by Debbie Graham
VERONA, Miss. - The 24th annual Gum Tree Classic Horse Show was held Oct. 25, 2003, at the Lee County Agri-Center. The Altrusa Club of Tupelo, Miss., sponsored this successful annual fund-raiser that was well-attended by members of the Mid-South, Mississippi and Heart of Dixie Walking Horse Associations. Laura Brandon judged the 34 walking and racking classes that drew 305 entries.
The evening began with beautiful fall weather, but made a drastic change mid-way through the show. A strong band of thunderstorms that were predicted for Saturday night moved through the area bringing dangerous lightning and torrential rainfall. The preparation of entries was moved indoors to the stable area and the indoor arena allowed the show to continue despite the stormy weather conditions.
The first blue of the evening was awarded to Mikey and Sarah Bailey Jones led by her mother Jenny Jones in the Lead Line class. Miss Eagle turned in a winning performance in the Yearling Halter class with Medford Knowles at the lead for Tim and Sharon Miles. The Weanling Halter class was topped by Carlene’s Little Angel and Ann Forrester for Nicky Forrester.
Whitter Stables led the blue ribbon tally with a six Gum Tree Classic titles. Flashy Cash and Rachel Hyneman added another juvenile 11 and under title to their resume of blues for Hy Steppin’ Farms.
Show Me The Money and Shane Vaughn claimed top honors in the Two-Year-Old Stallion class. The title was the first of three earned by show ring contenders owned by O & W Moody Ltd., Co. Wilsene Moody directed Ritz Woman to the blue in the Three-Year-Old Mare and Gelding class and returned to capture the Two-Year-Old Amateur Stallion title with Escalade. Shane Vaughn made his second trip to the winner’s circle in the 15.2 and Under Open class aboard William Faulkner for John and Meg DuChaine. Half-N-Half claimed the Gum Tree Classic tricolor with Vaughn directing for John Ying.
Woods Stables received four Gum Tree Classic titles. Tyler Herndon claimed two of those honors as he made his final show ring appearance in the juvenile ranks. Hytone’s Buster Brown was named the Juvenile 12-17 champion and Black Sails claimed top honors in the Walking Pony Division for Tim Herndon. Kay Thompson was happy to accept the blue riding Star’s Triple Charge in the Ladies Amateur class for Tony and Kay Thompson. Rebel’s Black Star and Joel Stewart continued to shine as they claimed another blue in the Amateur Walking class for Joel and Linda Stewart.
White Oak Farm was credited with three titles at the show. Josh Coble prepared these entries for show ring competition. The conclusion of the Four-Year-Old Amateur Mare and Gelding class found the blue ribbon in the possession of Lauren Hamilton and A Heart Of Fire for Kit Caldwell. Josh Coble rode Stemwinder to the blue in the Three-Year-Old Stallion class for Mike and Scherry Burt. Straw Man and Susan Davis scored an impressive victory in the Spotted Saddle Horse class for Richard and Susan Davis.
Brian Kiddy made the trip from Lawrenceburg, Tenn., to win two Gum Tree Classic titles
. The first honor came in the Two-Year-Old Mare and Gelding class with Kiddy directing Foolish Dollar to the winner’s circle for Cato and Belew. Kennedy In Color made the victory pass in the Three-Year-Old Amateur Stallion class with Alan Houpt in the irons.
Stanfill Stables also received dual blue ribbon honors. Both of those were won by Ronnie Stanfill. A Black Market Pusher was at the top of the judge’s card in the Four-Year-Old Amateur Stallion class for Ruby Stanfill. Skywalk turned ina flawless performance in a competitive class of 18 contenders in the 15.2 and Under Amateur Specialty tot win the blue for Billy Stanfill.
In a highly competitive class of 25 Amateur Show Pleasure contenders, 1-800 Collect and Joe Clift ended their 2003 show season on a winning note with a blue ribbon ride for Saundra Pippin.
Silver’s Spinal Tap and Laurie Toone were the starring attraction in the Plantation Pleasure Lite-Shod class for the Carrier family.
Ann Forrester made her second trip to the winner’s circle in the Amateur Owned and Trained class with I’m Blue For You for Nicky Forrester.
The Pushover’s Lady and Casey Wright earned blue ribbon recognition in the Three-Year-Old Mare and Gelding class for Clyde and Grace Robertson.
It’s My Watch and James Vernon walked their way to another Two-year-Old Amateur mare and gelding title for James and Peggy Vernon.
Winning the blue in the Park Pleasure class was Extra Cash Grey Eagle and Daniel Bishop. My Finders Keepers and Jim Nichols were victorious in the Country Pleasure class for owner Marilyn Friedman.
Following the show, an exhibitor’s party was held with delicious food and fellowship. Complete results follow and can also be found by visiting our web site at www.walkinghorsereport.com.