amidst rolling green hills and is known for its many attractions including the Jack Daniel’s Distillery, the Walking Horse Museum and its famous restaurants and unique stores on the square. Each year, Lynchburg holds its horse show that attracts huge crowds. Show official Billy Thomas was pleased with the crowd and the third largest number of entries in their 22-year history.
This show is known for its excellent food, including hot beans and potatoes, ice cream and excellent desserts that everyone enjoys before the horse show excitement begins. On July 19, this quiet little town bustled as a steady stream of cars, trucks and trailers paraded across the square heading for the Thomas Wiseman Park.
There were 288 entries compared to 293 in 2007, 255 in 2006 and 359 in 2005. Steve Dunn of Shelbyville, Tenn., handled the judging of the many quality entries. Many of these horses are already world champions and several others are sure to go on to become one as the quality of this show is always superb.
Announcer Thurman Walden kept the show lively with his many antidotes about the happenings during the 22 years that the show has been held. The crowd anxiously waited while Dunn selected the 2008 Lynchburg Grand Champion from the seven excellent contenders. General’s Show Stopper and Jeff Green made the victory pass in the Ferguson Farms WHTA Riders’ Cup Stake class. This stallion, owned by Brad Murrath, stepped out in elegant style. The team also claimed the stake class at the Kiwanis/WHOA Charity Show this year.
Reserve was awarded to Formula One and Joel Weaver for Brooks Depierro. Third place went to The Santana Pushover and Justin Harris for Wilson Blaylock. This team won at the Children’s Miracle Network and the William Way Memorial Shows this season. Manchester Lions Club and Smith County Stake Champions Charlie Green and King Of The Jungle rounded out the top four for the Nestor Stewart family.
Top horses from 22 barns carried home 2008 Lynchburg blues. At the top of the list was Rising Star Ranch with three blues for the evening. Barnes Training Stables, Charlie Green of Victory Stables, Peebles Stables, Dr. Roger Richards, Southern Comfort, Tim Smith Stables and Travis Wiley Stables won dual blues. Carol Worsham, Brett Boyd Stables, Carlyle Johnson, Webby Burch Stables, Justin Jenné Stables, Philip Trimble Stables, Tim Thompson Stables, Jason Day Stables, Todd Claborn of Triple C Stables, Joe Martin Stables, Allan Callaway Stables, Stonewall Farm, Rob Brainard Stables, Mickey McCormick Stables and Bobo Farms won the remaining blues.
Complete results may be viewed by clicking here.